New Horizons Scotland Malawi 2011

The team have all returned safe and sound after a very successful expedition.  The biggest project was the construction of a toilet block which was completed along with several other smaller projects: putting ceilings into the guest house; re-roofing the external kitchen and turning it into a store room; installing a new water tank and running the pipe to the upper campsite;  running a water pipe to the maize mill and clearing the area around the maize mill that has been constructed using the funds raised by Scottish Scouts; commissioning and fitting new gates to the camp entrance and building steps to the upper campsite (fondly named the Commissioner’s steps as they were constructed near where Eleanor Lyall’s tent was located and the team were concerned she may fall on her way to the gathering area).

Eleanor’s visit to Makwawa was a great surprise to everyone and the team welcomed her warmly.  The team also had a great visit to Mvuu wildlife safari park and enjoyed a jeep safari and a boat safari taking great delight in the wildlife they saw.  A night was spent on the Zomba Plateau and although cold the walk on the plateau the next day was well worth it.  Many new friends were made, not only with the Malawian Scouts who spent the four weeks camping with us but also with the Scouts that we hosted during a weekend camp and also revisited to enjoy weekend campfires.  The team’s hard work was rewarded with a surprise night at a very nice hotel on Lake Malawi.  I have already had feedback from parents about the change (for the better) that they have seen in the young people.

We will be having an official report back evening and when the date is set all interested parties will be welcome. 

Wild in Botswana 2012

Preparations for the UK expedition to Botswana are now well underway.  There are 10 members of South East Region who took part in their first training weekend before the summer.  This involved them camping at Carsewell, hiking over to Bonaly, completing tasks en route to earn Pula, Botswanan currency, in order for them to buy their food for their evening meal.  The next training weekend is September 23^rd – 25^th