Wild in Botswana 2010
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Have
you ever tickled a Cheetah behind the ears? |
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Have you
ever stood face to face with White Rhino?
Would
you like to? - Read on.
Applications are invited from
Scouts, Explorers, Network members and Leaders to take part in The 2012
UK-Africa Expedition to Botswana.
The Expedition will work on two projects linked to
the conservation of wildlife.
Starting in northern Botswana, on the
edge of the Okavango Delta, and working closely with the local Scouts,
we aim to create a campsite and training centre.
This will enable Botswana Scouts to educate Scouts and other
visitors in the importance of conserving wildlife while also preserving
a natural area and allowing space for local species to thrive.
After three weeks the team will transfer to the
Mokolodi Game Reserve, just outside Gaborone, where the main focus will be on
constructing a manager’s bungalow and possibly erecting an observation
tower. Camping on the reserve, everyone will have the opportunity to
accompany the Park Rangers as they perform their daily duties.
Each team will be in Botswana for
about five weeks during July and August 2012.
There will be at least two departure dates that will reflect the
different school terms across the UK.
While in Botswana UK Scouts will work alongside
Botswana Scouts, be under canvas for the whole trip and will share meals
and social time with our Botswana hosts. The emphasis will be
on the projects although some free time will allow more of the country
to be visited and give a break from the hard work. Food selection can
also be limited in Africa so fussy
eating habits will have to be dealt with before departure.
Applicants should be aged between 16 and 20 at the
beginning of the expedition. Those over 20 will be considered for leader
roles, although these are limited.
Over the next twenty four months training courses
designed to prepare everyone for their time in Africa, will be run throughout the country. These will
cover all aspects of living in close proximity to fellow Scouts and the
wildlife which may be encountered.
Safety and good health are always a priority.
The cost will be around £3000. This covers travel
to and from Botswana,
subsistence and the materials for the projects. Everyone will be
targeted with raising this amount by individual fund raising and grants
application. This will be
discussed at our various training weekends, however fundraising
activities will be each individual’s responsibility.
Application forms are available from George Devine
at
africa.region@scouts.org.uk
or in writing from: 58
Horningsea Road, Fen Ditton,
Cambridge, CB5 8SZ. Requesting and completing an
application does not commit you to the trip. There will be no commitment
until after the first get-together later in the year. We look forward to
hearing from you.
George Devine and Anne Masino
Expedition Directors.
