What is PK23 ?

We are pleased to announce the re-launch of Project Kenya in August 2023; the amazing opportunity to be part of a large group of Explorers, Network and Adult Scout members returning to Nakuru, in The Great Rift Valley, to volunteer with underprivileged young people at 3 primary schools in Kenya.  This trip will continue to build on the international relations that we first made when we visited back in 2019 and rekindle our link with the Kenyan Scout troop at the largest school, Melon Mission.

This international adventure will take place at the beginning of August 2023, for about 11 days.  This trip is open to those who will be Explorer Scouts or Network Scouts by the time of departure to Kenya. Any youth members (who must have been born by the end of July 2009 and therefore will be at least 14 years old by the date of departure in July/August 2023) are welcome to apply. Currently this will include young people in Scout Troops and Explorer Scout Units.

The trip will be run by Somerset County Scouts, in conjunction with Melon Mission School in Nakuru, and will be led by the same Scout Leadership team on the previously planned trip in 2021 (sadly postponed due to travel restrictions and Covid).  Leaders who were also part of the very successful inaugural Project Kenya trip in 2019.

Kenya is a developing country in Eastern Africa, with outstanding geography.  As a participant, you will get to experience the warmth of the Kenyan hospitality and visit some spectacular locations – not to mention cross the equator!  Whilst in Nakuru, we will get to meet the troop of Kenyan Scouts at Melon Mission School, and once again, share our Scouting values and ideas with each of them.  The volunteering opportunities within the 3 schools would cover a selection of experiences: holding creative and fun activities that engage the children in learning, singing and playing as well as low-level maintenance work within the school groups (e.g. painting & digging etc).  All of these experiences will benefit not only the children and their schools in Nakuru, but also those of you on the trip; helping personal development and awareness of our understanding of the world around us and the global challenges they face.

There will be downtime whilst in Africa too.  You will get the opportunity to visit the heart-warming David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage and The Giraffe Centre, both near Nairobi and once in Nakuru, go on an amazing Lake Nakuru safari, visit the largest volcano caldera in the country, plus get to stand on the equator!  There will also be a trip to the market to buy your souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Through a series of informal events in advance of the trip, you will meet the other Explorer Scouts travelling with you, building new friendships around our county.  Part of your preparation will be fundraising to pay for the trip and advice on how to do this will be offered.

This is a trip that you will remember for the rest of your lives!

Applications for PK23 have now closed.

If you want more information on this trip or have any questions, please contact Jan Doyle on kenya@somersetscouts.org.uk.

Project Kenya 2023 Team