SCOUTS from Hagley visited the Netherlands to take on the challenge of a lifetime, following a £2,000 donation from a housebuilding company.

Seven Explorer Scouts, aged 16 to 18, spent 12 days backpacking around the country as part of their Explorer Belt Expedition award.

Jim Austin, Explorer Scout leader for the Scott Unit based in Hagley, said: “The Explorer Belt Expedition is a fantastic opportunity for scouts to develop many of their skills in an international environment.

“This was the second expedition to be organised by our unit, following a trip to Denmark two years ago and it was a huge success – the scouts learnt a lot about the Netherlands and its culture and had great fun in the process. We rely heavily on the support of local businesses to help fund these trips and are very grateful for the donation from CALA Homes, which considerably helped towards paying for equipment and transportation.”

During their journey, the group learnt more about the country and its culture, navigation, cooking, team-building and first aid.

The CALA Homes donation was used towards travel costs and to help buy lightweight camping equipment for the trip.

Steve Hird, managing director of CALA Homes Midlands, said: “We are committed to supporting the local communities in which we build and were only too happy to help fund this year’s Explorer Belt Expedition.

“We hope to continue our support of the Scott Explorer Scout Unit as we develop our presence within Hagley and we’re delighted to hear they had a fantastic trip to the Netherlands.”

The aim of the Explorer Belt Expedition award is to promote adventure and self-reliance and is one of the highest awards a scout can achieve.