Explorer Scouts Get Helping Hand From PACT

A small grant from the Police and Community Trust helped a group of Explorer Scouts from Wrexham visit one of the most notorious places connected to the Second World War.

As part of their ‘Backpacking Trip of a lifetime’ to Europe the ten teenagers who are all aged between 14 and 18 year and members of the Bishops Own Explorer Scouts visited Auschwitz and Birkenau.

“The Explorers found it harrowing, sombre but very thought provoking and definitely a place they are glad they visited,” said Peter Jones, who applied for the £250 grant.

Peter, who is himself a scout leader and a Driving Instructor with North Wales Police assisted in arranging the trip which saw the group visit Amsterdam, Berlin and Warsaw. It’s purposed was to enable the young people to experience an International Scouting trip for the first time, experience different cultures and learn some lifelong skills

While in Germany the Explorers who were accompanied by five adults visited a World War II bunker, the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gates and the Jewish Memorial. They also got to see the 1936 Olympic stadium before travelling to Warsaw and Krakow where they also visited the famous salt mines.
The group will now share what they learned and saw with other young scouts across the Wrexham area.

“Most of the Explorer Scouts are in the process of completing their Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and part of this is involves volunteering in the community,” explained Peter. “Almost all of the Explorers also help out as young leaders in local Beaver, Cub or Scout groups and they will now be able to share their experiences with other groups from the Wrexham area by putting a slide show together. This will let others see what they experienced on their international trip especially at Auschwitz and explain about the horrors of World War II. It also highlights the fun things they did on their trip such as go carting at the Krakow Go Karting Championship, high ropes challenge which will hopefully encourage them and others to go on international trips in the future.”

Dave Evans of PACT said: “We were delighted to be able to support these young people, and are pleased that our small grant helped them to undertake this trip and share their experience with their peers on their return.”