Bexhill scouts off to Uganda

Both members of 1st Little Common Scouts, Archie and Paddy will be part of a group of 19 youngsters from across the UK who will go to Mpungwe in the Kagoma District of Uganda to help rebuild a school and work with Ugandan scouts.

They are the only Scouts from East Sussex to be selected and, at 14, will also be the youngest when they set off in Summer 2010.

To be chosen for the project they had to prove their fitness in a process which involved little sleep, navigation and even setting up tents blindfolded, but before they go Archie and Paddy will still have to attend six weekend training courses.

They are looking to raise around 1000 for the school project. They are paying for the trip and their own expenses themselves. They will also be leaving any equipment and spare clothes when they leave Uganda for the local scouts and villagers.

Both Paddy and Archie will be undertaking a number of fund raising activities, including sponsored hikes, car washing, raffles, cake sales etc throughout the year - anyone who wishes to support them can do so by contacting the Bexhill Observer and your messages will be sent through to them.