Madagascar Expedition

• The expedition will take place in July and August 2026 for three weeks.
• In Madagascar, you'll take part in project work, activities with local organisations and exploring.
• To get ready for the expedition you'll be expected to take part in six preparation weekends.
• The expedition will cost no more than £4,200. You'll also need to fundraise £300 for project work in Madagascar.

For 2026 we will have two expedition teams:

• One team with preparation taking place in Scotland and Northern Ireland
• One team with preparation taking place in Southern England

Both teams are open to Scout members from across the UK, but you will need to commit to full participation in the preparation activities for the expedition including travel to the preparation locations.

• The expedition will run in July and August 2026 for around three weeks. The exact dates will be decided closer to the time.
• The needs of our Malagasy partners will help decide our itinerary, as well as ideas from the participants.
• We expect to do a blend of project work, activities with local organisations and exploring Madagascar. Perhaps venturing into the rainforests in search of lemurs?

• You'll need to attend around six preparation weekends ahead of the expedition.
• These weekends will involve getting to know everyone in the team and learning the skills needed to make the most of the expedition.
• The preparation weekends will typically involve camping

• The expedition should cost no more than £4,200 per person.
• You'll need to pay an initial deposit of £400 after being accepted to join.
• This cost includes all travel, accommodation, food, activities, travel insurance, preparation weekends in the UK, and some expedition kit.
• Other costs that aren't included are travel to and from the airport and preparation weekends in the UK, vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis and personal kit.
• You'll also be expected to fundraise £300 to support the projects in Madagascar.
• Payments will be spread across instalments during the preparation phase, giving you time to fundraise, save or earn the money to cover the expedition.

• To join the expedition you must be between 18 and 24 years old in July 2026, a member of Scouts during the preparation and expedition, and commit to participate in all events.
• You don't need any specific skills or experience to join, but a positive attitude, a love of challenges and a desire for adventure are essential.
• This will be a demanding expedition that'll take you out of your comfort zone, so make sure you're up for the challenge.

• Are you the right leader for our team? Experience with international expeditions is not important, but attitude is key.
• If you're up for the challenge, excited by the opportunity and able to help deliver an amazing expedition experience - please apply!
• You'll need to cover the expedition cost, but some financial support is provided.
• You'll need to commit to join all the preparation weekends and activities, as well as contribute to the planning and preparation.
• Workload is expected to be up to nine weekends throughout the preparation phase, and on average a few hours a week for planning and preparation activities.
• Support and training will be provided throughout the process.

• First leader weekend: 22 to 24 November 2024 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
• First participant weekend: 29 November to 1 December 2024 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
• The locations for both these first two weekends are expected to be in the central belt of Scotland, with later camps moving around Scotland and Northern Ireland.

• First leader weekend: 8 to 10 November 2024 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
• First participant weekend: 29 November to 1 December 2024 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)