The Explorer Belt

Italia 2001

(27^th July - 11th August)

Background:

Over the past 25 years almost 1900 Venturer in Ireland have participated in the Explorer Belt Expedition. This is an internationally recognised challenge, which has set the standard for venturing throughout the world and is one of the highest accolades that a Venturer can aim for. Such is the level of interest here that the numbers participating are now limited to 25 teams of 2.

Italy is the chosen destination for this year’s Expedition. In the recent past the Explorer Belt has provided young people with the opportunity to experience a diverse range of cultures from the rugged landscapes in Slovenia to the plains of America.

The Challenge Itself:

Dropped on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but an envelope containing the following:

• The location of a base camp, which they must reach 10 days later;
• A map of the Country;
• A limited amount of money on which to survive;
• A number of challenges they must undertake on the way.

Key Fundamentals:

The participants must walk for 10 days, covering 200 Km, on a limited budget, while carrying out a number of projects designed to give them an in-depth experience of another culture. This is a wonderful exercise in the development of personnel skills for young people as illustrated below.

Communication Skills:

· Overcoming the language barrier;

· Motivating yourself to communicate with people you meet;

· Understanding cultural differences;

· Understanding yourself and your team mate.

Teamwork:

· Spending every waking and sleeping moment with your team mate;

· Working together to accomplish the many tasks at hand;

· Completing the projects assigned to you;

· Co-operating to overcoming the mental and physical difficulties you encounter.

Physical challenge:

· Walking for 200 Km;

· Carrying everything you need on your back, from your tent to your toothbrush;

· Sleeping out of doors, night after night;

· Adjusting to the rigors of a different climate.

Personal Achievement:

· The Confidence you gain from having completed what at times seemed like an impossible task;

· Pushing yourself everyday in order to complete 200 Km;

· Experiencing more in ten days than you ever have done previously;

· Knowing than now you have done this, nothing will ever seem impossible again.

The Explorer Belt Expedition is rounded off in a highly emotional and nerve-wracking, but exhilarating presentation where Explorer Belts are awarded to successful participants.

If you are interested in taking part in this year’s Explorer Belt Expedition you should write to HQ and request an application form. Please include you name, address and a contact phone number when you write.

The cost of this year’s expedition is IR£400.00 (the same as it was last year)

Completed Application Forms must be received in H.Q. before 30^th November, 2000