700 Scouts Travel to Switzerland for Landmark Summer Adventure
More than 700 Scouts and volunteers from Surrey, including Scouts from XXXX, have returned from an unforgettable international adventure in Switzerland as part of KIX 2026 (Kandersteg International eXpedition).
The expedition marked a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of Surrey Scouts' modern-era expeditions to Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC), one of the world's premier Scout destinations. The 2026 contingent was the largest group of Scouts to leave the UK this year.
The first Surrey expedition to Kandersteg took place in 2001 under the name SWaK (Scouts with Altitude - Kandersteg). Since then, Surrey Scouts have returned through a series of major international expeditions, including Expand 2004, K9 in 2009, and KIX events in 2014, 2018, 2023 and now 2026.
During their week in the Swiss Alps, Scouts from XXXX joined fellow participants from across Surrey to experience a programme packed with adventure, challenge and international friendship. While at Kandersteg, they met Scouts from Canada, Portugal, Spain, Australia, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany and other parts of the United Kingdom, demonstrating the truly global nature of Scouting.
Participants travelled to Switzerland aboard twelve coaches provided by Baker Dolphin, departing from Cobham Services.
The expedition offered a wide range of activities, including hiking in the mountains led by trained and KISC-qualified mountain walkers, rafting on the river Aare from Thun to Bern, and high ropes adventures in Interlaken. Scouts also had opportunities to explore local towns and communities, gaining first-hand experience of Swiss culture and life.
Each troop selected a special activity day tailored to their interests. Activities included visiting the Schilthorn, famous for its appearance in a James Bond film; exploring the Jungfrau region; travelling to the Rothorn by steamship and mountain railway; relaxing in the thermal pools at Brigerbad; tobogganing at Lake Oeschinensee; visiting the St Beatus Caves; and climbing in Winteregg.
In addition, the Young Leader (YL) Squad helped KIX in helping to protect local biodiversity through a partnership with the Forestry Commission. KIX has partnered with Flora from the local Forestry team to contribute to the protection and preservation of biodiversity in the Kandertal area.
The Kandertal is one of the regions in the Canton of Bern with the highest concentration of reptiles. Eight of Switzerland's sixteen native reptile species can be found there, including the sand lizard, grass snake, and the rare smooth snake. Many of these species are under threat, and some are critically endangered, largely due to the loss of important habitats. These habitats include sun-exposed features such as rock piles, dry stone walls, wood piles, and brush piles, as well as natural riverbanks, forest edges, and rocky areas. As part of the Kandertal Reptile Conservation Project, valuable habitats have been surveyed and documented to support their long-term preservation. Working alongside Flora and Luke, the YL Squad helped to maintain and enhance these habitats by clearing brush, creating piles of branches and stones, and improving existing habitat structures. These practical conservation activities make an important contribution to protecting local biodiversity and supporting the survival of the area's native reptile species.
Mel Wedlock, Young Leader Development Team Lead for Surrey Scouts, said: “Supporting projects like this is a fantastic opportunity for the Surrey Young Leader Squad as part of their service project with KIX. The Squad are taking part in the expedition as members of the wider staff team, giving them valuable experience of supporting and delivering a large-scale international event for young people. Alongside developing their leadership skills, they have been able to make a meaningful contribution to an important local conservation project. It has been great to work with KIX, supporting the local community and helping to protect the natural environment in the Kandertal region.”
A particularly memorable moment came thanks to local shop owner Patrick Straubinger, who gifted every Scout and volunteer a commemorative Swiss pin badge in recognition of Surrey Scouts' 25-year connection with Kandersteg. Patrick has welcomed generations of Surrey Scouts, alongside visitors from Scout groups across the world, throughout that time.
The expedition also attracted local media attention, with Surrey Scouts appearing on the front page of the Frutigländer, Kandersteg's local newspaper, as well as featuring in a detailed report inside.
Supporting an event of this scale required an enormous effort from volunteers. Over the course of the week, the catering team provided enough evening meals to feed one person for more than 13 years. The contingent consumed more than 1,322kg of fruit and vegetables, 3,500 wraps, 195kg of cheese, 21,456 slices of salami, 489kg of meat, 1,548 schnitzels, and 255kg of breakfast cereal.
Meanwhile, the high walks team supported participants in covering more than 19,000 kilometres of mountain trails and climbing a combined elevation gain of nearly 650 kilometres. The activities team also coordinated more than 500 cable car journeys and 400 swimming pool visits during the expedition.
As the Scouts returned home, they brought with them new friendships, increased confidence, valuable #skillsforlife and memories that will last a lifetime. Showing Scouting has a #placetobelong.
Ian MacQueen Expedition leader said “KIX 2026 took two years to plan with and aim to give 700 Scouts and leaders the opportunity to try new activities, make new friends and learn skills for life. I think it is safe to say we achieved our aim and more. My thanks to the staff and leaders who made the event a success. We will now start to plan KIX 2029”
Scouts were asked “What were you expecting from the trip before you came?”
A Scout from 3rd Epsom said “I was expecting to be tired from hikes and I was looking forward to the activities, thought it was always cold and there would be lots of always hiking. I also thought it was going to be like a school trip and was expecting to be fun but wet.”
Frankie, a Scout from Sheerwater Scouts said “I was expecting to make friends, see nice scenery and have fun.”
Jack, a Scout from Oatlands Scouts said “I have not been on an international camp so didn’t know what to expect.”
Aidan a Scout from 5th Reigate said “I expected not to be talking to many Scouts in my troop since I didn’t know anybody.”
A Scout from 8th/14th Epsom said “I was expecting adventures, and to meet other Scouts from other countries.”
Isabella a Scout from 12th Caterham said “I was hoping to have lots of fun and make memories.”
Ben a Scout from Chaldon said “I was expecting it to be wet.”
Xanthe a Scout from East Surrey district said “I was hoping to experience loads here and have a good experience.”
Willow a Scout from Banstead district said “I was expecting to participate in fun activities and have an adventure.”
Freya, a Scout from 1st Old Woking said “I thought we would be a big field but we were in the mountains in the woods. I also didn't know how we'd get fed with so many people. I thought it would be harder to get from place to place and didn't think I'd sleep well. The food has been great in our massive tent and the walking around a lot has made me super tired but it's been fun climbing mountains.”
Luca, a Scout from 1st Weybridge said “I wanted to learn from the things we do, how to perceive and do things as a team.”
Scouts were then asked “What’s been the highlight of the week?”
A Scout from 3rd Epsom said “I enjoyed the rafting and going to Brigerbad and it was nothing like a school trip it was much more fun (different to expectations), I got to know lots of Scouts and doing all the different activities including, high ropes. It was a really nice place in general and I want to come again as everything was really fun.”
Frankie, a Scout from Sheerwater Scouts said “I enjoyed the high ropes and going up the mountains in the cable cars.”
Aidan a Scout from 5th Reigate said “I liked making friends with Scouts in my troop and with other Scouts.”
A Scout from 8th/14th Epsom said “I liked swimming in the pool in the park in Bern after rafting and also the rafting from Thun to Bern.”
Isabella a Scout from 12th Caterham said “I thought the high ropes was lots of fun and was thrilling.”
Ben a Scout from Chaldon said “I though the high ropes was best as I was able to conquer my fears.”
Xanthe a Scout from East Surrey district said “I thought the rafting was really fun, jumping in the water and floating down the river.”
Willow a Scout from Banstead district said “I liked the water park because it was extremely fun.”
Freya, a Scout from 1st Old Woking said “Probably the high ropes - my favourite activity - it was really challenging. I've also liked spending time with some of my friends as we at different schools and normally only spend time together during meetings.”
Luca, a Scout from 1st Weybridge said “I like the karting as it we had fun and we helped people who got stuck.”
We then asked the Adult Volunteers “Why did you want to bring your Scouts on this trip?”
An adult volunteer from 3rd Epsom said “We have been many times before and they get a lot out of the trip and gain great experiences. It is also great to see true scouting in operation but there are long challenging days but full of fun and excitement.”
Mike, an adult volunteer from Sheerwater Scouts said “We want to give them the possibility of a once in a lifetime chance to take part in amazing scouting activities in an amazing place.”
Steph, an adult volunteer from Oatlands said “A lot of our Scouts have never been on an international camp and we thought this would be a good introduction.”
Jamie, and adult volunteer from 5th Reigate said “For the experience of a camp in a foreign destination, the wide range of activities and to give them confidence and freedom.”
An adult volunteer from 8th/14th Epsom said “There is a program for our scouts which is organised by the County team with support & food provision.”
Harry, and adult volunteer from 12th Caterham said “I heard good things about this trip from multiple people so we gave our Scouts the chance to go.”
Martin, an adult volunteer from Chaldon said “To experience new activities participate in new cultures see fantastic landscapes and meet international Scouts.”
Martin, an adult volunteer from East Surrey district said “To give them an experience that they wouldn’t get back in England.”
Maura, and adult volunteer from Banstead district said “To give the scouts the opportunity to do an international camp, try new activities and develop a range of #skillsforlife.”
Paul, and adult volunteer from 1st Old Woking said “I came here 30 years ago and still have fond memories so wanted to share and let my Scouts now build similar memories.”
Tim, an adult volunteer from 1st Weybridge said “This is my fourth Kix trip, so I knew all about what is offered and that previous Scouts have said this is the highlight of their Scouting.”