When four local Iron Duke Sea Scouts heard other teams planning their 150km journeys as part of a challenge to earn the ‘Chief Expedition badge’, they thought “we can take it a step further”.
Part of the badge challenge is to travel 150km using three modes of transport, but the Nelson team decided to extend their trip to 1200km and use five modes of transport.
Team member Silas Bailey says other groups were travelling to places like Lake Rotoiti.
“We decided hey why not add an extra zero and go the extra, extra mile.”
So, Silas, along with Reuben Cottom, Ruth Vaughan and Holly Fortune will venture down the West Coast to Haast and back next week in pursuit of their final badge before they graduate.
The team of teenagers will travel by bus and van before completing the epic pursuit by kayaking, biking and finally walking.
They have planned six days for their return journey and have had to plan the entire thing themselves - from accommodation through to activities.
A big part of the adventure is fundraising to make it happen, which this year has been severely impacted by Covid-19.
With the usual carwashes out of the mix, the teens have had to get creative with their fundraising idea.
They have come up with a concept where donators can purchase a ‘challenge’ such as boiling water in a paper bag or hanging from monkey bars for as long as they can.
To view the challenges and other creative fundraising ideas, go to https://iron-duke-sea-scouts.myshopify.com
