EXPLORER Scouts went ‘over the top’ as part of a fundraising mission.
More than 50 people took part in an abseil to support “SoliCov Unit 69”, a Unit of 36 Solihull and Coventry Explorer Scouts that are taking part in the World Scout Jamboree in Poland in August 2027.
The abseil descended from the roof of No.3 Brindleyplace, some 40m above the square next to the Sea Life Centre.
The Explorer Scouts were joined in Brindley Place by several of their friends from Birmingham’s “Brum Voyage Unit 14” WSJ Unit.
The absiling event was supported by Midlands manufacturing company Southco.
The abseil event raised just over £6,000.
The group needs to raise a whopping £144,000 in total – £4,000 for each person taking part in the Jamboree.
In order to help raise funds to be able to attend, the group have been carrying out a number of challenges including hikes, runs and swims which cover the distance from Solihull to Gdansk in Poland during 2026.
The group started their campaign in February with a night hike starting at Solihull Riding Club to gain the first miles towards their separate 1,219 mile land route target.
Jenny Gartland, SoliCov’s unit leader, said: “The abseil is an amazing experience for our young people, getting them out of their comfort zone to challenge themselves to achieve more than they thought possible, to conquer their fears and support their friends to push their boundaries.
“The unit is really coming together as a team and bonds are forming that they will take with them throughout their lives.
“We were really pleased to invite the Birmingham unit to join us and collaborate with us to create such a successful event.
“We can’t wait for the trip to Poland, which will be an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime experience, but we have a lot more great events lined up first.”
The World Scout Jamboree sees approximately 40,000 young people from around the world come together to celebrate unity, adventure, and cultural exchange.
Held approximately every four years, the Jamboree is a gathering unlike any other, offering Scouts the opportunity to experience a world of diversity while participating in activities that foster personal growth, leadership, and global citizenship.
In 2027 it is being held in Gdansk, Poland.
Around 2,500 young people from the UK will be participating, supported by a team of volunteer adults.
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