In
July 2013 a Group of Explorer Scouts took part in the International Four
Day Marches at Nijmegen, Holland.This an annual event which started in
the early 20th Century comprises four days of walking distances between
30 and 50 km a day draws so many participants (40,000 from 30 countries)
that it has become the worlds largest walking event.
The Marches are gruelling and present a real challenge to the participants many of whom take part to raise funds for charity.
Here is the account of Hannah Skipper - Europa ESU.
Nijmegen was
one of the most unique and amazing trips I have ever experienced and I’m so
grateful that I was able to take part. The trip wasn’t just the challenge of
walking 100 miles but seeing so many people wanting to support you on the
streets and the commitment they put in is unbelievable. Also the fact that the
event brings so many people together from all around the world, we were able to
become friends with other Scouts in Europe from the campsite where we stayed
but we also spoke to some American GI’s and people from England too. In addition it’s an amazing way to raise money for
charity as I managed to raise over £400 for the Springboard Project in Horsham
Every day we
would start walking at 5 am with thousands of others, but as well as us being awake
all the locals were too! They were up cheering and supporting everyone which
was very dedicated, as well as the walkers it gave them a chance to party. By
the third day it was becoming more of a struggle, especially after losing two
members of the team, so the support from them and other walkers was much
appreciated. As well as general public the Scouting medical team were amazing
and I don’t think I could have got through it without them as there were times
when I was experiencing quite a bit of pain but they managed to sort me out and
keep me going.
As well as the walking we were able to go and
visit some of the war graves at Groesbeek, this was so nice as we were able to place some gladioli on
some of the graves however it was quite emotional seeing the unknown graves but
it did add to the experience of Nijmegen.
I can’t completely describe the
atmosphere of the Nijmegen Marches until you go but it is incredible. I hope to
go back many times in the years to come as it was an experience I don’t think I
could forget.
