In 2009, Dragon Explorer Unit visited The Gambia to commence the process of creating a link to the Gambia Scouts with Hornchurch Scout District.

During this trip the participants experienced life in The Gambia and gained a greater cultural understanding.

In 2010, two Gambian Scouters visited the UK and it was then their turn to experience a whole new type of Scouting in a completely different environment to home.

Following these expeditions, the GHISP was created and a trip to visit The Gambia in 2014 was undertaken.

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In Summer 2018, a trip is planned to revisit The Gambia with 40 Explorers from Hornchurch District, as well as many more leaders. The main aims this time are as follows:

Project 1: Working on the land and Scout Centre we built in 2014, we aim to build a new building with toilet facilities, solar power, and running water. This will facilitate the use of conference centre for the community.

Project 2: The Network project this year will be back at Basse Health Centre. This time we will be working on the operating theatres of the Maternity Unit, moving these into currently unused space and moving the labour ward into a more private area with renovation

Project 3: Teaching & Scout Skills. We will continue to provide teaching in the local school and impart our UK scout skills to those in Basse.

In order to make this possible we need to raise £1500 per person and any more will aid other costs and collectively bring the price down for others to pay.

As an Explorer that has been involved in Scouting for 10 years, it was always my dream to go abroad and make a difference. This trip has interested me since the original expedition in 2009 and I would love now, to be a part of this life changing adventure.