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.

The GHISP (pronounced like ‘crisp’) was created:

To develop greater mutual cultural understanding between the UK and Gambian scouts.

To help improve Scouting in the Upper River Region of The Gambia.

To improve international scouting opportunities in the 14-25 year olds in Hornchurch District.

To achieve the award of Explorer Belts in Hornchurch District.

To facilitate joint projects between Explorer Scout Units and the Scout Network in Hornchurch District