Hi. I am Poppy Bates and, having been a Cub and a Scout, I am now an Explorer. Explorer Scouts is a branch of Scouting for young people, aged 14-18, which offers exciting adventures, leadership opportunities and the chance to develop essential life skills. This summer, I am embarking on a three-week expedition to Namibia, where I will take part in an incredible mix of activities with other Explorers.

For one week, we will be volunteering on a community project, such as helping build part of a school. We will also complete a safari in a National Park, immersing ourselves in the traditions of the native people, and take on the challenge of climbing some of the highest sand dunes in the world. To top it all off, we may also take part in an exhilarating sandboarding experience. This will most definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime journey and I am incredibly excited and lucky to have the chance of going on this trip, sharing it with old Scouting friends and having the opportunity to make new ones. I am fundraising to cover the cost of the trip, which is £4,500. I have saved up birthday, Christmas, cake-baking, clothes-selling and babysitting money, but any extra support would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks in advance!