A determined group of young people, ged 12-16, from Warwickshire will hike across the Malvern Hills for the annual Shirehike event this Saturday (28 March).

They will undertake the 12 mile cross-country trek as part of their ambitious fundraising journey toward the 26th World Scout Jamboree, set to be held in Gdańsk, Poland in the summer of 2027 (30 July to 8 August).

The World Scout Jamboree is the largest regular event organised by the Scout Movement, gathering over 40,000 Scouts from over 150 countries every four years. The UK's own contingent will take upwards of 2800 Scouts as part of 74 units from across the country, of which Warwickshire is Unit 64.

For the 36 Scouts and 4 leaders of Warwickshire Unit 64, the event promises to be a global festival of peace, cultural exchange, personal improvement and adventure. The Shirehike is a test of navigation and endurance.

A member from the Warwickshire Unit 64 Leadership Team shared: "The leadership team is incredibly proud of our young people, who have come together from every corner of the county to represent Warwickshire.

"They have shown exceptional diligence and enthusiasm throughout their fundraising journey, and a remarkable commitment to reaching the World Scout Jamboree in 2027. We look forward to seeing this energy in action at Shirehike and beyond. The community can support the Warwickshire Scouts in the following ways."

Unit 64 will join hundreds of other Scouts to traverse the Malvern Hills, aiming to complete the 'Shire Beacons Challenge'. The event will serve two purposes: preparing the unit for the physical demands of an international expedition and raising the vital funds required to ensure every selected local Scout can attend, regardless of their financial background or personal circumstances.

Warwickshire Unit 64 represents the best of local Scouting. Over the next 18 months, the group must raise thousands of pounds to cover the cost of travel, equipment, and a "solidarity fund" that helps Scouts from less economically developed countries attend the event.

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Emily Watts aged 14 and Jelena Lazic, 14, from Kenilworth shared: "We are extremely excited and we have been doing lots of fundraising. We are very thankful for the opportunity and the challenge. We feel honoured to be chosen as part of a small group for this once in a lifetime opportunity."

Erin Tan,13, also from Kenilworth added: "It's an ongoing dream to go to the Jamboree. I'm really proud to be selected to represent my community."

To contact the leadership team to find out how to support the fundraising efforts of unit members in your area or track progress and see photos from the hills visit social media including Facebook and Instagram.

Local businesses interested in sponsoring the unit's kit or equipment are encouraged to get in touch.