A YOUNG apprentice engineer from Stoke Prior is representing her community – and the UK – on a global stage this summer as she joins nearly 500 fellow UK Scouts on an international expedition.
Sarah Pickering, aged 23, is taking part in the 16th World Scout Moot in Portugal alongside 9,000 participants aged 18 to 25 from across the world.
The two-week adventure began on July 25 in Lisbon’s Tejo Park and will conclude in Porto, with Scouts fully immersing themselves in Portuguese life, culture, and landscapes.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Sarah said she was full of anticipation. She added: “I really like Portuguese art and culture so going to Lisbon is super exciting.
“I’m looking forward to visiting the national marble centre and learning more. I hope to make new friends from around the world and to go on new adventures with them.”
A highlight of the event is a four-day expedition that sees participants grouped with Scouts from other nations and sent on one of 100 routes through some of Portugal’s most remote and picturesque areas.
Following the expedition, all participants will reunite at a base camp in Ovar for a celebration of Scouting activities, cultural exchange, and skill-building workshops before returning home.
This year’s Moot theme, ‘Engage’, calls on Scouts to build bridges across cultures, strengthen community ties, and explore how they can create positive change in their own lives and the lives of others.
The World Scout Moot is made possible in part thanks to support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, whose contributions help young people access life-changing experiences like this one.
UK Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields, shared words of encouragement for Sarah and her fellow travellers. He said: “A massive good luck to Sarah Pickering and all the UK Scouts.
“This is an amazing opportunity to discover yourself and the world around us, while exploring how you can create meaningful change.
“The true international spirit of Scouting will shine through, with so many chances to learn from other Scouts around the world.
“I know each UK Scout attending will grab the opportunity to create memories, friendships and skills to last a lifetime.”
