There are firm links between Freemasonry and the Scouting movement, not only in their values but in their exchange of support for one another. Darlington Freemasons have amply demonstrated this by supporting an Explorer Belt expedition.
The Explorer Belt is one of the highest awards available to Explorer Scouts. This requires the completion of a 10-day expedition outside the UK. The expedition involves a minimum travel time of fifty hours by foot, cycle, horse, canoe, boat or dinghy. Whilst on their journey, the Explorer Scout must demonstrate various competencies whilst aboard, including navigation, expedition management, language skills and fitness. In addition, they must complete a major project and several minor projects throughout their expedition, to help grow their understanding of other cultures and develop resourcefulness and interdependence.
To help local Scouts access this award, two Lodges from Darlington, Commercial Travellers Lodge No.5089 and Indaba Lodge No.9454, together with Indaba Chapter No.9454 have worked to raise money to fund an Explorer Belt trip. With the cooperation of the Durham Freemasons Charity and some generous match funding, the Darlington Freemasons have been able to donate £1,300 to the 1st Barnard Castle Explorer Scouts Unit. This will go towards funding such an expedition to the battlefields of France.
Pictured are Stewart Caveney, John Hall, Mike Mayo, Lee Braithwaite and Mark Bennett of the Darlington Lodges and Chapter, together with representatives from the 1st Barnard Castle Explorer Scouts Unit.
