Chloe was awarded £100 to help with her fees participating in a Scout trip to Botswana for Animal conservation…
“My volunteering trip to Botswana was a once-in-a-lifetime experience centred around hands-on wildlife conservation and incredible encounters with nature. A key part of our work involved tackling environmental challenges. We built soil erosion dams to limit surface runoff, deconstructed an old wildmill, and helped install a solar pump system, transferring water from a borehole into a waterhole, to provide a sustainable water source for wildlife. This was the most rewarding accomplishment from the trip, as it allowed us to go home knowing that we made a difference.

Another important focus was wildlife protection; in groups, we located and removed snares, which was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the daily threats that animals face from poaching. These efforts underscored the importance of conservation initiatives in maintaining Botswana’s delicate ecosystem. 

Beyond the work, the trip offered opportunities to fully immerse in Botswana’s culture through visits to the Limpopo River and a local village where we were warmly welcomed by the traditional “zebra dancing”. This cultural exchange offered depth to the trip, allowing us to see how the communities and wildlife are deeply intertwined. We were also able to fully experience the wilderness, with multiple sleepouts and guided safaris, bringing us up close to elephants, giraffes and countless other species within their natural habitat, reminding us of the importance of conservation. 

Overall, my time in Botswana was transformative and eye-opening. I left with a stronger appreciation for conservation and a deeper respect for local traditions, as well as memories that will last a lifetime.”