2nd Ilkeston Scouts return from Belgium: a journey of adventure, discovery and lasting friendship

Credit: 2nd Ilkeston Scouts

After an eight-day action-packed Easter visit to Belgium, the 2nd Ilkeston (United Reformed) Scouts returned home with full notebooks, and stories they’ll be telling for years.

The trip blended outdoor challenge, cultural exploration, and international friendship, giving the group a chance to grow in confidence, independence, and teamwork.

The Scouts spent much of their time exploring Belgium’s Wallonian forest and making friends with local Scout groups. Their day trips to the cities of Brussels and Antwerp as well as a night hike around the battlefields of Waterloo proved to be the highlights, offering perfect places for cultural discovery and tasting Belgium Waffles and Frites!

Brussels impressed with its mix of modern European institutions and historic squares. The Grand Place, with its ornate guildhalls, became a favourite spot for photos.

The Scouts played a live “Monopoly Challenge” in Antwerp. Antwerp stood out as one of Belgium’s most energetic and characterful cities, mixing medieval charm with a modern, creative edge. It was compact enough for the Scouts to explore in a day yet full of memorable highlights.

The Scouts payed their respects at Sint-Agatha-Rode Commonwealth war graves, The Scouts described it as one of the most meaningful moments of their entire trip. The experience blended quiet reflection with a powerful sense of history, helping young people understand the scale of sacrifice in a way that no textbook ever could.

At the campsites, evenings were filled with campfires, wide games, and the kind of laughter that only comes after a long day outdoors. Many Scouts said the woodland surroundings made them feel like they were “properly in the wild,” even though Belgium’s towns were never far away.

Speaking to Erewash Sound presenter Kirsty Corbett, Scout Leader Skip, said that the 2nd Ilkeston (United Reformed) Scouts wished to thank everyone in Erewash who donated at the many fundraising activities they did in the two-years leading up to this trip.

“Your generosity and encouragement have meant more to us than we can put into words. Because of you, we enjoyed the biggest adventure or Scout group has ever undertaken.

“Every donation, every kind word, every shared post, every helping hand—brought us closer to an experience that our Scouts will never forget.

“Erewash has shown us what it looks like to be part of a community that truly believes in its young people, and we’re grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us.

Thank you for standing behind us and helping make this trip a reality”.