Team Geared Up

LONDON (Geared Up Blog) - Two mountaineering friends that Darran & myself worked with at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in Switzerland are planning to ski 570km unsupported across Greenland in an effort to raise funds to help Scouts rebuild Southern Lebanon and to celebrate 100 years of Scouting. Visit their website.

Scouts in Lebanon are coordinating the ‘Rebirth of the Phoenix’ project, bringing together Rover Scouts and leaders from around the world to assist in the rebuilding of Southern Lebanon after the conflict, distributing relief to displaced citizens, developing environmental and health campaigns, and educational programs for families and children.

Matt Franzke and Mustard Robley will be covering a total distance of just under 600km in under 31 days. The temperature will normally be about -10c to -15c (plus wind Chill) but they must be prepared for tempaeratures down to -40c. They will have regular Satellite Phone contact to receive up to date weather forecasts and to inform support teams of their current position. They already have a permit granted by the Danish Polar Centre which includes relevant evacuation plans. Their route will cross the Arctic Circle and hopefully be completed in less than 31 days.

We wish the lads the best of luck. If there was any 2 people I know with the highest chance of success in this - I think it would be you guys! You better have a video camera with you - and yes , I’ll be contacting you about getting some live updates on the web from the trip on your sat phone. Should be very possible to do.

If YOU would like to help the lads - and support their cause in the Lebanon. Please do offer them any gear or funding for the trip. Mustard has been working as a youth volunteer for 4 years now, while Matt has only recently moved on from the centre. I’m glad to see the local food shops & retailers that the scout centre supports has donated everything from team jackets to 6kg of Salami!

Keep it up! We’ll be watching, but unfortunately from the warmth of our offices! You have no idea how much I’d love to be sledge pulling beside behind you!