By Isle of Wight Observer
Two Brighstone teenagers are spending the summer on a beach-cleaning project to raise funds for a three-week expedition to America next year.
Wilbur Clarke and Devon Shephard, both 13, are members of Brighstone Scouts, and will be part of a joint Hampshire and Island expedition heading to the States next July to take part in ‘Project 27’.
The group of around 140 Scouts, including leaders, will travel from Atlanta, Georgia, through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to Washington DC and then Boston.
They will stay at various scout camp-sites, along with other international scouts, with whom they will partake in various activities which promote Scouting values and life skills, such as teamwork, resilience and leadership.
Devon’s father, Ian, said: “They originally applied to go on a trip to Poland but weren’t accepted, so they went for this jamboree instead and got in. It’s a great chance for them and will give them a lifetime of memories, but it’s also very expensive and each team member has to raised the funds for their trip. So, they decided this would be a good way to earn some extra money.
“They started with a clean-up at Atherfield, and collected a massive 66kg [145lbs] of waste, and followed this up by visiting Chilton Chine at the weekend where they managed around the same weight.
“They have found all sorts of stuff, including a huge rubber mat which was buried in the sand and had to be hauled up a cliff, which was interesting!
“They will continue throughout the summer and aim to take part in 10-12 clean-ups focusing on the beaches along the Military Road.
Ian has set up a JustGiving page for the boys for anyone who would like to donate towards their trip: iw.observer/states-fundraiser.
