Please consider helping the Hatters Explorer Scout Unit get to the Ol Chorro Conservancy in Kenya this summer to make a huge difference in predator conservation, the Massai community and the lives of 49 amazing young people from North London.

This summer, 49 of our Explorer Scouts and 11 adult leaders (4 under the age of 25) will be travelling to Kenya for a life-changing expedition focused on wildlife conservation, pushing physical limits, and educational volunteering — including projects supporting lion conservation, and collaborative work with local scientists and communities in Maasai Conservancy areas.

Our Explorer Unit draws members from across North London and provides high-quality, adventurous Scouting experiences for young people aged 14–18 form a range backgrounds ensuring that nobody misses out, whatever their circumstances. This is why I am looking for more funding, because I don’t want any of our members to miss out. Right now, we are seeking additional funds to ensure that those members of our group that have explored all other options are still able to attend our expedition this summer. All 60 of us have worked tirelessly to raise £200,000, we are now trying to raise the final £30,000.

This expedition isn’t just a tour — it’s hands-on conservation work that helps protect endangered wildlife and supports local communities. We are painting eyes on cattle to warn off predators (really!), setting cameras for big cats, tracking herbivores, planting trees, giving time at Elsamere Conservation Centre, and living among the Massai in camp. 

We are supporting scientists in the Ol Chorro Conservancy within the Massai Conservancy areas in the North of the National Park to gather critical data, educate local communities, work with local communities and to implement strategies that reduce the conflict between humans and animals. Did you know that there are fewer lions in the wild than rhinoceros? This is partly down to this conflict in areas where national parks meet farming communities. There is more information available at hattersesu.com/kenya26 on these projects.

In addition to making a huge contribution to these conservation efforts, this is all about giving our young people a significant challenge that will broaden their horizons and make them the kind of leaders and contributors in our community that only experiences like this can support. Hikes are on Mt. Kenya and Mt. Longonot will test the young people’s resilience and determination. The terrain is rough, the environment harsh and both the elevation (3,300m) and heat will add greater challenge.

Sponsorship options:

Please reach out to me if you want more information. Note that all the adults are covering 100% of our costs, I am writing to you because I don’t any young person to miss out. Thank you so much for reading this far and considering making a gesture to help us.

Donate any amount – https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/Q5ORDHKB

£1,000 Sponsorship – https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QZYGCT5O

£2,000 Sponsorship – https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QT3WY11F