We are so proud of Órlaith, not only for successfully earning her explorer belt, but for having the courage to attempt such a journey with another Rover that she had never met before! What an experience! And an amazing accomplishment. Here’s a little taste of Órlaith’s experience on her explorer belt:
My Explorer Belt expedition began in the town of Pásto, Hungary, where my partner Beatrice and I were dropped off at the train, wondering which direction to head.
Our challenge was to walk 200km and travel 90km by public transport over ten days to reach base camp in Bratislava, Slovakia. We had to navigate intense summer heat and unfamiliar terrain, relying on each other every step of the way.
One unforgettable highlight was when our gear was almost swept away by the Danube! All of our kit was soaked, but it gave us one of those stories I’ll never forget…even if I tried.
Something I hadn’t considered before starting the Belt was that it’s not just a long walk. We had to really rely on our map‑reading skills, try to communicate in a language we didn’t speak, and most importantly, trust each other. This was interesting as Beatrice and I hadn’t met before the expedition but we ended up getting on really well.
Throughout our journey, our projects encouraged us to try new foods. We even learned how to cook traditional dishes like Lecsó. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but now I have a list of new meals and flavours to try at home!
Before this journey, I’d never done anything like it, but by the time we reached Bratislava I had a whole new level of confidence in my Scout skills and teamwork between my partner and I had become second nature.
The best part of the Explorer Belt was definitely the friendships I made. My belt partner and I supported each other through the highs and lows, and the strangers we met along the way taught us more about their culture in a few minutes than any guidebook could.
Ultimately, the Explorer Belt is more than just a badge or a route, it’s an experience that pushed me physically and mentally. It taught me real resilience and resourcefulness, and reminded me how much kindness there is in the world.
If anyone was considering doing it, I would definitely encourage them to take the leap, its an unforgettable experience!
Well done Orlaith, so proud of you. What an experience; great memories and a fantastic personal achievement.
Well done girls, what an amazing adventure and achievement. I’m sure you will always treasure the memories you both have.
Fabulous achievement Órlaith and an experience that you’ll never forget. Well done you!