Nine Ventures Scouts from the Cospicua, Xghajra and Zabbar Scout Groups, Jurgen Bonavia, Andrea Bugeja, Thomas Bugeja, Carsten Camilleri, ,Andre’ Chetcuti, Warren Gauci, James Ahren Grech, Eman Scicluna and Christopher Zerafa , accompanied by the contingent’s official photographer Mr. Mario Cutajar, Commissioner for Venture Scouts John Micallef Engerer and Contingent leader and International Commissioner Mr. David Schembri, traveled to the Libyan Jamahiriya between the 1st and 13th August 2006 to participate at the Second International Scouting Challenge, that was held in the green mountains at Al Baida.

Camped under tents at the pine forest at the Bellenge Scout camp site together with three hundred Libya, Tunisia, Egyptian and Jordanian venture scouts, all participants who were placed in ten man patrols, were asked to select a scouting challenge from the desert, marine, archaeology and environment activities.

The Maltese Scouts opting for the desert and marine activities where the patrols would spend five days and four nights away from camp.

Traveling on a ten hour bus trip away from the Bellenge campsite at Al Baida to the town of Al Jaghbub, deep in the Sahara desert and 280 kilometers south of Tobruk, the desert contingent made up of three patrols, were to experience the different desert conditions and environments.

At Al Jaghbub and the surrounding desert environment, the respective patrols spent a day each at Lake Almalva, Lake Alfregha and the sand dunes of Munjaba, after all participants were previously instructed on the harsh desert life and its hazards.

The desert activities ranged from sand boarding down the sand dunes, to fishing in the salt and sweet water lakes, as well as improvised raft building. Sessions on the use of night stars for direction finding, the use of the palm tree and its leaves in home building, as well as knowledge on medicinal properties of desert flora and fauna, also formed part of the desert itinerary. The use of clay to manufactures items of need in the desert as well as instruction on how to bake bread and build cooking open fires, together with recreation sports such as swimming, volley ball and football, were well appreciated by one and all.

Participant experienced first hand the local cure for arthritis, that of burying the patient neck deep in  the hot desert sand, followed by allowing the body temperature to gradually cool down in improvised tents, after specially prepared oils were administrated to the effected parts of the body.

Prior to their departure the participants preformed Community service at this desert environment by planting, fertilizing and watering palm trees, after being instructed on their maintenance and upkeep by the Palm Friends and Afro Arabic Oases Association.

Those participants opting for the Marine activities were given the opportunity to experience the extensive Libyan coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, whose coastal areas are not only attractive for their undisturbed beaches, but also contain heritage and cultural attractions.

At Soussa, Lethrun and the inland sea at Braknout, the various patrols were not only instructed in the various methods of fishing, but were also drilled in snorkeling, yachting, canoeing, rowing, and snorkeling. All this, after the various hazards of marine life and the marine environment were clearly explained to one and all.

The preparation and cooking of meals on open fires using driftwood and flotsam, as well as the collecting and preserving of marine specimens was practiced throughout, whilst water activities and open sea challenges were undertaken by all.

Prior to their return to camp, the participants’ also preformed Community service at this marine environment, by organizing a beach “clean up”.

At the Bellenge campsite, all the successful Discovery Challenge participants were presented with the “Holistic Xef” commemorative medal, awarded to those achieving the highest standard in Libya scouting.

An educational visit to the Roman, Byzantine and Christian historical sites and ruins at Shahad and Kasar Libya also formed an integral part of the Discovery camp program, and gave the camp participants the opportunity to learn more on the country’s history and rich heritage.

The aims behind these programs was to strengthen relationships between scouts from different cultures and nationalities, experiencing the mountain life and that of the oasis people’s culture and traditions, whilst at the same instance utilizing their scouting skills.

 Participation at the 2nd International Scouting Challenge could not have been possible without the great help of the Malta Libyan Friendship Society, who provided support in the sponsoring of the airfare and other travel expenses, as well Air Malta p.l.c for providing favorable airline rates for the Maltese Scouts.   Medavia Co Ltd, the Alberta Group of Companies, Hotel Golden Tulip Vivaldi and well as other companies, who like the Society itself, also contributed financially to the sponsorship of the Scout Association of Malta’s participation.