These last couple of weeks at KISC have been very exciting. The summer is on it’s way and it has brought with it a new band of merry Pinkies from all over the world. To be precise we have welcomed 31 new staff from 21 countries in total, and that’s not to mention the helpers that have also arrived. Since their arrival, the new Pinkies have undergone a rigorous training programme which included hiking, climbing and sleeping in a mountain hut, as well as learning all about chalet services and how to cook and clean after so many people whilst having the time of their life. This ultimately ended with them being split into one of three departments where they will spend the remainder of the season either working on the camp site, in chalet services or in the programme team.
Shortly after the Pinkies graduated and earned their Pinks the summer really started. This saw a large group from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) arrive bringing the guest life back to KISC. Even though the BSA group has now gone the guest numbers have increased with groups from Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Turkey and more from America arriving. This has lead to some exciting and interesting international evenings where the guests had the chance to teach each other about their nations Scouting history and culture.
These last two weeks have also seen KISC hosting two events. The first being a reception where Mr, Abdullah Rashid, the outgoing Asia-Pacific Regional Director presented an appreciation plaque to KISC and was received by Thijs Stoffer, the Chairman of the KISC Association. The plaque was a gift to the Center as an appreciation of the good relationship shared between KISC and the APR Region.
The second event, was an official opening of the Upperhut Kitchen renovations sponsored by the Scouts Australia that took place on 24th June 2013 and was flagged off by Mr David Jones, the Chairman of the Scouts Australia Committee. The Ceremony was graced by Thijs Stoffer (NL), the Chairman of the KISC Association, KISC Association Committee Members; Andy Thormet (CH) and Elian Baumann (CH).  Myriam Heidelberger (CH), the General Director KISC, Alexandros Loius (GR), the Operational Director KISC, Salla Päkkilä (FI), the Guest Services Director, Susan Otieno (KE) the Public Relations and Marketing Assistant and William Hayes (UK), the Catering Assistant, KISC Staff from Australia, Dave Langron the Assistant Programme Director, Lisa Picking, the Reception Manager, Katelyn Hardy and Zoe Watkins, both Short term Staff Summer 2013 and Dylan Hunt who is an ex-staff in the just ended Spring 2013. The Upperhut kitchen renovation was gratefully sponsored to the tune of 5200 Australian Dollars.
Now all  eyes are on the International Rover Week that is fast approaching and there is a buzz of excitement in the air.  An action packed programme has been put together to keep the Rovers (aged 18-30) entertained during the ten day event which takes place from 14th  - 24th  July 2013. This includes; camping, hiking, a secret city water activity and a specially designed Rover Week Challenge among other interesting activities. There are still spaces left so if you want to take part check out the Rover Week page on the KISC webpage for more details.
Finally it is only fair that we give you a quick weather update. Well it is hard to really predict the weather here, one minute it seems like it will flood and the next minute you will find the Pinkies soaking up the sun in front of the chalet in their lunch break. Either way, no matter what the weather is, I can guarantee you one thing, and that is when you come to KISC you will have a memorable time.

Steve (UK)