Harry Baker, a Young Leader in 4th Welling Scouts, set up a tent in his garden after returning from a family camping holiday.
Since July 31, he has been sleeping in a tent in hopes of raising money for his scout group to go to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland next summer.
His father, Graham Baker, said: “Harry has been in Scouts for seven years, since Beavers, and he’s now a Young Leader.
“The Scouts decided that they wanted to do something quite special next year, an international trip.
“And it’s not cheap.
“We’re looking at roughly £1,500 to cover transport, accommodation, and all the rest for the Scouts so they can go on this amazing adventure.”
Last year, Harry shaved his head to help raise money for Graham’s charity StrongMen.
When Graham asked Harry if he would like to help with the charity funds once again, Harry said he wanted to do something to help the Scouts.
Graham explained: “Harry has been heavily involved with the Scouts.
“His efforts from last year earned him a Jack Petchey Achievement Award, which included a grant that has now gone towards his trip to Switzerland.”
“On the back of that, he thought, ‘why not raise more money for the Scout trip?’
“So, we went camping at the end of July, and when we got back, he set up my spare tent in the garden and has been sleeping out there every night since.”
Graham said he and his wife know Harry’s independence and have little to no worry of him sleeping outside.
He said: “Last night, my wife had gone to bed.
“I said to Harry, ‘Right, good night, mate,’ and I just left him.
“He went out there and got in his tent and spent the night.
“We trust him.”
Harry said that on the few days it did rain in Welling, he continued to sleep outside, saying it was “part of the challenge”.
Harry said he only “slightly” misses the comfort of his bed.
The teenager said: “It’s obviously more comfortable in my bed, but camping out is worth it to help my Scout group.
“Missing the comfort is fine if it means raising money for everyone.”
Anyone can donate to Harry on the GoFundMe website, and all the money goes directly to the Scout group.
As of August 22, he’s raised £280.
This trip is the first kind for the Scout group and will take place from July 30 to August 9, 2026.
Graham added: “They’ve never done anything on this scale before.
“That’s why they’re trying to raise as much money as possible to give these youngsters a great adventure.”
