Scouts from York embark on a 5600 mile trip to South Korea for a once in a lifetime cultural experience

On Saturday 29th July, 19 Scouts from York will arrive at Manchester Airport to begin their journey to South Korea.

The Jamboree which is held every 4 years by a different host nation, will see Scouts from 170 different countries uniting in South Korea for the 25th World Scout Jamboree. The selected Scouts from York will be living in a global Scouting community, where they will be able to share their culture and friendship with fellow Scouts through accessing over 200 activities. The festival aims to combine Scouting values with global citizenship and sustainability, as well as incorporating life skills and leadership.

This year the event will be hosted in Gunsan-si, South Korea and it will be the second time in the country as the 17th World Scout Jamboree was held in the country back in 1991. Festivities will kick off on 1st August and run until 12th August. During this time, scouts will bask in skill development, learn new skills, experience new cultures, and make international bonds with fellow scouts who may not share the same mother tongue but hold the same values as one another.

Those heading to the Jamboree will also have the amazing opportunity of exploring Seoul for three days and embark on the popular Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tour – where they will see the original demarcation line between North Korea and South Korea at the end of World War II.

Scouts from York and 5,000 other members across the UK, will join over 40,000 scouts from almost every country in the world this year. Many Scouts spend years looking forward to this event as only Scouts ages 14 to 17 are eligible to apply for the Jamboree. Participants are selected two years ahead of the event so the Scouts can focus on their fundraising skills to fund their trip. Adults are also entitled to join the Jamboree to volunteer their skills to make the trip possible.

Jack, 14, from Dunnington said “I can’t believe it’s finally here and me and my fellow scouts are now jetting off to South Korea. I’ve never been this far away from home, and I’ve heard such amazing things about Jamboree - I can’t wait to explore, learn new skills and take in the culture!”

Declan, 15, from Dunnington said “I’m looking forward to meeting so many Scouts from around the world, and learning about their culture, and seeing how different it is from ours, maybe I can share some British traditions with them”.

The Jamboree is a one in a lifetime opportunity for young scouts. These young people do not only gain practical skills but also make bonds for life, connected by one thing – Scouting.

UK Chief Scout, Bear Grylls said: “Attending the World Scout Jamboree is a pinnacle moment in Scouting. Being selected to represent your contingent is an honour, it demonstrates the epitome of all the hard work and skills for life that one can learn through Scouting. These young people are our next generation of ambassadors.

The world is ever changing but Scouting has them well prepared for their futures ahead by placing them in good stead to be able to tackle global challenges as an accountable citizen. Being on World Scout Jamboree is the perfect time to use these Scouting skills and develop them further by learning about other cultures, languages and skills whilst at the same time being able to freely express yourself and grow your dreams”.