Cheshire Scouts depart for South Korea for World Jamboree

Following two years of planning and excitement, Scouts from all over Cheshire will join 40,000 others from across the world in South Korea.

This morning, 36 young people aged from 14 to 17 arrived at Manchester Airport to begin their 5600-mile trip to Gunsan-si in South Korea for a two-week event, held between 1st to 12th August. The World Jamboree is event that dates back to 1920, and takes place every four years as Scouts from 170 countries across the globe come together to promote unity, community and togetherness.

The Jamboree is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these young people who embark on a life-changing experience to not only gain practical skills but also make bonds for life, connected by one thing – Scouting.

During their trip, the young people will show strong character as they 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.

Due to the sheer volume of Scouts flying to Korea from all corners of the earth, most units will be making a pit stop before landing in South Korea. Scouts from Cheshire will pay Paris a flying visit!

Those heading to the Jamboree will also have the amazing opportunity of exploring Seoul for three days and also 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.

Each individual has raised around £4,000 through a variety of events allowing them to attend the volunteer-run event.

Rosie, age 16, from Holmes Chapel said, ‘I can’t believe it’s finally here and me and my fellow Scouts are now jetting off to South Korea. I can’t wait to explore Seoul and try everything that’s on offer, I’m so excited to learn new skills and take in all the various different cultures at the main Jamboree site and in Seoul itself!’

Last weekend, Units 46 and 47 from Cheshire gathered for their final briefing camp before departing.

Scout Leader Oliver Chambers from Unit 46 said, ‘Preparation camps have been vital in the lead up to the World Scout Jamboree. It is a key moment for the Unit to get to know each other, share skills and have fun! With the Jamboree now only days away, our final briefing camp was the perfect way to ensure this fabulous team get the most out of their experience and are briefed for our departure. We were really honoured that Lady Alexis Redmond, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, joined us to wish our young people bon voyage too.’