Every four years, the Scouting Association holds a World Scout Jamboree (WSJ), which is attended by forty thousand Scouts from around the world. In 2023, OVs Jamie Burrell (2007) and I, Beth Winterbottom (2021), are attending as Birmingham Unit Leaders.

The World Scout Jamboree was first held in 1920, and has continued for every four years since, apart from during the Second World War. Every Scouting country and territory from around the world send at least one Scout and Leader to attend the two week camp, packed full of culture, activities and Scouting skills. In 2023, the 25th WSJ is being hosted by South Korea, in coastal town SaeManGeum.

From Birmingham, there will be a Unit of 40 who will attend, 4 Leaders and 36 Young People aged 14-17 at time of attendance. To attend the WSJ, participants (both the adults and Young People) had to go through a vigorous Selection Process. From this, Jamie and I were selected, along with two other Leaders from across the city to take care of and support the Young People on their two year fundraising and Scouting journey.

The WSJ begins with a huge Opening Ceremony with headline acts and performers from the host country. Then, over the two weeks the Young People will participate in many activities, this time predominantly water or STEM based, due to the campsite location. They will camp on a sub-camp, with 1,000 other Scouts from across the world whom they will get to meet, exchange badges with and swap stories. At the end of the Jamboree, the Young People and their Leaders will have learnt so much about themselves and the world around them, creating well-rounded, enthusiastic people.

However, between now and then, Unit 84 must fundraise £160,000 for their travel, transport, equipment, and training to attend the WSJ. This will be done through grants, bake sales, casino nights, Santa Runs, quizzes and more, both individually and as a whole Unit. This is where we are asking for your help: if you feel you are able to give us a donation towards our journey or assist us with venues/clothing/badge printing or the like we would be very grateful. Please contact: beth.winterbottom@birminghamscouts.org.uk

Jamie and I learnt many valuable skills as Veseyans helping us to become successful Scout Leaders, and we would love to be able to enhance these further and help Young People grow too. Thank you.