Scouts impress leader at World Jamboree
SIX Guernsey Scouts made a good impression on their leader at the 24th annual World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, where they joined more than 45,000 in a range of activities.
More than 150 Scout organisations from across the world sent representatives to the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve West Virginia, with the jamboree theme of Unlock A New World.
Local leader Oliver Brock was joined by five Explorer Scouts and a young leader at the jamboree where the hosting duties were split between the Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and Association de Scouts de Mexico.
Mr Brock said the young people had enjoyed the adventure.
‘During their time at the jamboree the Scouts have learnt that despite the fact they all come from different places and communities they have one important thing in common: Scouting,’ he said.
‘They have realised that as human beings they are not so different, they enjoy playing, experiencing adventure, facing challenge and exploring the world around them.’
He said the young people had worked hard to get to the jamboree.
‘I have been so impressed by the group who attended the jamboree as they raised over half the cost of the trip though fundraising and set themselves personal targets to achieve in conjunction with the trip,’ he said.
‘I was also thoroughly impressed with their attitude while attending the event and what they have got out of the experience.
‘It is so important that, as a Crown Dependency, we present ourselves alongside the UK at international events so that we can teach others about our island, our people and so they can understand our unique relationship with the English monarchy.’
Some of the highlights for the Scouts include scuba diving with the Dutch Scouts, exploring cities, mountain biking and meeting all the other Scouts from across the world, including the commissioner from the Ivory Coast.
Explorer Scout Rosie Linane said it has been a wonderful experience visiting the World Scout Jamboree.
‘I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many Scouts from right across the world and interacting with them. It made me realise that although we all live in such different countries, we are all very similar.’
The Scouts also had the opportunity to explore some of Canada while on their trip.
This meant that, while returning to JFK Airport, Mr Brock’s son, Daniel, was able to visit the Brock Monument at Queenston Heights.
‘It was fantastic for Daniel to be able to visit the monument for the first time.
‘It was a rather unscheduled trip on the way back to the airport, we had a 13-hour coach trip and luckily it passed through Ontario.
‘We also got the chance to see Niagara from the Horseshoe Falls, which was pretty special too,’ added Mr Brock.
