A team of 40 Scouts from Oxfordshire are in Japan after their hard work, determination and fundraising efforts paid off in time to head to a global Jamboree. Megan Archer reports

Scouts from across Oxfordshire have embarked on the journey of a lifetime, travelling more than 5,000 miles to celebrate the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

After years of planning, preparation and anticipation, 30,000 Scouts from more than 200 countries – with a team of 40 from Oxfordshire – are now camping altogether, united as one, in a city near Kirara-hama.

Thousands of Scouts enjoyed an opening ceremony to kick off the Jamboree, where all the young people proudly waved their country’s flags.

Across Oxfordshire, Scouts spent 18 months planning and training for the Jamboree, which began last Tuesday.

Thirty-six Scouts from the county have been joined on the trip by four Scout Leaders.

Each Scout had to fundraise £3,000 to take part in the cultural event, with part of the fee supporting Scouts attending from Bhutan, Botswana and other developing countries across Eurasia.

Scout Emily Marven, 15, from Chipping Norton, said: “The opening ceremony was amazing.

“Seeing all the flags united together made me feel that Scouting could change the world. It’s not every day you can walk from tent to tent and enter a different country to learn about their lives.”

Elyse Thomas-Collaire, 14, from Blackbird Leys, added: “It’s so exciting to see so many Scouts.

“There are tents wherever I look, and it just keeps getting busier. It’s strange to think they are from all over the world.”

Throughout the event the Scouts will have the opportunity to take part in hundreds of activities focused on discovering new cultures, the environment, sustainable development and global issues.

Not just an experience for young people, the county’s Scouts have been supported in the run-up to the event by a team of adult volunteers.

Mike Suggate, 25, from Abingdon, is one of the Oxfordshire unit leaders.

He said the Jamboree was a brilliant experience for Scouts, but also fun for the adults too.

He said: “I’ve loved watching them grow in confidence and self-esteem.

“The looks on their faces when they saw the Jamboree site for the first time was overwhelming.

“It’s remarkable to see how their hard work has paid off.”

Scout Leaders from Bicester, Thea Desborough and Michelle Cox, have been busy meeting people from all over the world.

The two women have also joined the International Service Team (IST) – the driving force behind the Jamboree.

Miss Cox said: “I wanted to make new friends and learn about the world whilst supporting the Scouts who are participating.”

Later this week Thea and Michelle will be taking a break from the main event site to take part in a visit to the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima.

This part of the Jamboree programme will see Scouts in mixed groups from every nation experience the solemn and reflective atmosphere of Peace Park.

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Mark Allen, 14, from Oxford, said: “There are so many amazing things to do here, but I think the Peace project in Hiroshima is really special.

“To think as Scouts we can have an impact on peace across the world is quite something.”

Charlie Hodges, 17, from Long Hanborough, said he was most excited about getting out on the water while at the Jamboree.

He added: “We’re making a real impact to the local and international community by getting involved in some great projects.

“But as well as this we’re making new friends, and taking part in loads of exciting outdoor activities – Scouting rocks.”

TV personality and Chief Scout Bear Grylls said it was great to see thousands of adult Scouts getting involved with the Jamboree, as well as young people.

He added: “While lots of people know that Scouting is all about adventure, they often don’t realise that adult volunteers get to do just as much as our young members through their involvement.

“The World Scout Jamboree is a great example of this.

“Nearly 4,000 Scouts from across the UK are meeting others from around the world and taking part in some amazing adventures.

“As well as being a fantastic opportunity for young people, the Jamboree is a chance for adult volunteers to take part in activities, and learn new skills that they can use in other aspects of their lives.

“Across the UK there are currently 36,000 young people waiting to join the fun, challenge and adventure of Scouting, but there are simply not enough adult volunteers to plug the gap.”

Visit scouts.org.uk to find out more about getting involved in volunteering.