This year four Bishop Luffa students got the fantastic opportunity to travel to West Virginia for the 24th World Scout Jamboree, the biggest scouting event in the world.
After being selected from over 200 applicants from West Sussex, Sarah Orrell (13King), George Murphy (11Burrows), Mackenzie Cook (11Andrewes) and I were part of the lucky few to go on the trip this summer. To do so we had to fundraise an individual sum of £3,500 each over the course of 18 months, 20% of which would go to help scouts in less fortunate countries be able to join us at the Jamboree. This was no easy task, and we spent many weekends organising quiz nights, bag packing, and talks in order to raise the money we needed.
Over 45,000 scouts attended, from 152 different countries. The Jamboree (hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico) gave the opportunity for us to meet young people from around the world, share experiences, and learn about each other's culture, all whilst enjoying a whole host of activities- from white water rafting to zipwires where riders could reach up to 50mph.
During the three weeks (12 days of which were on the Jamboree site), the two Units from West Sussex (67 and 68) spent time in New York, West Virginia, Washington DC and Canada. With heat waves one minute to dodging thunderstorms the next, it was a challenging but nevertheless rewarding experience, as one of my favourite memories involves my entire Unit hiding under an American troop's event shelter to avoid being struck by lightning.
We had the absolute time of our lives and have learnt so much in the process, we have made memories and friends for life and a couple of us are even considering helping out as leaders for the next Jamboree, which is to be held in South Korea in 2023.
Molly Berry (13Sherborne)