Each Event is unique but the experience that you as participants gain is universal and can be life changing. You will make friends that can last a lifetime, gain a greater understanding of different cultures, religions, and customs. You will take part in Activities, experience living and mixing with 30-50,000 young people from all over the world. You learn how to communicate with people despite language differences, Teamwork, Co-operation, and most of all you have Fun.
You will discover that there is so much to do in so little time (Activities go on throughout the day and in the evening) that you can survive with extraordinarily little sleep, you will visit other units from around the World and be invited to stay for a meal and invite other Scouts back in turn. And it does not end there. At the end of the Jamboree there is Home Hospitality where you get to experience living with a Scouting Family sharing their culture and food. It is the experience of a lifetime which will stay with you for the rest of your life.
I have been fortunate and privileged to Lead two Units to World Scout Jamborees. Its not easy you are responsible together with three other leaders for 36 young people far from home. But it is so rewarding, I have watched the 36 Unit members change and grow in confidence. Through the process of training camps, events and raising of the funds needed to support themselves and the Unit they change, from a group of strangers into a Unit of four patrols, working together as friends to get themselves ready for the Experience of a Lifetime.
For any Leader wondering, should I apply to be a Unit Leader or volunteer for the International Service Team. I say Yes, Yes and Yes again you will never regret it.
For any Scout wondering, is it worth all the hard work the sacrifice, the cost ,fund raising and training camps. I say Yes, Yes, and Yes again You will have memories, experiences, and Friendships that will last you a Lifetime. You will find that those who have gone before will be very willing to help in any way they can to ensure that as many of you as possible can experience something of what they have. So, go for it!
Parents have told me afterwards that their son’s /daughters have returned changed, more grown up, more responsible, different, thoroughly exhausted, and unable to stop talking about their experience.
Dave Johnson
