Scouting is the UK’s biggest mixed youth organization and my daughter Zoe has been an active member in Scouting for over 8 years. In that time Scouting has helped to develop her confidence and given her the opportunity to participate in many unique experiences, take part in every day adventure and help others both young & old in the community, many things that as parents we would struggle to support or let alone find the time. Things have certainly evolved and moved on since I was a Boy Scout!

Before I move on a BIG shout out of appreciation must go out to all of the Scout Leader’s and volunteer’s that give up a huge amount of their own time each and every week, a massive commitment and one that is certainly appreciated from our side!

I for one can’t recommend Scouting enough for parents with children, the sometimes perceived stigma that it’s un-cool is un-true and one that my daughter can certainly vouch for given what she has experienced!

So….Last year Zoe was put forward by her leaders in the district for amongst other things dedication and commitment to scouting above and beyond the norm. She had to go through a rigorous selection process, and we were very proud when she was selected to represent her group the “Axe District” at the 24th 2019 World Scout Jamboree in July of this year. (Note - the Image is of another award Zoe won, The Golden Woggle Award for best buddy and showing compassion and friendship to others)

The Jamboree will take place at the Summit Bechtel Reserve which is a world class and sustainable site located in West Virginia, USA. It is comprised of more than 14,000 acres of beautiful forested mountains adjacent to more than 70,000 acres of national park in the scenic New River Gorge area of West Virginia where she will hook up with over 40K other scouts and leaders from 168 countries across the globe

Above all else above this is an educational event and adventure that brings together the world’s young people to promote peace and mutual understanding and to develop leadership and life skills. The theme this year is “Unlock a New World” where scouts are invited to seek, unlock & participate in new adventures, engage with new cultures, and make new friendships

You can get full details and see a great short video via the link below, it certainly makes me envious!!!

https://www.scout.org/24wsj

On top of this, along with other Scouts, Zoe will also experience 2 BIG CITY experiences in Washington and New York as well as a final stop off in Canada where they will spend time with local Scouting groups and within the local communities

Naturally the above comes at a significant cost, however it is a money can’t buy experience, one that is non-profit making! We are now in the final stages of fundraising which has already seen her arrange and participate at sponsored events, run a school tuck shop, host sausage sizzles, cake sales, boot sales, bag packing, raffles, quiz nights, race nights, fete’s and supporting local community events, we have also had fantastic support from numerous companies & businesses

Some of my contacts I am naturally more acquainted with than others so appreciate that this approach might be seen as a little audacious, however every penny donated will help make this a truly memorable and life changing experience for Zoe. All monies raised will go towards the cost of the trip as well as purchasing contingency kit etc.

If we are lucky enough to exceed our total any additional monies raised will be donated to Cancer Research UK

Many thanks for reading`

Andy & Zoe