Hi, my name is Ethan and I'm a 14 year old Explorer Scout. The World Scout Movement holds an international Scout Jamboree every 4 years. In November 2017, I applied to attend the 2019 World Scout Jamboree, being held in West Virginia U.S.A.

After a tough weekend selection course aimed at testing resilience, team work, first aid, problem solving, lateral thinking and leadership ability, followed by an employment style interview, I was delighted to learn that I had been selected to represent unit 43, Greater Manchester Scouts. Gaining a place for this Jamboree is a huge privilege, and an honour to be representing my Scout group. I am aware that this opportunity in front of me, will be the most life affirming experience of my childhood, and that the experience will be a right of passage into young adulthood.The Jamboree is not a holiday; it is an 18-month journey of personal growth culminating in 3 weeks camping with 45,000 like-minded people from all over the world, sharing and gaining new ideas on how to make our world (and towns) a safer, cleaner and more peaceful place. For the past 12 months my unit leaders have been busy running evening & weekend events, to prepare us for what promises to be a once in a life time opportunity. In order to keep this experience available to all, we must raise the funds ourselves. In addition to my own expenses, I have committed to assist Scouts from the poorest countries of the world, who would otherwise have no chance of attending. In total I need to raise £3,999. To assist in my fundraising, Kat's Dance Academy, Heywood have very kindly donated 12 months free dance classes, for me to raffle at £5 per ticket. I have raised £2,300 so far, from various fundraising events. Please help me to reach my total by May 2019.

Kind Regards Ethan Stokes .

Cover picture: me grafting for funds Below: on parade, wearing my World Scout Jamboree necker