In November 2017 I was really lucky to be selected to attend the World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) 2019. We had to apply for a place and were then invited to participate in a selection weekend that involved many challenges and games to examine and test our problem solving, teamwork and leadership skills.

The WSJ is a huge event in the Scouting calendar because it only comes around every four years; making it a once in a Scouting lifetime opportunity. It is an educational event that brings together young people from all round the globe to promote world peace, mutual respect and understanding. There is a wide variety of adventurous activities on offer with a focus on social interaction and everyday life within the different cultures attending.

There will be around 50,000 Scouts and leaders from over 200 countries. In 2019 the WSJ is to be held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia in the United States of America from the 22nd July to the 2nd August. The event is being hosted by Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada, and Asociación de Scouts de México and the theme is ‘Unlock a New World.’

I have made so many new friends inside and outside my unit because of the WSJ and also Scouting in general. I am incredibly lucky to have this opportunity and I can’t wait for the adventure, friendships and memories not to mention the fun I know I will have.

To attend I have to raise £3,500 over the next 10 months. The money raised pays for me to go and also contributes towards the costs of Scouts from less advantaged countries to attend the WSJ. I have already started fundraising for my adventure both individually and with friends in my unit. This includes cake sales, bag packing, drive way sales, car boots and many more!

Please help our Scouting dreams become a reality.