Swindon and Wiltshire scouts spend a lot of their time exploring the local wilderness, but soon three representatives from the area will be exploring South Korea.
Mark Coopo, 58, Jane Dobson, 56, and Christine Broom, 71, are three of 950 adult volunteers that have been selected to represent the UK and help deliver next year’s World Scout Jamboree, as part of the International Service Team (IST).
The Jamboree will see 50,000 young people come together for a skills, cultural and adventure festival in South Korea during the summer of 2023.
Mark, Jane and Christine will be part of a 6,000-strong multinational team of adults who are volunteering to spend their summer holiday helping young people have an adventure of a lifetime, whilst thinking about global issues in a new light.
This could be planning and delivering activities for thousands of participants every day or providing key services such as medical, catering, and infrastructure.
Between now and July 2023, Mark, Jane and Christine will be supporting their local unit of young people that are attending the World Scout Jamboree. This will include spending time on personal development and using their journey to Korea to inspire others in the local area.
Mark, from Swindon said: “I’m delighted to be attending the 2023 World Scout Jamboree as part of the International Volunteer Team.
"I am grateful for this opportunity as I really want to gain as much experience as possible that I can then bring back to my local groups so I can encourage young people to attend the event."
Highworth resident Jane added: “I love seeing the young people grow and develop through Scouting. Some of those in my Beaver group from 8 years ago are now going to Jamboree so we are all fundraising together as a team with other leaders.
"I am very proud as I remember telling them about jamborees all those years ago."
Christine, from Bowerhill, said: "I’ve never been abroad with Scouting before and I’m thinking of climbing Mount Fuji afterwards, though at my age I’m not totally sure about the walking part!”
UK chief scout Bear Grylls has wished the trio all the best with their adventure.
“Congratulations to Mark, Jane and Christine and all the other adult volunteers who have been selected.
"Over the last couple of years adult volunteers have played an important part in holding our communities together. I say #Goodforyou to all those volunteers who want to be part of this adventure.”
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