Bradley Stoke Scout leader helps out at World Jamboree in Japan

A Scout leader from Bradley Stoke has travelled to Japan to take part in the 23rd World Scout Jamboree, which is being attended by 30,000 youngsters from around the globe.

As part of the International Service Team (IST), which is the driving force behind the event, David Owen will spend the next two weeks helping young people from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds.

The IST is a multinational collection of adults who volunteer to spend their summer holiday in the ‘engine room’ of the Jamboree, helping make the event run smoothly, sometimes without even getting noticed.

David, who has been allocated a role in the ‘market place’, said:

“I’m going to the World Scout Jamboree to support the shop. Scouts from around the world will be coming to me to get their supplies. It’s going to be amazing.”

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said:

“While lots of people know that Scouting is all about adventure, they often don’t realise that adult volunteers get to do just as much as our young members through their involvement. The World Scout Jamboree is a great example of this.”

“Over the course of the Jamboree, Scouts will be able to meet people from around the world, take part in amazing adventures and experiences and be challenged to think about global issues in a new light. That is why Scouting is one of the greatest youth movement on earth and why I am so proud to be part of it.”

Nature is a key theme for the Jamboree programme, using the natural environment as a learning tool, demonstrating both its vulnerability and what individuals can do to better protect the world we live in.