Embedded Files
24th World Scout Jamboree 2019
- West Virginia, North America
24th World Scout Jamboree 2019
- West Virginia, North America
“When I heard rumours that the next World Scout Jamboree was going to be held somewhere in America, I jumped at the chance to be one of the few lucky leaders to be with a unit/patrol. I got to see many places that I wouldn’t normally have visited and will most likely never see again. Scouts has taught me many things over the years but being part of that tight-knit contingent, where everyone knew everyone was a very special experience. I still keep in touch with the Leaders, Scouts and Ventures who were part of the New Zealand Contingent. I know that like myself, most of the group are more than happy to offer our services for the next World Scout Jamboree.”
-Ben Lane, Unit Leader
“The WSJ19 was an awesome three weeks away getting to know scouts and other members from all around the world. I was put out of my comfort zone while I was doing my job as a tour guide, which meant I was able to grow and become more confident in myself. I was in helping hands within the scouting community. People I had known for less than a week or two were more than happy to help out with anything. I think this is a perfect example of the scout family helping each other.”
-Ruby-May, IST
"World Jamboree was an awesome, eye opening and rewarding experience. A once in a lifetime opportunity as a 15 year old Venturer, I was told that it was the ultimate adventure as a scout. I made friends across the world and came back with some insane stories of traveling and seeing new places. I still think about my time over at the 24th World Scout Jamboree hosted in North America as the peak of my many Scouting experiences and still have friends that I travel, see, and talk to all the time across the world and back home here in NZ. It’s an awesome experience well worth it for those of you are who are brave enough to take on the challenge."
-Sean Hancock, Youth Patrol Leader
"Attending the WSJ2019 woke me up to the fact that there's so much to the world that I just haven't seen yet, and that experiencing other cultures is something I should do as much as possible. I consider myself very privileged to have been able to go, and would be honored to attend the next one. Scouting has been a major point in my life for over 11 years, and I am excited at the prospect of beginning my path as a leader, and attending amazing experiences like future WSJs. I consider my experience in America to be the best time of my life; between seeing countless new places and faces, to going to a camp the size of a town, I was blown away by how much there was to take in. I would love to be able to provide that experience to any other youth participant."
-Hamish Fordyce, Youth Patrol Leader
"The World Scout Jamboree was a unique, challenging and overall amazing experience. Thirty teenagers from around NZ who’d never met before coming together - for what was some people’s first trips outside of NZ - becoming family by the end of the three week-long trip.At the Jamboree you meet people from all over the world and get to experience all sorts of different cultures, especially as New Zealand scarves and badges are some of the most sought after at the camp! It’s an absolutely unforgettable experience, and the memories and friendships you make there will last a lifetime."
-Sophie Collingridge, Youth Participant
25th World Scout Jamboree 2023
- SaeManGeum, South Korea
25th World Scout Jamboree 2023
- SaeManGeum, South Korea
"I went to Korea as an extremely shy person who didn't really want to talk to people, and came out feeling confident in myself and now I'm a big talker. I had the support from the youth and leaders all the way through the trip. One of the days that stuck with me, was when there was a flood warning in Seoul. I didn't feel like I had to worry at all, even though it was a stressful situation. Everyone came together and made sure that everyone was safe and had a way to contact everyone else if needed. This is an experience I would never forget."
-Emma Kearney, Youth Participant
"During my time as a unit leader in Korea, I built lifelong friendships and created moments that remind me why I volunteer with scouting. Whether it’s sharing laughs with other Kaiārahi while lost in a foreign city or supporting homesick youth at 4am and hearing their heartfelt thanks, these experiences bring an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Leadership isn’t just about guiding others, it’s about growing alongside them."
-Sam Adlam, Unit leader
“Words can't describe how much I loved World scout Jamboree, and how it's changed my life. While it didn't go exactly to plan, it still was absolutely incredible, and I wouldn't have changed it whatsoever. My favourite part of it was meeting and making friends with people from around the world, and learning about so many different cultures.”
-Saoirse Jolly, Youth Participant
"Attending World Scout Jamboree in South Korea was the trip of a lifetime and an experience I will never forget. We explored and learned about new cultures, cuisines, and ways of life, and in the process made so many new friends. I found that by the end of the trip, the New Zealand contingent, previously just a group of strangers, had become a close-knit family. The Jamboree challenged us to step out of our comfort zones and meet other teenagers from all over the world. We exchanged stories, language, culture, and social media to stay in contact. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to gain these friendships and will never forget what I consider to be the best experience of my life."
-Lucy Collett, Youth Participant
"World Scout Jamboree was awesome. It was organised, technicolour, chaos and I loved it more than anything else I’ve done. The experiences I had on that trip and the connections I made were unlike anything I have ever encountered before and it was the best two months of my life so far.”
-Jennifer Chisholm, Youth Participant
“Being a Unit Leader at WSJ was one of my all time favourite experiences. My colleagues and friends thought I was mad when I said I was going to South Korea for three weeks with 67 teenagers! But I had a blast! Watching youth learn about a new country, talk a bit of Korean, use chopsticks, get around on a subway and a lot of other new things is why we become Scout Leaders. Yes, there were some long hours and a few challenges to overcome but the smiles as these new experiences were accepted and accomplished certainly more than outweighed them. The friendships formed on the trip will last the rest of my scouting career and I would encourage any leader passionate about helping youth get out of their comfort zone to give WSJ a go!”
-Chris Comber, Unit Leader
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