Horsham scouts selected to join Jamboree in Japan during summer 2015

The Horsham Scouts now have just eighteen months to plan and run a series of fund raising activities.

Prices have risen considerably in the last sixty six years. The 1947 Jamboree in France cost £17 per member. The challenge for each member is to raise £3000.

The Scouts are all under the age of eighteen and will be balancing fundraising with their school or college work and other commitments, while also fitting in required Jamboree training sessions at weekends and evenings.

When they reach Japan, the Scouts will take part in a series of events encouraging cross-cultural learning. Along with looking at the environment, development, human rights, health, science and technology, there is a peace programme culminating in a trip to Hiroshima. They will be reaching out to and working closely with the local community. The Scouts will be representing the best of Horsham and bringing back their knowledge to our community. It is an extraordinary experience for everyone involved, providing them with something that will stay with them for life, as well as building strong ties with Scouts from other countries.

In addition to raising money for the trip, they must take small, easy to pack items with them. It is a Japanese tradition to offer a gift to whoever they meet. We have been very fortunate that local printers, J R Print, will provide 100 business cards for each participant, but we would still welcome additional offers to help. In a country where respect and tradition is important, we want our young representatives to shine.

The Scouts are aware of their responsibilities; they will represent the best of Horsham by doing ‘Their Best’. The next eighteen months will see them and their families working hard and making sacrifices to make the most of this golden opportunity.

However they do need support, be it donations of resources, services or money. Whatever you can do to help, we would very much welcome your support.

Jamboree contingent members

Horsham Weald District – Nicholas Bird (1st Shipley Scout Troop), Annabel Light (Pegasus Explorer Scout Unit), Megan Longdon (Europa Explorer Scout Unit), Ross McKay (1st St Leonards Forest – Powell Troop). Linda Barker (1st Cowfold Scout Group – Adult Leader)

Horsham West District – Jordan Levey & Izzy Lofts (1st Slinfold Scout Troop), Dominic Sayers (1st Rudgwick)

To find out how you can help please contactPeter Scofield, district commissioner – Horsham Weald Scout at [email protected]

Report and picture contributed by Emma Williams on behalf of Horsham Weald Scouts.