Pedal power pushes Scouts closer to Japan

SCOUTS who are fundraising for the trip of a lifetime are delighted by the response to their biggest event yet.
S42651H14 The Adur Valley Japan Jamboree TeamS42651H14 The Adur Valley Japan Jamboree Team
S42651H14 The Adur Valley Japan Jamboree Team

The four members of the Adur Valley Japan Jamboree Team used pedal power to boost the coffers as they work towards their £12,000 target.

James Oates and Aidan Beverton from 1st Shoreham Scout Group, Tess Lincoln from 3rd Shoreham Sea Scout Group and Owen Thomas from 3rd/5th Lancing Sea Scout Group will be heading to Japan in July next year for World Scout Jamboree.

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They were at the Holmbush Shopping Centre in Shoreham last Saturday and Sunday for a sponsored bike ride, which attracted the attention of shoppers.

Owen said: “We were very surprised just how generous people were and would like to thank them for helping us towards our target of £12,000.

“The bucket collection raised £669.91 and including sponsorship, it means that we raised approximately £1,500, which is fantastic.”

Adur district councillor Mike Mendoza supported the team by officially launching the event on the Saturday.

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He explained the process that brought the jamboree team together: “They all had to go through a series of camps, tests and interviews out of around 300 children from across Adur. They have to raise the money themselves to cover travel and ancillary costs and last weekend was their biggest effort so far, a virtual trip to Japan.

“The plan was they cycle for the time it takes to get to Japan and back, with a little help from their own Scout troops.”

Mr Mendoza said he was delighted to hear how much money was raised.

“These young people are an inspiration to all and a pride to their families and Scout troops. I am honoured that they will be representing Adur next year and wish them luck.”

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Jessica Plumtree, communications champion for the West Sussex jamboree unit, known as Yewnity, said she and three other leaders would be taking a total of 36 teenagers aged 14 to 18 to Tokyo.

She said the Explorer Scouts would have the chance to stay with host families, learning about the Japanese culture and promoting international friendship.

“This is a once in a lifetime chance for them,” she added. “Yewnity will join with 30,000 Scouts from around the world and they will camp, live and work together for unforgettable days of celebration and international friendship.”

Jessica said Yewnity members were given a surprise earlier this month when they were whisked off to Wagamama in Chichester for a fun-filled educational morning of food and chopstick races.

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“This trip was organised to help the participants learn about the culture they will be immersed in,” she explained.

Owen said the jamboree trip would be ‘a great adventure’ for all of them.

“We would like to ask people to keep their eyes open for us and to support our future events,” he added.

Email [email protected] for more details and to make a donation.

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