Rustington Scouts log on and hit the airwaves for special jamboree

A total of 24 Scouts and four leaders from the 1st Rustington Pioneers Scouts and about 20 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from all over the Arundel and Littlehampton Scout district took part in the event, organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement.

Youngsters from the groups had the chance to speak with thousands of other Scouts, from across the world, using anything from the internet to amateur radios and even Morse code.

The Rustington pioneers spoke with Scout groups from more than 20 different countries during the weekend, including children from the USA, New Zealand, and even as far as the Philippines, while Scouts based at the 5th Littlehampton Sea Scout Headquarters, in Lineside Way, spoke to youngsters from across Europe.

Many of the Scouts who took part during the weekend felt that it was an eye-opening event.

Rustington Scout Max Clarke, 12, said: “We got a wider understanding about some of the community issues affecting the world and how Scouts are making a difference locally.”

Liam Jordan, 15, also from Rustington, said: “It was a great experience finding out what other people get up to in other parts of the world.”

Many of the Scouts have made new friends, with 10-year-old Emily Jordan, saying that she has made friends with fellow Scouts, from as far afield as Mexico.