World Scout Jamboree 2019

Elliot Smith, now in Year 11, is part of 36th Walsall 1st Aldridge Scout group Explorer Section. He is one of 36 scouts selected from across West Mercia to attend the 24th World Scouting Jamboree in West Virginia as part of the UK contingent in 2019.

A World Scout Jamboree is where scouts from most countries in the world come together to spend ten days camping with each other, taking part in activities learning about the difference between cultures and scouting around the world.

They will also be spending two weeks with a family in either America, Canada or Mexico where they sample what life is like in that culture and country.

Elliot has to raise £3500 to be able to go. Part of the money goes towards his own visit but part of it will go towards funding other scouts from third world countries who cannot afford to pay, so that they can experience something truly life-changing.

A couple of years ago, Sam Shackleton went to Japan for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree and some Old Marians were kind enough to support his fund-raising and his life was truly changed by his adventure. He wrote:

“Since I’ve returned all I’ve been thinking about is everyone that we met, everything that wi did and how quickly it all went by! The activities we for got to do with people from almost every country in the world were phenomenal, in a place where there no divisions or discrimination. It’s really opened up my eyes to the world and different cultures - many of our group are now thinking about being an adult helper at the 2019 Jamboree in West Virginia!”

If you needed persuading that travel broadens the mind, that says it all!

If you would like to help Elliot raise the money he needs, please donate via the Old Marians website at http://qmclub.org/donations/ marking your donation “Jamboree”. Elliot sends his heartfelt thanks to all those who have already made a contribution.