My dad and I just got back from the 2019 24th World Scout Jamboree. It was probably one of the best experiences in my life (next to Philmont). The Jamboree offered hundreds of new opportunities and experiences for everybody. Our Jamboree consisted of 45,000 people from 150+ countries.
Everyday, I met new people and learned about their cultures. I even got the chance to eat with other countries where they served meals from their culture.
Trading is one of the main activities at every Jamboree. No matter what country you are from, everybody wants international items to take back home. When meeting other people, there is always a desire to trade with them. You can swap anything from patches and neckerchiefs, to hats and uniforms.
Almost everybody has something to trade, so if you get to attend a future Jamboree, don’t be shy to ask. Some scouts would set out blankets and put their items on the blanket like a street market. Some scouts would spend their whole time trading for things they want. I personally would go to trading areas every now and then and look for stuff I wanted. However, I spent most of my time doing other things: such as programs and hanging out with my new international friends.
The best thing to do at any Jamboree is to talk to new people. The 2019 Jamboree was held at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, or “The Summit”. It is one of the best Scout summer camps in the nation with some of the coolest activities. Even though it had these cool programs, I preferred to meet new people and learn new things.
If you want to do the activities, go to a regular summer camp or even a National Jamboree. But if you want to learn about other cultures, then you’ll want to attend a future World Jamboree. I cannot emphasize enough how important talking to people from other countries was to me. It taught me so much about the world and other people. It has arguably taught me more than any of my social studies classes in school.
Before the Jamboree, I was still getting used to getting out of my comfort zone, but the Jamboree is no place to be shy. It is the perfect opportunity to break out of your shell and have a blast. It is full of people you didn’t know would become your friends. It took me a few days to get comfortable, but after those days I was having the best time of my life. I would make a new friend every hour and I was the happiest I’d ever been. I truly feel like a new person after Jamboree. Where Philmont gave me confidence in my mental & physical stamina, the World Jamboree gave me confidence in international social interactions. In conclusion, don’t hold back, meet new people, learn new things, and be yourself at the Jamboree.
The next World Scout Jamboree is being held in South Korea in 2023. If you are currently between the ages of 10-13 you will be able to attend the next Jamboree as a participant. If you are currently 14 or older, you will be able to participate as part of the International Service Team (IST); they are volunteers that run all of the activities and programs.
If you want to attend the next Jamboree and have the best time of your life, which you should, start saving and planning now. There are limited spots and it is very expensive. Start participating in all of the troop fundraisers and stock up on your “scout account” money. Believe me, you won’t regret it.
All the best,
S. Sprowls
