My Jamboree journey: Exploring the world and finding myself

I joined Scouts in 2017 as a Cub, simply curious at first about what it had to offer. Within the first month, I could confidently say that Scouts had had a positive effect on me, not only as a person but as a member of a team, a leader, and as someone who could help others.

I felt as if every time I was with this community I was either learning, having fun, or both. I’ve gained so much more knowledge about my local area, all because of the work Scouts does. For example, I wouldn't have known there’s a vineyard, a brewery, a fishing lake, and so many other things right on my doorstep!

I was first told about the 25^th World Scout Jamboree in Korea after my leaders returned from the jamboree in the United States back in 2019. They’d been members of the International Service Team. They told me stories and showed me videos of activities and all that happened at that jamboree. I was simply captivated by the thought of attending such an event.

Fast forward to November 2021. I received an email about the admissions process for the next jamboree. After a fun and enjoyable selection process, I was told that I’d be in Korea next year. It was a dream come true.

My hopes for the Jamboree

So why exactly did I choose to apply? Three very clear reasons came to mind.

The first was learning. I imagine that this will be a great opportunity to meet people from all over the globe and learn from them. In a world like ours, where so many people face so many issues, the most important thing is to understand the thoughts of others.

Where else would I be able to speak with someone who’s Honduran, Angolan, or Qatari in such an encouraging environment? I’m very grateful that London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. But being able to talk in person with so many people who live so many thousands of miles away, is just an opportunity I cannot miss.

The second is about travel. Travelling has become a great passion of mine. Whether it’s going to the Isle of Skye to find out more about Scottish Gaelic and the stories of the people there, or going to Andorra and making myself speak only Catalan until I was able to find my way around (I failed horrifically) I’m absolutely fascinated by different sceneries, landscapes, and languages. Being able to travel to such a faraway part of the world as Korea and learn snippets of all sorts of languages will be so enjoyable.

My third reason is personal values. Sure, I knew the jamboree would be amazing. But I also believed that fundraising in my community before the Jamboree would give me morals and values that would stick with me. Having been a part of the UK Contingent for around seven months now, I can see that I was right. I’ve already made many amazing memories and had a great time learning how to help others and talk to other people.

What I’ve already learned on the journey

Where else I would I get the opportunity to speak at a national AGM, and talk in front of so many people? The unit has given us so many opportunities like this and helped us excel in them.

I’m so grateful for the chance to go to the jamboree, and for the experiences and lessons I’ve already received on this journey.

Help Santiago get to Korea

Santiago’s still raising the funds for his trip to the Jamboree. Please support him if you can.