​Fantastic four off on an adventure

FOUR young RGS Scouts are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime.

Reuben Harford, Joseph Lee, Philip Thody and Caitlin Ostler have been selected to attend the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Gdansk, Poland.

They are now starting fundraising efforts to raise £3,500 for the trip, a global skills and adventure festival which will take place in the historic Gdańsk region from July 27 to August 6, 2027.

Some of their fundraising plans include coffee mornings, helping at village events and even going busking.

Reuben, 15, from Markington. Is also planning a sponsored walk and is applying for grants to help him achieve his dream.

The teenager, who has been in Scouts for nine years, says: “I really enjoy it because of the great friendships I have there, and all the great opportunities to do interesting things.”

The students had to submit a written application and take part in a highly competitive day camp selection event where their teamwork, leadership and other skills were put to the test in a series of challenges at the end of which around one third of applicants won a place.

“At the Jamboree, there will be opportunities to meet Scouts from many other countries, I hope that the Jamboree will be, firstly, a fun experience, but I also hope to learn about other cultures, and how scouting operates in different countries. I am most looking forward to experiencing some of the local Polish culture,” said Reuben.

“My biggest challenge will definitely be fundraising as I've not done anything on a similar scale before.”

The global gathering of adventure and culture will bring together 40,000 Scouts from nearly every country to share experiences and build lasting friendships.

Scouts between the ages of 12 and 16 have been selected from across the UK and must be at least 14 by the time the Jamboree begins.

Philip, 13, from Risplith, joined the Scouts a year ago, having enjoyed his time in the Cubs.

He said: “I hope to take teamwork and lifelong friendships from this amazing experience and will remember this for years to come.

“When we are in Poland, we will be doing lots of activities like sailing climbing and there will be an opening ceremony with famous singers, we will also host other countries in our tent and make dinner for them and lots more.

“I am most excited to meet the other Scouts and exchange our custom unit badges (ours is a teacup) and eating at the Japanese tent hopefully!”

“The biggest challenge will be for me is fundraising all that money. Most of us play musical instruments so we plan to go busking.”

For all the young people involved, the Jamboree marks the culmination of two years of preparation, training camps and team-building events.

It will include activities focused on sustainability, skill development and global issues, all set against the backdrop of Poland’s Baltic coast.

Attendees will have the chance to try traditional Polish cuisine, explore historic streets and enjoy the natural beauty of the Gdańsk region.

Joseph Lee,12, from Harrogate, joined Scouts a year ago to make new friends and challenge himself.

“I am most excited about meeting the other Scouts and learning about their language and culture, we will be doing many things like cooking climbing and sailing,” he said.

“I hope to take skills like teamwork and leadership from this amazing experience as well as new friends, but the biggest challenge will be raising £3,500 in a short time.”

He is looking forward to busking when the weather is better and plans to do take part in sponsored running.

The 2027 event will mark the first time in 16 years that the World Scout Jamboree has been held in Europe.

Caitlin,15, from Knaresborough, who joined Scouts four years ago, said: “Once in Poland there will be various activities and opportunities available, such as day visits to cities and on-site activities such as climbing and sailing. I hope to make new friendships and learn new things.

“My biggest challenge will definitely be fundraising, and I plan to sell things at markets and organise some sponsored events.”

UK Chief Scout Dwayne Fields said: “Congratulations to all those who have been selected to go on this amazing adventure!

"World Scout Jamborees only happen every four years and tens of thousands of Scouts from across the world attend each one.

"Young people will experience different cultures, languages and cuisine while learning new skills. Poland promises to be one of the most exciting yet."

They are among 2,500 Scouts and 280 volunteer leaders representing the UK.

In addition, the UK will provide more than 630 volunteers to support the international jamboree team.