SCOUTS from Jersey have faced a true test of their resolve – and the organisation’s motto, ‘be prepared’ – during a global get-together blighted by a heatwave, widespread illness… and now a typhoon.
The World Scout Jamboree in South Korea brought together 43,000 patrol members from 158 countries.
Nine delegates from Jersey, accompanied by Scout leader Greg Ruellan, were among a British group estimated to number more than 4,000. They have made contact with relatives at home to reassure them that they are safe and sound.
The event began last week as South Korea was experiencing temperatures above 35°C, with more than 600 cases of heat-related illness reported over the first two days of jamboree.
A decision was taken by the British delegation over the weekend to move their Scouts from the campsite in SaeManGeum to hotels Seoul, a journey of around 120 miles.
The opening ceremony was attended by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, as well as Chief Scout and survival expert Bear Grylls.
Scouting UK chief executive Matt Hyde said the decision to move had been prompted by concerns regarding sanitation and toilet facilities, ‘punishingly hot’ temperatures and inadequate medical facilities.
He said: ‘We are disappointed in the organisation of the event and feel let down, but we have been seeking to pull together a revised programme for the group in conjunction with the Mayor of Seoul and the British Embassy.’
Yesterday, organisers took the decision to move the remaining scouts from the campsite as a result of Typhoon Khanun, which caused power outages and evacuations in Japan and is expected to reach South Korea on Thursday.
The Jersey group is part of a unit which also includes scouts from Guernsey and Dorset. Andrew Snell, commissioner for Guernsey Scouts, said that all parents were being kept informed.
Providing an update, Jersey leader Mr Ruellan said: ‘So in a whirlwind we are back in Seoul. After a trying but fun few days on the campsite it was deemed by the UK management team to be too dangerous to stay.’
He described the relocation as a ‘shame’, as the Scouts were ‘really getting into the jamboree way of life’.
Mr Ruellan added: ‘We, as a group, had a few minor issues, but it was only when we met up with the rest of the UK contingent we realised how bad the situation was for some of them.
‘Anyway, we are all positively looking forward to exploring Seoul and the UK contingent have promised some exciting events are being organised for us.
‘We went for a little wander around the train station to stretch our legs this evening.’
The team have also been sharing updates on their Facebook page. Among the ways the group said they were coping with the heat was by heading to a water park on Wednesday after on-site activities were cancelled.
Island chair of the Jersey Scout Association Andrew Goodyear added: ‘The Jersey patrol unit, comprising nine young people and leader Greg Ruellan, safely made the transfer to Seoul as part of the UK Scouts contingent and are continuing to enjoy their adventures in Korea with a programme of activities under way to ensure they make the most out of their experience.
‘The unit had always planned on travelling to Seoul after the jamboree had finished and are due to travel back to the Island as planned on 18 August.’
Glen Militis, lead volunteer of the Jersey Scout Association, said: ‘It is great to report that the Jersey patrol are safe and well and making the most of their experience in Korea as well as sharing experiences with other scouts from around the world.
‘While the experience is not the same as what was originally planned, our young people have proved that they are adaptable and my thanks to everyone involved in ensuring that they can continue to enjoy a wide range of cultural and adventure-based activities.’
