Meet Some of the #WSJ2015 International Service Team Members

Over 33000 Scouts from around the world will travel to Japan for an experience of a lifetime – the 23rd World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) that will be taking place in Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi from 28 July to 8 August.

Included in this picture are close to 8000 volunteers, mainly International Service Team members, or commonly called ISTs, who have forked out money from their own pockets and dedicated precious personal time to serve at the Jamboree.

Apart from providing support to ensure a smooth running of the Jamboree, ISTs fulfil an important role in creating the “Jamboree atmosphere". I recently caught up with some of the ISTs to find out what makes them tick and why some keep coming back for more.

Lucas Fuly, Brazil – former WSJ participant/seasoned IST

Lucas Fuly
Lucas Fuly

1. How was your experience as a WSJ participant?
It was amazing, unforgettable and life-changing. My first WSJ was also my first trip abroad and to top it all, 2007 was the Centenary of Scouting. It was unbelievable, so many Scouts together, different uniforms, and a sea of tents. The activities were very appealing; we got to make new friends, and learn about new cultures and share ours as well. It is the best experience of my life so far. It opened my mind and broadened my horizons.

2. What made you decide to volunteer as an IST?
I had the opportunity of sharing and comparing my experiences as a WSJ participant with some ISTs. Although I got the most out of the Jamboree as a participant, I wanted to experience it as an IST member – to meet awesome people and do incredible things. Being a Jamboree participant and part of the Jamboree IST are two different experiences, so I knew I had to save money to join the 22nd WSJ in Sweden as an IST.

3. How was your first experience as an IST? Why did you decide to apply again?
It wasn’t easy. All the work, including cleaning toilets, almost got the best of me. But I realised that making sure that the Jamboree will be as awesome and unforgettable for the participants as the one I had, made it worth the effort. Meeting incredible people, seeing the Scouting spirit alive was the best part. When I heard about the 23rd WSJ in Japan, I knew that I had to be part of it again.

4. What are you looking forward to at the upcoming Jamboree?
To meet old friends again and make new ones, to learn new things that I can share with my Scout troop here in Brazil, and to make it another unforgettable experience for myself and the participants.

Lucas will assist in the Offsite Programme.

Dumitru Mihai-Catalin (Mi Ca), Romania & Publio Athayde, Brazil – ISTs attending the WSJ for the first time.

1. Why did you decide to volunteer as an IST?
Mi Ca: I’ve always wanted to go to a WSJ. However, I’ve only gotten the opportunity this year. Since I did not qualify as a participant, I decided to be an IST. Through this way, I would get the WSJ experience and help to make the WSJ a life-changing experience for the participants. Besides, going to Japan is on my bucket list.

MiCa
Dumitru Mihai-Catalin

Publio: Despite facing difficulties in raising funds initially, I’m glad that I’m going to make it to the Jamboree. I felt the need for this experience that I can share with the young Scouts whom I work with, especially those who are not able to experience a WSJ.

Publio
Publio Athayde

2. What are you looking forward to in the upcoming Jamboree?
Mi Ca: I’m looking forward to meeting smart and fun Scouts and building long-lasting friendship with them. I also want to explore the limits of my potential, an experience that I know will be useful in the future.

Publio: For me, WSJs strengthen the sense of brotherhood among Scouts. And the learnings that Scouts get from the Jamborees are very beneficial for them and their Scout Association. There is a multiplier effect, what happens at WSJs is replicated in many countries. I hope we will all share this experience with the Scouts we work with.

3. How were you introduced to Scouting?
Mi Ca: I was invited by my Scout schoolmate to a Scouting seminar in 2010. From then on, I became active in Scouting. I like it so much! The activities, the method, the brotherhood, and especially the volunteering.

Publio: I am from a family of Scouts. My father made the Scout Promise in 1932, and I did mine in 1977. I am the youngest of five brothers, all Scouts. I lead Scout troops and local Scout units.

Mi Ca has been selected to join the Site Management Department, while Publio will assist the Human Resources Department.

Bernhard Schwabl, Austria – missed the opportunity to be a WSJ participant, so he decided to be an IST member - twice.

Bernhard Schwabl
Bernhard Schwabl

1. Why are you volunteering as an IST?
Scouting has been part of my life since I was seven years old, I can’t live without it. And because I enjoy Scouting and Scout camps, I want to share that joy by doing a good job at the Jamboree. And to witness the Scouting spirit in the WSJ is an experience like no other, so paying to work at the Jamboree is definitely worth it!

2. How was your first IST experience? Why did you decide to apply again?
At first, I didn’t know what to expect. I was both curious and excited. I met so many people and I loved my job. It was such a great feeling to be around thousands of Scouts with whom you share the same interest, and seeing the kaleidoscope of colours at the closing ceremony, made it all worth it. The opportunity to relive that experience in Japan is something not to be missed.

3. What are you looking forward to in the upcoming Jamboree?
To meet new friends, learn new things, discover other cultures and make it a wonderful experience for the particpants.

Bernhard will join the Safety Department.

The IST experience is a challenging, educational and transformative programme that is designed to develop the skills of active Scouts and leaders aged 18 years and above. Many former IST members have found the experience as exciting as being a WSJ participant. For more information on the IST, visit www.23wsj.jp/ist.

Calling all former ISTs … We’d like to hear from you! Share with us your most memorable IST experience.

By Eul Bryan De Gracia.