8 things to know before the World Scout Jamboree

By Mark Beese, Communications Co-Lead, 25th World Scout Jamboree

Soon, Scouts and their Leaders from more than 150 countries will converge on an 8.8 square km field in Saemangeum, South Korea for the 25th World Scout Jamboree. My first World Jamboree was eight years ago in Kirara-hama, Japan.

I’ve learned a lot since then, including at the last World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, USA, and wanted to share some tips. While these are intended for Scout Leaders, I hope that most of these are also useful for participants and volunteers.

Here are eight things I know now that I wish I knew at my first World Scout Jamboree:

1. The magic of a Jamboree is making friends from other countries.

The best time for socialization is after dinner when there are no formal programs being held. Planning elaborate meals that require extensive clean-up eats into the precious time for Scouts to wander around the sub-camp and meet people. This is their magic time.

Setting a time for "lights out" helps Scouts get well-needed sleep, but don't make it too early, as the time between 18:00 and 23:00 is prime social time.

2. It's a thing to invite other units over for dinner, dessert, or a party. Plan early.

We figured this out too late and only were able to schedule a few dinners at the later part of the Jamboree. Units who understand this system start filling up their "dinner diary" early in the week.  

As a Leader, get to know other Unit Leaders around your campsite, and invite them over for dinner. They can bring their food. Patrols can cook together, or the two (or more) units can cook as one. Plan icebreakers so Scouts can get to know each other. Perhaps plan a campfire (without the fire) to share songs or skits.

3. Bring gifts. Lots of them.

We actually planned for this, but we ran out of gifts. Neckerchiefs from your home unit or region are great gifts. Patches and small gifts from your home country, region, or town are great too. Some countries make deserts from their home country (yum).

You might be visited by special guests from the host country or other "VIPs". Be prepared to give them gifts, too. Korea is a gift-giving country, so be prepared to reciprocate.

4. Be prepared for chaos. It's the Jamboree!

At my first Jamboree, I packed my Western-style set of expectations about schedules, organization, communication, and structure along with me. I should have left those expectations at home. I would have been a lot happier!

In Saemangeum, a camp city of over 50,000 people will be built, stocked, and outfitted over the coming weeks. It will be run almost entirely by volunteers - many of whom have never done their particular job. We've been planning for years, but there will be operational bumps in the road. Lots of bumps.

5. Your number one job is the health and safety of your Scouts. This includes mental health.

It will be hot and humid at the Jamboree.  Leaders need to be on watch to ensure Scouts are well hydrated, wearing hats and sunglasses, using sunscreen, and getting enough rest. Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and act quickly. Bring extra water to events to share with Scouts if needed.

Keep an eye on how Scouts play to assure a safe environment. Check in with Scouts and Leaders about their mental health. Understand the protocol for reporting injuries and getting help quickly. 

If units are split up, have a plan in your unit leadership for who stays at camp, and who goes to a program. Develop a way to communicate with parents back home in the occasion of an emergency (WhatsApp group, phone tree, etc.).  We had one Scout break his neck (ouch), requiring an extended stay in the hospital. Work with your Contingent Management Team to be prepared.

6.  Some Scouts need a nudge

The Jamboree is a transformative experience! The program will be fun. The shows will rock. The Ban-Ki Moon Global SDG Maeul will be amazing. But what Scouts will remember are the relationships they build with people from around the world.

After the Jamboree, they will feel a connection and have concern for the global community like they never imagined before. Unit Leaders may need to nudge a few participants out of the campsite to discover the magic. If you have a few reluctant Scouts, pair them up with one or two others to roam the subcamp and see who they could meet. Exchanging patches or badges is a great start.

Some units will host guests for experiences like tea in the UK camp, or a cèilidh with the Irish Scouts, or a dip in the inflatable pool with the Aussies. What can your unit do to be the "cool place to hang out"?

7. Culture Day is the highlight of the Jamboree. Create a memorable experience.

In the middle of Sunday, each unit puts on a demonstration illustrating the culture of their country, region, or locality. The camp is closed to visitors. This is your opportunity to cook, sing, dance, or offer an experience from your country that will make a memory for your guests.

I remember watching Scouts getting henna tattoos at the India camp, eating amazing kimchi with the Koreans, sampling hákari with Icelanders (think twice about this!), and vegemite with the Australians.

Have your unit throw a party that your guests will remember. Take turns staffing your unit party by wandering around the sub-camp.  

8.  Have fun. Make friends.

Get out of your campsite. Have coffee with a unit leader from another country. Have real conversations. While being respectful, ask impactful questions.

Be reflective - what can you take back to your unit or National Scout Organization (NSO)? In my NSO, many of our changes and improvements can be traced to our experiences at World Scout events.

World Jamborees are transformative for Scouts, but also for Leaders and organizations. I know your experience at the Jamboree will be unique and special in many ways and I can't wait to hear about them and watch the transformation again with my own eyes.

Stay engaged with the World Scouting community online by using #ScoutJamboree and following their channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

I look forward to sharing an incredible World Scout Jamboree experience in Korea! Wishing a safe and fun journey to you all.