Voices of Adventure: Advice to Inspire Your World Scout Jamboree Experience

The World Scout Jamboree is more than just a gathering; it’s a unique opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with thousands of Scouts from around the globe. But stepping into this vibrant event with countless new cultures and experiences may also feel a bit daunting.

To help you prepare, we reached out to Scouts who have walked this path before. They've navigated the same thrilling uncertainties you’re going to uncover, created lifelong friendships under the same starlit sky, and returned home with a backpack full of cherished memories and invaluable lessons.

They’re sharing their wisdom with you, drawn from special memories, instances of unexpected friendship, and even some challenging moments. Their diverse experiences all carry a common thread — that the World Scout Jamboree is a transformative, life-affirming journey. 

So, lace up your boots, adjust your neckerchief, and let’s hear their words of advice for Jamboree-goers like you!

1. Grab this opportunity and make the best memories!

“The World Scout Jamboree is a dream! But not a usual one. It is a mutual dream that more than 45,000 Scouts worldwide are living! My message to all the Scouts of the world: If you have the opportunity to be part of this dream, please grab it and make the best memories from it. It is a lifetime experience!”

• Rami Aidamouni from Lebanon attended the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in the United States of America as a volunteer with the International Service Team, known as IST.

2. Be prepared to share about your country.

“At the Jamboree, every Scout is more than just a participant... we all become ambassadors - representing our family at home, our friends at the local group, and our nation and motherland. So be prepared to share about your country and discover new cultures. Let’s celebrate our unity in diversity!”

• Eric Takiy from Brazil has attended an incredible four World Scout Jamborees! First as a youth participant and patrol leader in the United Kingdom in 2007, then in Sweden (2011) and Japan (2015) as an Adult Leader, and finally in the United States of America in 2019 as part of the World Scouting team. This year, he is attending as the Manager for World Events for the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM)!

3. Don’t worry about what you’re missing… embrace every opportunity that comes your way!

“My advice would be to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Open your heart and mind to the diversity of cultures. Jamborees are amazing, and there are so many things happening around you that you may feel anxious and fear that you might be missing out on a lot.

Try to plan your day with your patrol and unit, and aim to try different things every day: talk to somebody from a different country, try different foods, learn a new word, arrange dinner plans with a unit from another country, and the list can go on and on.

Believe me when I say that a Jamboree can change your life, so be present, soak in the magic of unity, and cherish every moment. And don't worry when it's over; in the blink of an eye, you will already be embarking on your next international scouting adventure.

• Esther Díaz from Chile first attended the World Scout Jamboree as a youth participant in 2007 in the United Kingdom, then in 2015 as a Scout Leader in Japan, and then in 2019 in the United States of America as a Contingent Management Team member. In 2023, Esther is Head of Contingent for the Chilean Scouts attending the Jamboree in South Korea!

4. With all the challenges… enjoy!

“If you think that you are heading to your usual camp, then think again! A magical life will meet your Jamboree life... surrounded by more than 40,000 Scouts from all different perspectives, cultures and religions. It’s something you will never forget in your entire life.

So my advice is:

With all the joy... enjoy!

With all the challenges… enjoy!

With any difficulties… enjoy!”

• Ahmed Mamdouh from Egypt attended the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in the United States of America as a volunteer in medical services for the Egyptian contingent. He will play the same role during the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.

5. Bring comfortable shoes - you will cover many miles but along the way meet beautiful smiles!

“Carrying comfortable walking shoes is as important as the experience of making new friends! And oh yes, your water bottle will make a great buddy since one thing you must do in the Jamboree is to stay hydrated.

You will cover miles of distance but along the way meet beautiful smiles! Have fun, keep the spirit of adventure and be ready to record all those amazing memories.”

• Jonathan Omondi from Kenya was part of the WOSM team and supported the Africa Solidarity Operation at the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011 and Japan in 2015. He is attending the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in South Korea with the WOSM team.

6. Our job is to turn the world into a permanent jamboree!

“When I saw thousands of young people, with all their colourful uniforms, from all over the world, come together to celebrate international friendship, I thought: this is what the world should be like! A massive celebration of citizenship and peace.

Our job is to turn the whole world into a huge permanent jamboree!”

• Felipe Marqueis from Brazil represented Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in the Better World Tent at the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in the United States of America. At the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in South Korea, Felipe is representing the World Scout Foundation.

7. Meet as many people as possible.

“Volunteering at the Jamboree was truly inspiring. Showcasing our country, making global friends, and cherishing countless memories made it unforgettable.

Meet as many people as possible — you’ll cherish those connections forever.”

• Steve Kent from Canada attended the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in the United States of America as a volunteer with the Canadian contingent.

8. Engage with new cultures and traditions.

“Jamborees are great for making new, life-long friends. Be sure to engage with new cultures and traditions.”

• Graeme Hamilton from the United Kingdom attended the 1991 World Scout Jamboree in Seoraksan National Park, South Korea and looks forward to coming back to South Korea in 2023 (32 years later!) as a volunteer for the 25th World Scout Jamboree!

9. Focus on helping others and solving issues.

“As an adult at the World Scout Jamboree, focus on helping others and solving issues. Sometimes it means working long days and sometimes through the night to support and help every young person grow.

For culture day, I had a plan to give all those attending our meeting a smile! To give everyone a good moment while they sat down with a cup of coffee, as the MC I decided to go with a funny hairstyle. A few giggling minutes when they could be amused and forget issues in the outside world.”

• Eva-Marie Lindén from Sweden was a volunteer at the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in the United States of America running meetings with the Heads of Contingents.

10. Take time aside to reflect and relax.

“So you're going to the Jamboree... You're going to have an AMAZING TIME! Remember though, whether you're naturally an introvert or an extrovert, it can be a lot to take in. Have a plan for when you need some time to reflect and relax.

Don't forget, Listening Ear services are on hand if you need to talk!”

• Hannah Kentish from the United Kingdom first attended the World Scout Jamboree in 2015 in Japan as a Scout Leader and then in 2019 in the United States of America as a leader in the Jamboree Planning Team. In 2023 in South Korea, Hannah is attending as Project Manager, Humanitarian Action & Peace Education in the Ban Ki-moon SDG Ma-eul.

11. Have fun! That’s the most important thing.

"Go out to meet new friends and share your Scouting experience. Enjoy exciting and adventurous activities with new friends, share meals together and learn about different cultures and foods.

And most importantly: have fun!”

• Edward Loh from Singapore first attended the World Scout Jamboree in 1987 as a youth participant in Australia and again as a volunteer 32 years later in the United States of America (2019), where he met Lord Michael Baden-Powell, grandson of Scouting founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell, pictured below.

And there you have it – heartfelt advice from Scouts who've journeyed before you, painting a vibrant picture of what lies ahead at the World Scout Jamboree. Their stories illuminate the joys of new friendships, the thrill of discovery, the richness of global cultures, and the transformative power of shared experiences.

Besides this great advice, never forget the basics: be prepared, stay safe and look out for others. Always be ready with sunscreen, insect repellent, waterproof gear and a great attitude.

Embrace this unique opportunity and allow it to shape you, just as you, in turn, will shape this Jamboree with your spirit, your energy, and your dreams. The World Scout Jamboree awaits you, ready to add your story to its rich history. Good luck, and here’s to creating memories that you will cherish for a lifetime!