Scout reflections from South Korea

By Matt Romania

Fresh from the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea, four representatives from Ballan Scouts share their enriching experiences and insights.

This Q&A with Imogen, Millie, Ayla, and Cooper delves into the pride of representing Australia, the personal growth encountered on international shores, and the lifelong benefits of Scouting.

What does it mean to the group to represent Australia?
Imogen: “It was an honour to go to South Korea and represent our country in a global community. People were eager to know about our Australian culture. Sharing our heritage and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds made us cherish our country’s uniqueness and diversity.”

What did you expect to achieve by attending this event in South Korea?
Millie: “Heading to the World Scout Jamboree, we embarked with open minds, eager to interact with the global youth and share our Australian tales. We aspired to forge international bonds, expand our horizons, and enhance our global citizenship skills. Drawing from our experiences in smaller National Jamborees, we anticipated challenges that would hone our resilience, creativity, and confidence. The Jamboree indeed tested our mettle, but we returned as stronger, more motivated scouts.”

What do you hope you bring back to Ballan Scouts?
Ayla: “Our international journey imprinted unforgettable lessons on our hearts. We aspire for every Ballan scout to undergo the transformative growth we experienced. By recounting our adventures, we aim to inspire the younger scouts to embrace their unique journeys. The World Scout Jamboree’s uplifting atmosphere and the scouts’ unyielding spirit are qualities we hope to infuse into our daily lives and our Group.”

Your message on why someone might consider joining Scouts
Cooper: “Scouting is a phenomenal global initiative, shaping young leaders and inspiring youth. It offers myriad opportunities, from adventure sports to international camaraderie. Scouting has molded people into politicians, scientists, and even astronauts. It can turn any dream into reality. It’s more than just an organization; it’s a platform to serve the community, forge global connections, and evolve into tomorrow’s leaders. With Scouting offering something for everyone, the question isn’t ‘Why join?’ but ‘Why wait? Join scouts today.'”