23rd World Jamboree Fundraising

Summer 2015 will see thousands of Scouts from around the world gather to go to the 23rd Scout World Jamboree. 

A contingent of 36 Scouts and 4 Leaders from Scout Groups across the West Sussex  will head off to Japan in August 2015. In Horsham 7 young people and 1 adult have been selected to join the contingent. The Horsham Scouts now have just eighteen months to plan and run a series of fund raising activities.
Prices have risen considerably in the last sixty six years. The 1947 Jamboree in France cost £17 per member. The challenge for each member is to raise £3000.
The Scouts are all under the age of eighteen and will be balancing fundraising with their school or college work and other commitments, while also fitting in required Jamboree training sessions at weekends and evenings.
When they reach Japan, the Scouts will take part in a series of events encouraging cross-cultural learning. Along with looking at the environment, development, human rights, health, science and technology, there is a peace programme culminating in a trip to Hiroshima. They will be reaching out to and working closely with the local community. The Scouts will be representing the best of Horsham and bringing back their knowledge to our community. It is an extraordinary experience for everyone involved, providing them with something that will stay with them for life, as well as building strong ties with Scouts from other countries. 
In addition to raising money for the trip, they must take small, easy to pack items with them. It is a Japanese tradition to offer a gift to whoever they meet. We have been very fortunate that local printers, J R Print, will provide 100 business cards for each participant, but we would still welcome additional offers to help. In a country where respect and tradition is important, we want our young representatives to shine. 
The Scouts are aware of their responsibilities; they will represent the best of Horsham by doing ‘Their Best’. The next eighteen months will see them and their families working hard and making sacrifices to make the most of this golden opportunity.
However they do need support, be it donations of  resources, services or money. Whatever you can do to help, we would very much welcome your support.
Jamboree contingent members
Horsham Weald District – Nicholas Bird (1^st Shipley Scout Troop), Annabel Light (Pegasus Explorer Scout Unit), Megan Longdon (Europa Explorer Scout Unit), Ross McKay (1^st St Leonards Forest – Powell Troop). Linda Barker (1^st Cowfold Scout Group – Adult Leader)
Horsham West District – Jordan Levey & Izzy Lofts (1st Slinfold Scout Troop), Dominic Sayers (1st Rudgwick)

To find out how you can help please contact:

Peter Scofield

District Commissioner – Horsham Weald Scout

Dcweald@gmail.com

Winter Thrills - Wintercamp 2014

Thousands of Scouts were out in force for the annual Wintercamp. 

A highlight in the calendar for Scouts and Explorers (as well as Guides and Rangers), Wintercamp offers more than 30 different activities over two days, ranging from abseiling to zorbing.

Taking place at Gilwell Park in East London the weekend was jam-packed with high-octane adventure, with even more activities to choose from than ever before, including brush boarding and go-karting.

The best adventure.  The snow was nowhere to be seen this year, and while temperatures dropped to -2°C during the chilly nights, the 3,000 young people, along with nearly one thousand adult leaders, enjoyed two days of camping, cooking on open fires and experiencing fun under clear skies.

Phoenix (1^st Roffey) went as part of the Horsham Weald / Young Leaders contingency which was a total of 38 Explorers, other groups included Orion, Paladin, Europa and Pegasus.

‘This was my first time at Wintercamp, the new activities were great. I would definitely like to go again and maybe visit Gilwell 24 in the Summer if the Leaders can put up with us again.’ says Owen.

‘The White water rafting was awesome, we went to Lee Valley by minibus after booking our places early in the morning, and the water was very COLD!!  I am sure the Guide capsized the raft on purpose!! It was nice to have a hot shower afterwards before coming back to camp’ says Louis.

A few members of the Group mentioned that their favourite thing about Wintercamp is meeting up with people from other Scout groups from across the UK. It is undoubtedly one of the best adventures.’

Chief Scout Bear Grylls, all-year round international adventurer, said, ‘Wintercamp provides a whole new adventure experience for young people. This challenge is all about empowering these Scouts with the confidence and skills to survive the sub-zero temperatures, and keep warm and comfortable in their tents.  It's humbling to see so many inspiring young people enjoying such a wide range of activities, from climbing, abseiling, quad-biking and high ropes, all in January: the coldest month of the year. Go Scouts!’

The tents are now cleaned from all the Gilwell mud brought home, a BIG thanks to all the Phoenix Explorers that came to help John and Dave on Saturday 18th, your help was very much appreciated and over the past week to get the equipment back to normal…..  just the large mess tent to go now!!!

Thanks to all the Leaders that helped at Gilwell :-  Grizz, Chris, John, Ben, Alistair and Tom for your hard work over the MUDDY weekend.

To Elaine for arranging the fine details and organisation of the trip.

John FitzPatrick