Information pack for Youth Participants

Information pack for Youth Participants to

24th World Scout Jamboree, North America 2019.

In 2019 Scouts from over 150 countries will meet at The Summit Bechtal Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia, for the 24th World Scout Jamboree.

The Jamboree will be an adventure beyond anything you can imagine, it is to be hosted jointly between Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and the Scout Association of Mexico. The three countries are getting ready to welcome their Scouting friends as family to “Unlock a New World.” This is the largest event delivered by Scouting worldwide and 45,000 young people and adult volunteers are expected to attend.

The Jamboree

A World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) is a gathering of Scouts and Guides from all over the world for an exciting programme of global development, peace, cultural understanding, adventure, friendship and fun. They are usually held on a 4 yearly cycle and move around the world. To date every continent except Africa and Antarctica has hosted the WSJ.

The Scout Association has a long history of sending groups of Scouts, known as a contingent, to represent the UK at the WSJ. The Scout Association hosted the 21st WSJ at Hylands Park in Essex in 2007.

When?

The Jamboree itself will run from 22nd July – 2nd August 2019, the UK contingent are likely to expand the trip to include other elements such as home hospitatlity and/or a pre or post event experience and participants may be overseas for up to 3 weeks.

We recognise that these dates are likely to require departure prior to the end of the school summer term for some. We will provide support for contingent members needing to apply for leave of absence from school to attend the event.

All participants must be born between 22nd July 2001 and 21 July 2005. There will be absolutely no exceptions to this rule. If your birthday is between the dates highlighted above you are eligible to apply to join the Northumberland Jamboree Unit.

Weather

The month of July in West Virginia is usually hot and humid, with daily high temperatures of around 26°C. Some rain, particularly thunder storms are likely during the summer months in West Virginia. Humidity is likely to be high during the Jamboree, and this will make the ‘real feel’ temperature seem much hotter than the forecasted 26°C.

The Site

Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve is in an area of natural beauty which offers a huge range of adventurous activities. The site is hilly, spread over a large area with access provided by gravel pathways.

Below are some highlights of what the Summit Bechtel Reserve has to offer:

  • Longest combined zip lines in the world (5.45 miles/8.7 kilometres)
  • Longest canopy course in the country (9.55 miles/15.3 kilometres)
  • Largest man-made outdoor climbing facility in the country (218 stations)
  • Top purpose-built mountain biking facility in the country
  • Second-largest outdoor skate park in the country (4.6 acres/ 1.7 hectares)
  • Second-largest BMX facility in the country (13.7 acres/ 5.3 hectares)
  • Third-largest archery range in the country (116 stations)
  • Largest natural outdoor arena in West Virginia (80,000 capacity)
  • Access to one of the top-rated rafting, kayaking, and fishing rivers in the country
  • Access to some of the most popular climbing areas in the country.

Information about the site can be found at and

Cost

At present we are not in a position to confirm the exact cost, but it isenvisagedit will be in the region of £4000, with a £400 deposit due by the end of November. The deposit will be paid in two instalments £200 on confirmation of being selected with remaining £200 to be paid 6 weeks later.

What is included?

  • All flights and transfers during the WSJ 2019 experience in summer 2019, including UK airport
  • WSJ 2019 fees
  • Other elements of the UK contingent experience e.g. home hospitality
  • Kit – uniform and selected key personal equipment and unit equipment
  • All food/meals and accommodation during the WSJ 2019 experience
  • Insurance

We plan to undertake a good deal of fundraising activities in the lead up to the event, to reduce the amount each selected young person would have to pay.

Selection

Every young person who completes and submits an application form within the deadline will be invited to attend the selection weekend. This will take place at Dilston Scout Campsite on 14th and 15th October.

Applicants will be invited to attend either the Saturday or the Sunday activity day. Further information as to which day an applicant is invited to will be emailed to them during the week commencing 7thOctober. The application form has a section for an applicant to advise which date they would prefer to attend. There will be a nominal charge of £10pp for the selection day.

Applicants will be advised via email during the week commencing 22nd October as to whether they have been successful or not. If successful an initial deposit of £200 will be required to secure the place, followed by a further £200 6 weeks later. A payment plan will be set up once young people have been selected.

Roadshows
If you are a Scout, Explorer Scout, parent or leader and would like to find out more information about the 24th World Scout Jamboree in America, or have any questions please come along to a road show at one of following locations:

7th September – 61st Newcastle Scout HQ – NE7 7RB – 8pm

13th September - Hindmarsh Hall, Alnmouth, NE66 2RS- 7.30pm

20th September - Beaconhill Community Centre, Cramlington, NE23 8EH – 7pm

21st September – Hexham – Venue TBC

23rd September – County AGM

26th September – County Office, 39 Horsley Avenue, Shiremoor, NE27 0UG – 7pm

All Roadshows will last 1 hour 30 mins.

Applying for the WSJ 2019

If you fit the age criteria – born between 22nd July 2001 and 21st July 2005 and would like to be considered for a place in the unit of 36 young people attending WSJ 2019 to represent Northumberland Scout County, please complete the application form and return by 12 Noon on Saturday 30th September 2017.

Please note as part of the application form we require the following:

  • A passport style photo, this can be attached electronically,
  • A statement from your section leader to support your application (they should comment on your Scouting experience and the skills you can bring to the unit)
  • Acknowledgement that your District commissioner know that you would like to be part of the Jamboree unit. Please ask your Scout/Explorer leader to complete the section to confirm they have told your district commissioner.

The application form can be returned either by email or by post:

24th World Scout Jamboree Unit

Northumberland Scout Council

39 Horsley Avenue

Shiremoor

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE27 0UG

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