Scouts have a ball despite weather challenges at World Scout Jamboree 2023

From floods, a heatwave and a typhoon to amazing cultural experiences, concerts and making international friends – World Scout Jamboree 2023 in South Korea had it all.

A month since returning from the event, Scouts in NSW are still regaling friends and family with tales of their experience.

Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner and Deputy Contingent Leader Lloyd Nurthen travelled with 390 Scouts from NSW as part of a more than 900-strong Australian Continent to the Jamboree in SaeManGeum, camping with more than 43,000 Scouts from all around the world. 

While the weather made the event more challenging than anticipated, it was an opportunity for the Scout motto of “Be Prepared” to truly come to the fore.

“This isn’t just about having the right gear,” Mr Nurthen said.

“It’s about adapting, about facing challenges head-on and moving forward, no matter the obstacle.

“Our Scouts have done that and more, and for that they have our utmost admiration.”

The 25th World Scout Jamboree saw Scouts showing incredible resilience and determination, never giving up on having a great time and making friends from all over the world, learning about different cultures and growing as individuals and as Scouts.

Mr Nurthen said the Jamboree was a “truly unique experience”.

“I am so grateful to the amazing team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the Jamboree a success,” he said.

“We worked long hours in difficult conditions, but we never wavered in our commitment to our Scouts. I am also grateful to the Scouts themselves, who were an inspiration to us all.

“I know that Scouts and the world will carry the memories of this Jamboree with them for the rest of their lives.”

1st Dubbo Scout Group Leader and State Emergency Service member Gavin Arnold supported the evacuation of the campsite as Typhoon Khanun bore down on the country.  

Mr Arnold, who was attending with his daughter Jessica, drew on his experience in both organisations to help ensure everyone was evacuated safely within 24 hours.

More than 1000 buses evacuated the 12sq km campsite, with Scouts moving to Seoul to continue the Jamboree in a different format, before closing out the event with a massive K-Pop concert at Seoul World Cup Stadium. 

Despite the challenges, our Scouts were still out, swapping Scouting badges and scarves with Scouts from other countries and making the most of the opportunities available.

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