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Being prepared may be the mantra they live by, but a group of scouts from Jersey have faced a true test of their resolve during a global get-together blighted by a heatwave, widespread illness... and now a potential typhoon.
The World Scout Jamboree in South Korea brought together 43,000 scouts from 158 countries.
Nine delegates from Jersey, accompanied by Scout Leader Greg Ruellan, were among an estimated British group of more than 4,000, but have made contact with relatives back home with reassurance that they are safe and sound.
The event began last week as South Korea was experiencing temperatures above 35C, with more than 600 cases of heat-related illness reported over the first two days.
A decision was taken by the British delegation over the weekend to move their scouts from the campsite in SaeManGeum to hotels Seoul, a journey of around 120 miles.
The opening ceremony was attended by Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, as well as Chief Scout and celebrity survivalist Bear Grylls.
Scouting UK Chief Executive Matt Hyde said the decision to move had been prompted by concerns regarding sanitation and toilet facilities, “punishingly hot” temperatures and inadequate medical facilities.
He said: “We are disappointed in the organization of the event and feel let down, but we have been seeking to pull together a revised programme for the group in conjunction with the Mayor of Seoul and the British Embassy.”
On Monday organisers took the decision to evacuate the remaining scouts from the campsite as a result of Typhoon Khanun, which caused power outages and evacuations in Japan and is expected to reach South Korea on Thursday.
The Jersey group is part of a unit which also includes scouts from Guernsey and Dorset. Andrew Snell, Commissioner for Guernsey Scouts told Express that all parents were being kept informed.
On Saturday, Jersey leader Greg said: "So in a whirlwind we are back in Seoul. After a trying, but fun few days on the camp site it was deemed by the UK Management team to be too dangerous to stay."
He described the relocation as a "shame", as the Scouts were "really getting into the jamboree way of life".
Greg added: "We, as a group, had a few minor issues but it was only when we met up with the rest of the UK Contingent we realised how bad the situation was for some of them.
"Anyway, we are all positively looking forward to exploring Seoul and the UK Contingent have promised some exciting events are being organised for us.
"We went for a little wonder around the train station to stretch our legs this evening."
The team have also been sharing updates on their Facebook page. Among the ways the group said they were coping with the heat was by heading to a water park on Wednesday after on-site activities were cancelled.
Since relocating from the campsite, the British scouts have taken part in cultural and sporting activities, as well as trekking and attending a football match.
Mr Hyde said the people of Seoul had been “incredible”, adding that he had been “truly inspired” by the response of the volunteers and young people in the British contingent to events.
Express understands that the Jersey group is likely to remain in South Korea for the rest of the week and travel home as expected this weekend.
Guernsey Scouts safe, heading for Seoul
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