We are delighted to have supported a young man from 1st Blisworth Scouts who took part in the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.

Ben Taylor, 15, was selected to join the three-week event which was attended by 43,000 scouts from around the world.

Billed as a trip of a lifetime, the event hit the news because of poor organisation combined with a heatwave, with many being evacuated from the campsite. An alternative programme of activities was hastily arranged. 

Ben, who is part of Northants Scout Jamboree Unit, has been a Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer at 1st Blisworth for over ten years.

To prepare for the trip, Ben went on five team building and training camps, which included a week training in North Wales with the rest of the Northamptonshire contingency, made up of 36 scouts and four leaders.

Ben’s mum Faye said: “In order to go on the trip, Ben had to raise nearly £4,000 to pay for his flights, accommodation, food, equipment and training in this country.

“He raised a lot of the money himself by selling plants that he had grown, doing lots of cake sales, and selling quizzes at the British Grand Prix. He also raised money from climbing the three highest peaks in the UK in five days.

“Being involved with 1st Blisworth Scouts over the past ten years has given Ben so many great adventures and it has been a fantastic experience for him. 

“He visited Seoul Foreign School with some other units, had a go at Korean cooking and learnt dances from around the world.

“There was a hike to Yeonjuam Hermitage, a Buddhist temple 500m above sea level in the mountains, palace and museum visits and they were even fitted for traditional Korean clothing.

“He loved the ceremonial closing of the World Scout Jamboree at the World Cup Stadium where 20 K-pop acts took to the stage.

“Although it has been a very different experience to the one that he went to do, it has been amazing. The most important thing is that they are all safe. I have huge gratitude to Ben’s four Northants leaders for all the support they gave the young people.

“As Scouts, they have been tested on preparation, resilience and team work far more than could have been anticipated, and I am so proud of them.”

Dr Johnny Wake, Managing Partner of Courteenhall Estate, said: “When we heard about Ben and his fundraising we wanted to do what we could to support him. We were delighted to make a donation to help him smash his fundraising target and are pleased that he is back safely from what has clearly been a formative experience.”

The World Scout Jamboree takes place every four years, each time hosted in a different country.