A platoon of Richmond kids is going on a two-week camping trip in South Korea with scouts from all over the world.
More than 40,000 scouts will be descending upon the Saemangeum Seawall in the North Jeolla province for the 25th World Scout Jamboree from Aug. 1 to 12.
Sometimes referred to as the “Olympics” of scouting, the volunteer-run event takes place every four years and allows young scouts from more than 150 countries to build connections and friendships.
“It’s a really great opportunity for (the scouts) and it’s like a small city, almost, that’s set up for two weeks,” explained local scout leader Emily Wan.
“It really enables (kids) to talk, connect and talk about global issues like sustainable development.”
The event is by application and selected scouts must have “a strong character” and uphold scouting and community values, said Wan.
“I think it’s an incredible experience. It’s truly once in a lifetime for these youth and scouts to go on… it’s pretty lifechanging,” she added.
Nine scouts, made up of 14 to 17-year-olds from two Richmond troops, will be representing the city this year, including 14-year-old Burnett secondary student Paxton Cheng.
Cheng, the youngest of the group, has loved scouting ever since he started around five years ago. He was also recently crowned the 2023 Scout of the Year.
“It’s very fun. You get to learn a lot of new things. You get… more leadership skills,” Cheng explained, adding that his favourite thing about being in scouts is the teamwork.
Cheng and his fellow scouts have been working hard to fundraise for the trip over the past two years, including hosting movie nights, Krispy Kreme sales and a carnival.
They also designed badges to bring along on the trip to trade with other scouts, in addition to patches, neckerchiefs and items sponsored by the City of Richmond and Richmond RCMP.
Cheng told the Richmond News he’s excited to go on his very first trip without his family and make some new friends.
He also wants to learn from other scouts.
“Each country does scouting differently… I also want to get more learning experience, learn new (and) different things from different countries,” said Cheng.
