Scouts head to World Jamboree in USA

L-R: Steve Clark, Kathy, Jack, Emily, Steve McNee and Reann.

A group of Scouts and Explorers have been given a helping hand by The East Lancashire Masonic Charity in their bid to reach the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in North America.

40 Scouts from Greater Manchester will be jetting off to the US with stops in New York, Washington, 10 days camping in West Virginia and a few days staying with a Scout troop in Canada all on the cards.

The East Lancashire Masonic Charity has offered advice and made a £1200 donation.

The gathering is held every four years and attracts over 45,000 Scouts from across the globe, who come together to experience different cultures, make new friends and enjoy a variety of adventurous activities.

Steve McNee is the leader of the Explorer Group which is based in Middleton.  He explained “The World Scout Jamboree in North America is an incredible experience that will change the lives of all the 45,000 young people who attend.  Not only is it an adventure, but meeting and working with young people from almost every nation on earth helps foster intercultural learning and tolerance which is badly needed in today’s world.”

Explorer Scout Emily, 15, said “We have fundraised £4000 each to be part of what is going to be an absolutely brilliant opportunity, I can’t wait to meet people from all over the world and bring back lots of ideas to use within local Scouting.”

The donation from the Freemasons will be used by the Scouts to help pay for equipment that will be needed ahead of the event which is due to take place at the Summit Betchel reserve in West Virginia in July and August this year.

Steve Clark of East Lancashire Freemasons said “This is a perfect opportunity for these amazing young people to engage with scouts from across the world in what is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.  It is a privilege to be able to help them achieve their objective, and I am looking forward to them returning and telling us about their experiences.”

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