The 25th World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) is underway with more than 43,000 Scouts and volunteers from around the world experiencing the event. Over the past few days an extreme heatwave and humidity has caused some challenging conditions for young people and volunteers taking part in the event.
Scouts Canada is aware of the current extreme hot weather taking place in SaeManGeum, South Korea, where a Canadian Contingent of 235 youth and 143 volunteers are attending WSJ. While Scouts Canada youth and volunteers are facing challenges related to the heat, the situation and jamboree infrastructure has improved with the involvement of WOSM and the Korean Government, and the youth experience remains generally positive. Participants remain in good spirits.
“My Patrol and I have been keeping busy by doing lots of badge trading, as well as different activities. Despite the heat, I’m having loads of fun and am making sure to stay hydrated.” – Scout, Xavier All Scouts Canada Patrols have expressed a desire to remain at the jamboree. Given infrastructure improvements and participant feedback, the Canadian Contingent will remain on site and continue to monitor the situation.
The safety of our youth and volunteers in attendance continues to be our top priority. Scouts Canada is working at home and abroad to monitor the situation and support solutions so that youth may benefit from the fun activities, international friendships and unique experiences that only a world jamboree can offer.
We are aware that within the four days of arrival (August 1-4), a total of five adult volunteers and four youth experienced heat stress, along with two youth on August 6; all individuals received medical assessments and returned to their camp sites. There have been no hospitalizations of Canadian Contingent participants due to heat-related illness. Individuals are acclimatizing to the weather conditions and staying hydrated with water and electrolytes.
Parents of all youth participants have been kept informed of the situation and challenges that the jamboree site has been facing. WSJ organizers continue to work with WOSM and the Korean Government to improve the jamboree site’s infrastructure. Additionally, umbrellas, cooling towels and hats will be distributed to jamboree participants on August 6th .
On August 4th, the UK Scouts Contingent announced their early withdrawal from the jamboree. We have confirmation from Canadian Contingent leaders that Scouts Canada members have benefitted from a campsite located in a different area from the UK Scouts, and are therefore not facing the same issues as UK Scouts.
Scouts Canada remains in regular communication with Canadian Contingent volunteer leaders, Canadian Embassy, relevant Korean authorities, and the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). This page will remain up to date as more information is available.
Courtesy: www.scouts.ca