Purr Patrol: memories from the World Scout Jamboree in Korea

The Purr Patrol - including 9 of the region's young members and 1 unit leader - together with 9 members in the international service team, attended the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.

Although the event did not go exactly as planned due to the weather and conditions, the young people had an amazing time creating memories, doing and seeing things that will live with them forever.

Now, let’s hear from the Purr Patrol themselves:

• How did you interact with participants from other countries? Where were they from?
  
  During the jamboree I made a best friend from America who I met up with multiple times and now message daily. We are arranging to meet next year. - Heather, Sussex Central county
  
  Sadly, as a leader I didn't have much chance to meet leaders from different countries, but the young people made friends and did some swapping. The highlight for me was that one of the Scouts in our group is Venezuelan. There was only one patrol of Venezuelan Scouts at the whole jamboree and by chance they were camped next to us! It was so special for Arturo to be invited to have arepas for dinner on our final night on the jamboree site. - Caroline Kendall (CK), Purr Patrol unit leader, London South West county
  
• What was one of the most interesting things you saw?
  
  Korea is a really interesting mix of tradition and high-tech. There is so much technology, like self-flushing toilets, screens at tables in restaurants to place your order, and robotic floor cleaners. Yet there is also so much tradition and heritage, which seems to be really valued and respected. - CK
  
  One of the most interesting things I saw was the DMZ and how the border was controlled, as well as their hopes for peace. Leaving the jamboree site was obviously unexpected, but it allowed us to explore more of Seoul that we wouldn’t have experienced before, which I am glad about. - Charlotte P, Surrey East county
  
• What was most challenging?
  
  The heat, without a doubt. As leaders we spent so much time just trying to keep people cool and hydrated - some top tips include wetting your necker in cold water, isotonic drinks, water sprays, cooling towels and keeping covered up! - CK
  
  The most challenging part was probably spending 2 days in hotel rooms. There was no way to avoid it, but it did test my patience and ability to cope with not having anything to do, and the mess of course! We got through the days by doing face masks, having Taylor Swift discos and drinking Starbucks! - Heather, Sussex Central county
  
• Did you do something outside of your comfort zone?
  
  Trying new foods was definitely outside of my comfort zone but I tried everything and am definitely less nervous to try new foods and surprised myself. My favourite new foods are Korean chocolate puffs and sticky rice, they're so delicious! - Daisy, Kent East county
  
  During the (almost!) 2 years between selection and the jamboree, our unit leader dropped out and I stepped up into that role. I challenged myself to complete my Scouts wood badge. Getting involved with Scouts was a new experience but I learnt so much from them (and I think they learnt a few things from us, too!). - CK
  
• What was your favourite new food?
  
  My favourite new food has to be mochi (although my family disagree). - Charlotte P, Surrey East county
  
  On the first day, Aishah discovered these Swiss roll cakes, made from a really light and fluffy sponge with cream fillings - I ended up eating one at least every other day - they were so good! -CK
  
  
• Was there anything that surprised you or was unexpected?
  
  The general sense of community and upbeat across the whole Jamboree campsite. It was inspiring to see people continue their traditional scouting routines each night, despite weather conditions and the enthusiasm during the daytime such as in the swapping tunnels, where people would come to share musical talents and skills. - Fran, Greater London Kent county
  
  I had heard that Koreans are really friendly, but I had no idea just how welcoming people would be. Their kindness and generosity was so memorable. - CK
  
• What would you say to another Guide, Ranger or leader thinking of going on an international trip?
  
  I think the jamboree is quite unlike other international trips I've been on because it is a huge time commitment. Between selection and the trip itself, there were 22 months! I loved the challenge, but you have to be prepared that it is a big time commitment, and you have to be adaptable and able to work in a close team. - CK

• Anything else you would like to add?
  
  Just to thank everyone who supported us during the journey to the jamboree, with a special shout out to my brilliant Brownies and their parents who helped with my fundraising! - CK