An event with more than 40,000 scouts from over 180 countries is held every four years. This life-changing experience is open to a limited few. The 25th World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) will be held in Saemangeum, South Korea next year with the purpose-built camp spanning over 10km ²; the equivalent of 1,868 football pitches. Attendees have the chance of meeting other scouts from all over the world. This is an important event for the World Organization of the Scout Movement as this experience can shape young people for life. The slogan for 2023 is ‘Draw Your Dreams’ as usual encouraging attendees to dream big and positively impact the world. Attendees are between 14 and 18 but many volunteers attend as this event which would not be possible without them.

Due to limited places, a selection process is undertaken for each district. The North West Kent selection process comprising Scouts and Explorer Scouts from both Dartford and Medway took place in mid-January. This event involved three days and two nights of camping in bitterly cold conditions. Tents flooded the Buckmore Park scout campsite as 54 scouts took part. However, only 13 could be selected. The camp involved numerous activities such as cooking stew on a fire, archery, problem-solving and first-aid, to test attendees. A chaotic stew making session where groups had to build a fire, chop vegetables and construct cooking containers from tin foil, tested both teamwork and leadership and also communication skills. Groups were changed for each activity allowing attendees to mix with others testing social skills which are crucial for the WSJ.

The attendees were observed by external volunteers. These, known as pinkies due to their pink hi-vis jackets, observed activities and sessions during the camp and gave feedback through an online system. Observers were not allowed to interact with the members or know them prior to the event to eliminate bias. To make the system fair, all attendees wore numbered hats making them easily identifiable. The observers were well versed with successful jamborees, therefore knew which attributes to look for. These selections were made over the course of 5 hours of negotiations and were based on personalities and not achievements. The selectors looked for attributes of listening, empathy, teamwork, taking responsibility, positive thinking and respect.

The first World Scout Jamboree was held in 1920 in Olympia, London. This prestigious event has continued to gain in popularity and has changed the lives of scouts for over one hundred years. This is due to the community built during these events. Over the two-week camp, members meet others from all over the world and take part in a variety of activities and learn and understand other cultures.  The event fee is raised leading up to the trip through fundraising events and receipt of grants available to UK attendees. The amount paid varies by country depending on national wealth thus giving scouts of all nationalities an opportunity to attend.