Introduction information

The World Scout Jamboree is a WOSM event, for young people aged between 14 and 18 and is a gathering of Scouts from all over the world for an exciting programme of global development, peace, cultural understanding, adventure, fun and friendship. It takes place every 4 years and is organised by a local organising committee of the host country, supported by volunteers from across the World to manage all the departments needed to create a mini city for 2 weeks

The UK Scout Association has a long history of sending large number of Units (36 young people and four leaders, divided into four patrols) as part of a UK Contingent to attend World Scout Jamborees. The units represent each of the UK’s counties and countries/regions, with unit numbers being allocated based on the numbers of young people in each area. Each Jamboree is a very different experience based on its location and design but there are also many common factors of such an international event.

The 26th World Scout Jamboree will take place in Gdansk, Poland in July/August 2027.

The UK contingent will set the main Jamboree fee for UK Participants and confirm this cost to counties. This will include the Jamboree fee, travel, accommodation/food, most activities etc. The local Jamboree unit would then add a top up fee to this cost, decided by the county, to cover the cost of training events, local kit (ie T-shirts/hoodies), group equipment etc.

Person Specifications

Unit Leader, Deputy and Unit Leadership Team Members –Avon Unit to World Scout Jamboree

World Scout Jamborees are fantastic events and their impact on those that attend can be, in some circumstances, life-changing. Many young people and adults return from Jamborees exhausted but elated! The role of the Unit Leadership team is key in making sure that all the participants in the Unit have a positive experience of the Jamboree – from the moment they are selected right through until the end of the Jamboree experience (which may not be for many months after the Jamboree has actually ended).

Being a Unit Leader, Deputy Unit Leader or Unit Leadership Team Member is challenging but is also extremely rewarding. The below points indicate some of the skills and experiences that would be beneficial for those applying for a Unit Leader, Deputy Unit Leader or Assistant Leader role. Not everyone will have all the skills, and remember many skills and experiences are transferable from other situations (e.g. family life, work, other voluntary commitments). There are also many skills and experiences that would be valuable but we have not got room to list every desirable characteristic here. Please use this document (along with the role description) to help focus your application.

Please note: 

The Jamboree is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. Applicants should be aware of the nature of what is expected and be confident that they are able to contribute to all aspects of the Jamboree experience.

Applicants should be aware that the Jamboree experience may last up to three weeks subject to final confirmation on the makeup of the experience and therefore will need to be sure they have the support of employers and family to be able to commit to the event. Further, there will be a significant number of weekend and evening commitments in preparation and applicants should be confident they have time available amongst other commitments to fulfil the obligations of the role. 

Expectations and Commitments from the UK Contingent and County Team

As a member of Unit Leadership team you can expect the following support and guidance from:

The County Team

• Support with running the young person recruitment
• Support and advise for developing the budget
• Access to local mentors/ people with experience from previous world events to advise
• Regular review conversations , to identify and provide support for your own development and that of your team
• Upon request support with training or fundraising events with the young people for the unit
• Support with fundraising advice or grants towards the adult leaders Jamboree Fee (where possible)

The UK Contingent Team:

 “The World Scout Jamboree is one of the largest outdoor education events for youth on the planet! Tens of thousands of Scouts from all over the world come together to camp outdoors and join in fun activities where they make new friends, learn about other cultures, and develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime.”   World Organisation of the Scout Movement website

As the UK Contingent, this is our aspiration for our young people and the leaders supporting them. For many this will be the longest trip without their families and the experiences will shape their appetite for further adventures and give them tools that will aid them in life and build a legacy of future Scouting volunteers.  

To support our Unit Leadership teams there will be:

• Regular check ins with the Unit Support team
• Regular updates with new information and reminders for payments and data provision deadlines
• Face to face meetings for Unit Leaders and Unit Leadership teams
• Training to support Unit Leadership teams in preparation for the specific challenges a Jamboree brings and to have the skills to support their young people
• On event support for welfare, emergencies, safety and safeguarding