Fat rascals, Morris dancing, Yorkshire puddings and proper Yorkshire Tea will be thrust onto the international stage by youngsters from Harrogate heading for the World Scouting Jamboree in Sweden this week.
Nine Explorer Scouts, their leader and two adult support staff from the town will be heading for Rinkaby, which hosts this year’s gathering from Wednesday (July 27).
The North Yorkshire contingent en route to Sweden for Scouting’s World Jamboree
In total 40,000 Scouts from across the globe will be attending the event – 36 of them from North Yorkshire – all taking part in team challenges, a night exercise and a chance to learn something new about different cultures through games and activities.
And each member of the Harrogate contingent – who had to raise £2,000 each to cover the cost of the trip – will be reporting back on their experiences to their groups, helping to spread their learning through the Scouting movement back home.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters who get a chance to learn something about the world while facing new challenges – and, of course, having a lot of fun,” said Harrogate district commissioner, Mark Turner.
“But it’s not just the younger members of the party who come back with something; the leaders will have just as many stories to tell their families and friends on their return, which we hope helps to spread the message about the positive impact Scouting can have on young lives.”
Also in the kit bag heading for Rinkaby will be a Yorkshire flag to help celebrate Yorkshire Day, which falls while the group are still on their travels.
“Hopefully, we’ll have a chance to fly the White Rose and explain something of its significance to us,” added Mr Turner. “It’s going to be a busy ten days but we’ll make sure we have a little time to think of home.”
