Scouts to return to TT after eventful world jamboree in South Korea

The TT Scout contingent which attended the eventful World Scout Jamboree in South Korea will return to TT today.

Despite the difficulties they faced, the scouts had a positive experience overall, Newsday was told.

The contingent, along with the 40,000 scouts and volunteers attending the jamboree, were moved to the Yonsei Songdo University in Seoul to avoid the effects of Typhoon Khanun, which was threatening their campsite at SaeManGeum. Prior to this, the scouts were experiencing the effects of a record-breaking heat wave.

Speaking to Newsday via Whatsapp on Saturday, national scout commissioner Mark John said the closing ceremony took place on Friday.

“The rain continued as it had the day before. We had overcast skies all day with the rain holding up for us to enjoy the closing ceremony and K-Pop concert.

"Today it is still overcast but the mood remains positive as we are doing our best to enjoy the sites of South Korea. Our Honorary Consul here, Seung Choi, was able to visit us and he and I were guests of the government at the closing ceremony.”

John said the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the scouts as they toured South Korea after the closing ceremony.

“Lunch was Korean bibimbap a very delicious meal. We then toured the palace and understood more of the South Korean culture. Our final dinner was Korean chicken ginseng soup which was very well received especially as it was served hot and allowed us to warm up despite the persistent rain.”

He said Choi visited the scouts in the evening and brought ice cream for the contingent.

“He bid us adieu and thanked us for coming to South Korea. He said he hoped we had a joyful experience despite the setbacks. He also asked the scouts to look out for the scholarship applications that come out from the Korean embassy as he believed they have the right foundation to learn how to become future leaders and nation builders.”