[UPDATED] Trinidad and Tobago Scouts in good spirits in South Korea

The 30 members of the TT Scout Association in South Korea reportedly remain in good spirits as the World Scout Jamboree continues.

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 Thursday, national scout commissioner Mark John said the mood of the scouts was pretty sombre when they understood that they had to leave the jamboree site.

“They felt as if they were now starting to truly enjoy the camp as there were many obstacles that they had to overcome. These were mainly associated with the heatwave and the rain that happened just before the heat. However, the leaders of all the groups came together to ensure that they were able to have a good time, do meaningful things and make lasting friendships.”

The World Organisation of the Scout Movement said the move took place on Tuesday, calling it the first ever travelling jamboree. It said while on the move, the scouts took part in activities such as visiting temples, trying K-Pop dance, joining traditional tea ceremonies, getting into nature, archery, visiting museums, and others.

John said the contingent is sharing a dormitory with scouts from different continents.

“Once we got to the dormitory we recognised that we were not alone but we’re with eight other countries from different continents. There was Chad, Lybia, Curaçao and the Ukrainians there with us for instance.

“The scouts learnt the story of what was taking place in Ukraine from first-hand experience and were deeply touched. They committed to ensuring that they had the best time ever.”

In a post on the association’s Facebook page on Wednesday, he said the group went exploring.

“We are the Jamboree on the Streets, after being evacuated safely to Yonsei Songdo University we decided to take a tour of the downtown district. We continue to participate with our fellow scouts in the 25th World Scout Jamboree 2023 programme.”

He also posted a video of the contingent celebrating with other scouts.

“The scene was jubilant as we celebrated not only the lasting friendships that we made but the survival unscathed from the threat of Typhoon Khanun.”

John said the area where they were being housed was still experiencing effects of the typhoon, but those had eased significantly. South Korea is 13 hours ahead of TT.

“There was some disappointment when we got up to heavy rain and winds but they quickly settled into doing activities indoors, including playing football. Today it’s still very rainy but not as much as yesterday.”

John said the closing ceremony would take place on Friday evening South Korea time, and would be attended by honorary consul of TT in Korea, Seung Woong Choi.

“It begins with a function for officials including our honorary consul then followed by a K-Pop concert. I know that they are looking forward especially to the concert and were talking about meeting their favourites.”

The contingent will return to TT on August 14.

Typhoon Khunan affected southern regions of Japan and South Korea, with at least one person dying before it weakened. Before this, South Korea was experiencing a massive heatwave.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

The 30 members of the TT Scout Association in South Korea reportedly remain in good spirits as the World Scout Jamboree continues.

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.

In a post on the association’s Facebook page on Wednesday, scout commissioner Mark John said the group went exploring.

“We are the Jamboree on the Streets, after being evacuated safely to Yonsei Songdo University we decided to take a tour of the downtown district. We continue to participate with our fellow scouts in the 25th World Scout Jamboree 2023 program(me).”

He also posted a video of the contingent celebrating with other scouts.

“The scene was jubilant as we celebrated not only the lasting friendships that we made but the survival unscathed from the threat of Typhoon Khanun.”

The World Organisation of the Scout Movement said the move took place on Tuesday, calling it the first ever travelling jamboree. It said while on the move, the scouts took part in activities such as visiting temples, trying K-Pop dance, joining traditional tea ceremonies, getting into nature, archery, visiting museums, and others.

Newsday was unable to contact John up to press time owing to the 13-hour time difference between the two countries.

Typhoon Khunan affected southern regions of Japan and South Korea, with at least one person dying before it weakened. Before this, South Korea was experiencing a massive heatwave.