Four young people from Preston are heading off to South Korea for the World Scout Jamboree.

Setting off from Deepdale Stadium at 6am on Saturday (29 July) they are part of a 40-strong contingent from West Lancashire.

They will spend three weeks in SaeManGeum and Seoul, South Korea, joining more than 40,000 Scouts aged 14 to 17 from all over the world for the 25th World Scout Jamboree. This event happens every four years, each time hosted by a different country, and places at the event are highly prized.

Read more: Preston Muslim Girls High School has the biggest all-female Scout troop

Abbey (17), Emily (16), Lydia (16) and William (17) were chosen from a pool of 17 applicants from Preston to take part in this year’s event.

They will join 36 other young people and four adult Leaders from Blackpool, Chorley, Fylde, Lonsdale, Ormskirk, South Ribble and Wyre as the West Lancashire Unit of the UK Contingent.

Abbey (17), has been working towards this event since 2019, “I attended a talk from people who had been on the last World Jamboree in the USA, and I knew it was something I would love to be part of. I’m so excited that it’s finally here and can’t wait to get there!”

William (17) added, “After being selected last year, we’ve been hard at work visiting Scout groups to talk about our trip and raising money to pay for it by selling badges, running raffles and organising other events. I can’t wait to explore Seoul, spend time with my unit and meet Scouts from all over the world”

The theme for the 2023 event is “Draw your Dream”. With a wide and varied programme, Scouts from across the world will explore ideas such as global citizenship, sustainability, and the future of science and technology. Alongside this they will take part in cultural visits that will illuminate the heritage of this remarkable country, take part in adventurous activities that will test their bravery, and forge friendships and develop new skills that will help shape them in to the leaders and changemakers of the future.

Abbey explained what the visit will include and what she is most looking forward to.

She said “As well as the Jamboree itself, we have five days in Seoul, the capital city. We will visit the demilitarised zone and learn about the history of Korea.

“It’s such a different country and culture to the UK. I’m looking forward to trying the food, visiting a theme park called Everland, and meeting people from across the world.”

Read more: South Ribble District Scouts see biggest membership growth since pandemic

Clare Kennedy, spokesperson for Preston and District Scouts, said:, “40,000 young people from across the world are going on a unique adventure, and four Explorer Scouts from Preston are lucky enough to be part of it. They will experience amazing new things, make new friends and share lifelong memories.

“We’re so proud of them. They’ve put in a lot of hard work to get this far, and we can’t wait to hear all about all about it when they come home after what I’m sure will be an unforgettable three weeks.”

If you would like to follow the adventures of Abbey, Emily, Lydia and William, you can visit the Preston & District Scouts Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts. If you would like the Scouts to come and talk to your community group or business once they are home, please contact media@prestonscouts.org.uk

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines