Scouts return to Shropshire all smiles after trials and tribulations of Korean jamboree
A contingent of scouts that were in South Korea for the world jamboree have returned to Shropshire all smiles despite the extreme weather that forced them to abandon their camp.
A group of around 27 scouts from Shropshire were among 4,500 from the UK and 43,000 scouts from 158 countries who travelled to Gunsan-si in South Korea for the Jamboree this month.
Soaring temperatures caused the UK Scouts to move their units out of the campsite early after authorities issued the country's highest-level heat warning in four years.
The Shropshire group was moved to the South Korean capital, Seoul
The extreme weather did not dampen the spirits of the group, though, who returned home on Thursday night following their Korean odyssey and having had a "fabulous time".
Eddie Hulme, Shropshire Scouts' County Commissioner, said: "They were absolutely buzzing," he said.
"All the young people had a fabulous time as did the leaders, although they are very tired as you can imagine.
"The parents were all pleased to see them and everybody was all smiles after the trip."
He added that despite the challenges of the extreme South Korean weather, the scouts, whose motto is "be prepared", coped with the last minute change of plans caused by the weather.
"They coped brilliantly," said Eddie. "Over two years of preparation for the jamboree really helped. They really did take on board that they needed to keep hydrated.
"When they left the campsite and moved back to Seoul a full programme of activities involving Korean and international culture, plus meeting other scouts from all around the world, continued."
He said the troupe visited various heritage sites, and at the end of the jamboree attended the K-Pop worldwide live concert with over 40,000 other scouts.
"They got the same experience, as they were in Seoul with lots of other scouts from all over the world. The only difference was that they were in hotels and not at the campsite," said Eddie.
"Our parents have been fabulous in supporting our young people and leaders whilst being away," he added.
"I would say all the leaders have been amazing. The parents recognised this as we had an emotional reunion last night where the parents gave all the leaders gifts for all the work they had done in making it such a memorable trip for their children."
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