Young Lancaster volunteers earn place at 2027 World Scout Jamboree
Five young people have earned the chance to represent their community at the 26th World Scout Jamboree in 2027.
Izzy Webb, Freya Pilling, Elijah Rei, Ollie Johnson and Lu Sissons secured their places following a rigorous selection weekend designed to assess leadership, teamwork, resilience, communication and problem-solving skills.
Through a series of individual and team challenges, they demonstrated the qualities needed to represent the district at one of the world's largest international youth events being held in Gdańsk, Poland.
For these five young people the journey is about far more than travelling overseas. It represents the next chapter in their commitment to volunteering, leadership and service.
Lu and Ollie, both from Helium Explorers in Carnforth, are already giving back through volunteering. Lu serves as a Young Leader with Halton Scout Group helping younger members build confidence and learn new skills. Ollie volunteers with 2nd Bolton-le-Sands Beavers and is helping lead a group of 20 West Lancashire Beavers on their first overseas adventure to Ireland.
Freya, from Saints Explorers in Bowerham, serves as a Young Leader with 5th Lancaster Scouts as well as volunteering with local charity Achieve, Change and Engagement, helping ensure young people's voices are heard while promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Elijah, from Buzz Explorers in Caton, is working towards becoming a Young Leader, while the youngest member of the contingent, Izzy from 1st Slyne-with-Hest Scout Group, is preparing to move into the Explorer Scout section and hopes to follow the same path.
Although each has taken a different path through Scouting, all five share a commitment to volunteering and helping younger people develop the confidence and skills that Scouting has given them.
Over the next 12 months, the group will take part in training, community projects and fundraising as they prepare for what many describe as Scouting's ultimate international experience.
Held every four years, the World Scout Jamboree brings together more than 40,000 young people from over 170 countries and territories. It celebrates friendship, adventure and cultural understanding, offering participants a unique opportunity to share experiences, discover new perspectives and build connections with Scouts from around the world.
When they return from Gdańsk, the group plan to share their experiences with young people across the district through school visits, assemblies and activities. They aim to inspire others to get involved in volunteering, discover the opportunities Scouting can offer and bring their new knowledge and experiences back to Beaver, Cub and Scout groups across the area.
Supporting them throughout their preparations is Lonsdale Scouts Coordinator, Josh Stennett, who is dedicating hundreds of voluntary hours to mentoring the team.
Although Josh will not be travelling to Poland himself, he believes the experience will have a lasting impact not only on the five young people attending, but also on the wider community they represent. He said: “They'll be fantastic ambassadors for the district. The skills and experiences they gain in Gdańsk will benefit not only them, but the young people they'll inspire when they return.”
Before they can represent Lancaster and the surrounding towns and villages on the world stage, however, the team faces a challenge.
Together, they now need to raise £8,675. Throughout the coming year they will be organising fundraising events, taking part in community projects and seeking sponsorship from local businesses, organisations and supporters.
Anyone wishing to support the group's journey can donate via their GoFundMe page by searching, Lonsdale Jamboree. Businesses or organisations interested in sponsorship or supporting the team's fundraising efforts are invited to get in touch via the contact details on the Lonsdale District Scouts website.