Thomas Gibbons, age 14, a member of 1st Catterick Garrison Scout Troop, is one of only 36 Scouts in North Yorkshire and the only in Richmondshire to be selected to make the trip in 2023.

He must now raise £4,000 to pay for the adventure, with a contribution also going to pay for children in a poorer country to attend the event.

Thomas said:

“World Scout Jamborees happen every four years and I am one of the lucky 3,240 that have been chosen from the UK to join nearly 50,000 young people taking part from all over the world at the 25th Jamboree.

“The World Scout Jamboree offers young people the chance to learn new skills, that they can use in other aspects of their life as well as campaign for change on key world issues that matter to them.”

He added:

“Between now and July 2023 I will attend training camps and team building events, preparing for living on the hot and humid site in SaeManGeum.

“As you can imagine, all of this will not come free, you have to fundraise all of the money required to participate in this incredible experience. The amount to be raised is £4K per person, so a great amount of commitment will have to go into reaching this target. A proportion of the money raised goes twards helping disadvantaged people in poorer, less fortunate situations and countries, to aid them in still being able to afford and attend the World Scout Jamboree.

“So really, I am fundraising for Scouts from developing countries just as much as for myself, for this amazing opportunity to globally connect, interact and pass on what I’ve learned to others on my return.”

Thomas is currently in Year 9 at Risedale School and joined the 1st Catterick Garrison Scouts as a Beaver in 2015.

To help Thomas with his fundraising or to find out more about his trip please click HERE.

To find out more about the 25 World Scout Jamboree click HERE.