Liam Downer, production co-ordinator, Jamie Dowsett, water sports instructor, and Lawrence Rutherford, trainee dispensing optician all from the Isle of Wight are currently with nearly 500 UK Scouts on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure, known as World Scout Moot, in Portugal.
Nine thousand Scouts from across the world, aged between 18 and 25 years old, are gathered in Portugal for the 16th World Scout Moot. The adventure began in Tejo Park in Lisbon on 25th July and will finish in Porto.
Immersing themselves in Portuguese communities and culture
Throughout the jam-packed event, they will be immersing themselves in Portuguese communities and culture. The international Scouting event includes a four-day expedition, during which, participants group with Scouts from other countries and take one of 100 routes through remote parts of Portugal.
After the expedition, everyone reconvenes with the other participants to have the remaining days filled with Scouting activities, international cultural learning and skill development at a camp base in Ovar, before the closing celebration and heading back home.
“I know it’s going to be amazing”
Full of anticipation as they got ready to leave for the adventure, Liam said,
“I’m really looking forward to landing in Portugal and attending the World Scout Moot.
“I’ve not been on an international Scout trip before, but I know it’s going to be amazing. I’m looking to find out all about the local area and see what it has to offer.”
“It’s going to be so much fun”
Jamie said,
“I can’t wait to get stuck into my Moot adventure. It’s my first international Scout trip and I’m looking forward to learning to be independent and learning more about myself.
“I’m going on an expedition exploring historic Portuguese Villages, it’s going to be so much fun”
“I am looking forward to exploring”
Lawrence said
“I am excited to take part in my first world Scouting event.
“I am looking forward to exploring the City of Coimbra which is where I will be based for part of the event.”
Engagement theme
This year’s theme of World Scout Moot is ‘engage’. The event encourages Scouts to connect with others and their community through cross-cultural exchange, understanding, and friendship. World Scout Moot not only gives participants their own unique experiences, but the opportunity to embed the skills and internal drive to positively impact the world around them.
Opportunities like this continue to be created thanks to the support of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Fields: The true international spirit of Scouting will shine through
Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields wished our Isle of Wight ambassadors well prior to their departure by saying,
“A massive good luck to Liam, Jamie, Lawrence and all the UK Scouts who are at the World Scout Moot. This is an amazing opportunity to discover yourself and the world around us, while exploring how you can create meaningful change.
“The true international spirit of Scouting will shine through, with so many chances to learn from other Scouts around the world. I know each UK Scout attending will grab the opportunity to create memories, friendships and skills to last a lifetime.”
‘’We know that too many young people today grow up unhappy and worried about their future. Scouts aims to change that. We give young people a chance to belong and a place to be themselves.’’
News shared by Alan on behalf of the scouts. Ed
