My Jamboree Journey: Shaped for Life

Jasmyn is currently a volunteer member of 3rd Wombourne for the Beaver section, but her Scouting story began much earlier. She first joined as a Cub aged 9, after deciding Brownies wasn’t quite adventurous enough. Watching her brother head off on exciting trips, camps and activities, she knew Scouting was a better fit for the type of person she was.

Jasmyn at the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in the USA.

The Jamboree Dream

From an early age, Jasmyn knew about World Scout Jamborees. Her group had a strong history of sending participants, and she hoped one day it would be her turn.

At 15 years old, that dream became reality when she was selected for Unit 86 to attend the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in the USA. Later, she was fortunate to return in a new role as part of the International Service Team (IST) at WSJ 2023 in South Korea.

The selection experience itself was unforgettable:

My brother got his call first and I assumed (wrongly!) I hadn’t been chosen. When the phone finally rang for me, I cried with happiness. That moment will stay with me forever.

Living the Jamborre

For Jasmyn, Jamboree was never just about the trip – it was about the whole journey: the training weekends, the fundraising, the anticipation, and then stepping into an international community of Scouts.

She hoped to immerse herself fully in other cultures, Scouting traditions, and friendships. She quickly discovered that what you put in is what you get out.

Memorable moments?

• Driving into camp in the rain, knowing the adventure was about to begin.
• Facing thunderstorms, laughter, and challenges together.
• Reconnecting years later, like unexpectedly meeting a host from her 2019 Home Hospitality at the airport in 2023.

Life After Jamboree – Shaped by the Experience

While the Jamboree itself was life-changing, it’s the post-Jamboree impact that really defines Jasmyn’s story.

She explains:

Resilience was key, especially for WSJ 2023. The journey was tough, filled with challenges and doubts, but I pushed through. That resilience has stayed with me. Now, I defy as many barriers as I can.

Jasmyn also credits the Jamboree with developing her leadership and teamwork skills:

• Learning to manage different personalities and opinions.
• Supporting others through homesickness, tiredness, and challenges.
• Bringing those lessons home, where she now leads as a Beaver Section Leader.

The skills she honed at Jamboree didn’t just stay there. They’ve become part of how she leads, teaches, and supports young people in her local Scouting community all while attending university.

What I Learned Along the Way

Being chosen as a Patrol Leader gave me the chance to develop my leadership skills and learn how to make quick decisions in challenging situations. The Jamboree also pushed me to adapt – whether to new cultures, climates, or unexpected changes.

On top of that, the fundraising journey taught me how to collaborate, communicate, and work hard for something I really believed in. These are skills I know I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.

Why should Scouts & Explorers apply for the Jamboree?

Jasmyn’s message is clear:

You only get to go as a participant once. The journey to Jamboree, from selection to fundraising it’s just as important as the event itself. The friendships you build and the resilience you gain will stay with you for life.

Beyond the Jamboree

Jasmyn’s Scouting journey hasn’t slowed down since her Jamboree days. After attending the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in the USA as a participant with Unit 86, a few years later she returned to the international stage as part of the International Service Team (IST) at WSJ 2023 in South Korea. Today, she continues to inspire young people as a Beaver Section Leader, showing that Jamboree is not just a single moment in time but a foundation for growth, leadership, and lifelong connections.