West Mercia Scouts Announce Unit 65 Leadership Team for World Scout Jamboree 2027

West Mercia Scouts are excited to announce the appointment of a dynamic and experienced leadership team for Unit 65, who will represent the county at the 26th World Scout Jamboree, set to take place in Poland in 2027.

After a competitive and inspiring selection process, four outstanding adult volunteers have been chosen to lead the unit on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The team will be responsible not only for supporting the young people through their Jamboree journey but also for building a strong, inclusive, and adventurous unit culture in the lead-up to the event.

Leading the team is Ben Hatfield, appointed as Unit Leader. Ben began his Scouting journey as a Beaver at 1st Sandwell Scout Group, where he continues to give back today as the Scout Leader. During his Network years, Ben also volunteered as an Assistant Cub Leader. With a wealth of international Scouting experience, he spent several years as a guide with JEKA and was a young participant at the World Scout Jamboree in 2007. Most recently, Ben served as Unit Leader for the World Scout Jamboree in 2023, making him a seasoned and inspiring lead for this year’s Unit 65.

Lewis Tucker, appointed Deputy Unit Leader, started Scouting as a Cub at Blue Ribbon before moving to 1st Sandwell continuing as a Scout and Explorer. Lewis continued his Scouting when he turned 18 as the Explorer Scout Leader for Earhart Explorer Scout Unit based in 1st Sandwell. Lewis also has significant international Scouting experience, having taken part in District expeditions to Switzerland and Belgium, and was a young participant at the 2011 World Scout Jamboree. He also served as Deputy Unit Leader for the 2023 World Scout Jamboree, bringing continuity and leadership strength to the team.

Joining them as Assistant Unit Leader is Ted Batham, who began his Scouting journey as a Cub at 1st Quarry Bank, Dudley and has taken on a wide range of leadership roles over the years. At his home group, Ted has served as Assistant Scout Leader, Scout Section Leader, Assistant Group Scout Leader, and Group Scout Leader, before also supporting young people as an Explorer Leader, Beaver Leader, and Cub Leader. He now serves as the District Lead Volunteer for Dudley and continues to inspire young people directly as an Explorer Scout Leader.

Ted brings strong international Scouting experience to the team, having been an IST member for the 2007 World Scout Jamboree in the UK and an Assistant Unit Leader at the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in Korea. His depth of leadership and enthusiasm for international adventure make him a key part of Unit 65’s leadership team.

The team is rounded out by Phoebe Jones, also appointed as Assistant Unit Leader. Phoebe has been immersed in Scouting since birth, attending her first scout camp aged approximately 6 months with 1st Sandwell. She then moved through Beavers to Explorers at 1st Meriden where she became a Young Leader and then an Assistant Leader in her Beaver and Scout Group. Later moving to Exeter, she has been a Leader with 7th Exeter for three years whilst continuing to support 1st Sandwell during her free time. Phoebe has international experience through helping support as a guide with JEKA, as well as being a Young Leader on a trip to Cambodia.

Together, Ben, Lewis, Ted, and Phoebe form a highly experienced and passionate leadership team, ready to guide West Mercia’s Unit 65 on an unforgettable journey to Poland in 2027.

Applications for young people wishing to be part of Unit 65 will go live soon. Keep an eye on the West Mercia Scouts website and social media for updates on how to apply and begin your Jamboree journey.