An international event that brought together thousands of scouts in South Korea has been marred by unforeseen challenges, prompting evacuations and disappointment among participants. The World Scout Jamboree, attended by over 40,000 young people from 155 countries, faced a series of issues that culminated in the decision to evacuate the campsite due to an approaching typhoon.
As temperatures soared to 35°C (95°F), many scouts fell ill from heat exhaustion. The UK, US, and Singapore contingents were among those who expressed concerns about the conditions, with the UK group of 4,500 opting to relocate to hotels in Seoul, the capital. The UK Scouts chief executive, Matt Hyde, voiced his disappointment, stating that the event’s organizers had let them down and that their activities had suffered setbacks due to the unexpected expenses of relocation.
The situation escalated when the South Korean government, after considering the concerns raised by the World Organisation for Scout Movements and national delegations, decided that the event was no longer safe to continue. The evacuation process, involving around 36,000 people, was set to begin, relocating attendees to areas outside the typhoon’s path.
The event organizers emphasized that the jamboree would continue despite the relocation, with officials actively seeking alternative venues and accommodations in Seoul. The decision to evacuate was primarily prompted by the typhoon threat, highlighting the safety measures that need to be taken during such large-scale international events.
The challenges faced by the World Scout Jamboree underscore the increasing impacts of climate change on such gatherings. Heatwaves have become more severe due to human-induced climate change, and although the link between climate change and storm frequency is still uncertain, higher sea surface temperatures are likely to result in more intense storms and extreme rainfall.
Participants, particularly the UK scouts, had invested substantial time and resources into the event, spending around £3500 each to attend. The disappointment and financial strain resulting from the evacuation will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their experiences. Questions have also been raised about the event’s planning, potentially affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for thorough review and preparedness for unforeseen circumstances in future international gatherings.
Despite the setbacks, scouts from around the world remain committed to making the most of their time in Seoul. The World Scout Jamboree, a unique platform for cultural exchange and youth engagement, will continue to bring together young people from diverse backgrounds once the challenges have been navigated. This chapter in the jamboree’s history serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability, preparedness, and global cooperation when organizing large-scale international events in an ever-changing world.