Let’s get Joel off on his USA journey

There is still time to support a Paisley Scout’s fundraiser to finance his trip to the World Scout Jamboree.

It is believed he could be the youngest person from Scotland to attend.

Seventeen- year- old Joel Young is a member of Second Paisley Abbey Scout troop and is heading to the big event in West Virginia, USA, next year.

To get there he needs to raise £2,000.

Joel, a pupil at Paisley’s Gleniffer High School, said: “As part of the selection process, I had to write an application and then attend a selection day that focused on team work and initiative.

“There was an interview to pass next, which I was also successful in.

“I was informed about two weeks later that I had been selected, and after attending my first national camp in England, I was told that I was one of the youngest – if not the youngest – leader from Scotland.”

The money Joel needs to raise will cover the cost of the jamboree camp, food and transport and the post-event in Washington DC.

And he has organised a fundraiser with Paisley Abbey tomorrow.

“We will be running a Tower Day and coffee morning from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

“The Tower Day will include a 25-minute trip up the abbey tower, which has magnificent views of Paisley.

“The coffee morning is a great chance to relax while waiting to go up or just to have a nice atmosphere to eat your cake.”

Joel has been a Scout since the age of 12 and says being involved with the movement has allowed him to have some great experiences.

“It feels amazing,” he said.