The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Explorer Scouts up for trip of a lifetime
Two Cupar Explorer Scouts are preparing for the trip of a lifetime after being selected to attend the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.
Beth Harvie and Zoe Nimmo, both 14, are among 3,240 Explorer Scouts picked from the UK to join 50,000 people taking part in a summer 2023 event.
The S3 pupils at Bell Baxter High School were among 36 teenagers selected from 140 East of Scotland applicants after a selection camp near Forfar in December.
Both are using their initiative to fundraise at least £3,765 each through various activities to help pay for kit, travel costs, insurance, food and also assist any less-fortunate international Scouts.
Beth, who has been involved with Scouting since she was 10, explained how it has enabled her to develop her independence and team-working skills. She also enjoys outdoor activities, meeting new people, trying new things and making a contribution to her local community.
“When I go to Korea I hope to develop as a person,” she said.
“I hope to make lots of friends and to learn about different cultures all across the world. I am excited for the many activities we will do and to see a different part of the world.”
As part of her fundraising, Beth, who lives in Cupar, is selling baked goods and handmade gifts and has so far been making good progress.
She added: “I am very thankful for the generous donations made by North East Fife District Scouts, Cupar Scout Group and The Rotary Club of Cupar.
“My next challenge is to climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain, in May. I have set up a Gofundme page for this challenge so that people can sponsor me and follow my journey.”
Zoe Nimmo, who lives in Freuchie, started Scouting when she was six.
The former Freuchie Primary pupil, whose two older brothers were both Scouts, is very much looking forward to the adventure.
It’s emerged she also has something of a family tradition to keep up. Zoe said: “I first learnt about the World Scout Jamboree when I was in Cubs.
“A Scout came to talk to us about her trip to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan (2015). One of my brothers went to the last Jamboree in America and I also learned my grandpa went to the 9th World Scout Jamboree in 1957 at Sutton Coldfield, England.
“I knew how fun it all sounded and I really was keen to travel to Asia, see the different scenery and architecture and experience the different culture.
“So far for my fundraising
I have been providing a badge-sewing service to my Scout group in Cupar and the group in Freuchie. I am also planning to wash cars, have a garden party, sell baking and homemade plum jam and have a Burns Supper next year.”
As well as mixing with 40,000 teenagers from around the world, Zoe said the jamboree will include different opportunities from outdoor, conservation and environmental activities to learning about different faiths and cultures and making friends.
She said: “I’m most looking forward to the opening ceremony and the international day, where every unit displays aspects of their country, culture and food and to meeting Scouts from around the world.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor Beth and Zoe can get in touch with the 10th Fife (1st Cupar) Cupar Explorer Scout Unit via helen.scouting@gmail.com