Congratulations! Trio of Budmouth Academy students for trip to represent Dorset at the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea

A TRIO of Budmouth Academy students have been chosen to represent Dorset Scouts at the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea next year.

Teenagers Bethan Arnold Douglas, Ellis Bowkett and Olivia Parry have been selected from hundreds of applicants to represent Dorset Scouts at the prestigious event.

The hard work continues with all three now under pressure to raise £3,700 each towards this trip of a lifetime.

The jamboree, which will last for almost three weeks, will see more than 45,000 scouts from around the world gather to take part in the world’s largest Scout camp.

L to R: Olivia Parry, Bethany Arnold Douglas & Ellis Bowkett – all students at Budmouth Academy

All three attended a rigorous selection event at Buddens Scout Activity Centre in Wareham along with scores of scouts from across Dorset.

Discussing their achievement, Bethan, 15, told the Dorset Echo: “It’s fantastic to have been selected, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something like this.

“The selection process was tough. We had to fill in lots of forms, attend roadshows and then attend a selection camp where we spent every moment being watched or marked as we completed tasks to see if we were suitable candidates. The events were designed to test our leadership, teamwork and enthusiasm.’’

Activities included orienteering, an escape room task as well as creative tasks designed to test ingenuity and quick-thinking.

Olivia, 15, said: ‘”We were given an Escape route activity where we had to find clues and solve riddles – it was a bit like being on the Crystal Maze! We also had to translate a list of words from Korean and only had 20 minutes to complete the exercise.’’

Ellis,16, said the ‘fundraising now required will be the real challenge’. The trio have already started planning their fundraising ideas which will include setting up Go Fund Me sites.

So far sponsored hikes, massive bike rides and bake sales have all been mentioned as possibilities.

Olivia was thrilled when she received the call to let her know she had been selected: “I come from four generations of Scouts and to be selected for the World Jamboree has made me and my family so proud.” Bethan, who joined the scouts when she was six, agreed with Olivia’s sentiments as scouting is in her blood too.

Mike Hoffmann, Principal at Budmouth Academy, said: “What a fabulous opportunity these three students have been offered and they have already done so well to get this far. All of us at Budmouth are happy to promote their fundraising events and help them on their way. Their enthusiasm is infectious.’’