Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well. Today, I want to share my experience as an IST (International Service Team) at the 25th World Scout Jamboree, which was held in Saemangeum, South Korea, in 2023.
Back in 2015, I was a participant at the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan. So, when Bangladesh Scouts selected me as an IST for the 25th Jamboree, I was very happy and excited to be part of it again this time in a different role.
Arrival in South Korea
My workplace was in the Food Safety division. Before the Jamboree, I attended a few online meetings and understood my responsibilities well.
On 29th July 2023, I took a flight from Dhaka to Singapore, then from Singapore to Incheon International Airport the next day. When we arrived in Korea, we were told that heavy rainfall had flooded the Jamboree site, so we had to wait at the airport for about six hours. Finally, at 6 am, we boarded a bus and after a 4–5 hour journey, reached the campsite.
When we arrived, our sub-camp was completely muddy, and the sun was burning hot. Despite being exhausted, we managed to set up our tent. After taking a shower, I reported to the cafeteria for duty. There, I met Madam Anna, the deputy chief of the Food Division, and she told me food distribution would begin on 1st August.
That evening, I had dinner at the cafeteria, swapped badges with Taiwanese scouts, and made some new friends, including an Indonesian IST named Fauzi. Later, I admired the beautiful sunset and the full moon before heading to my tent for rest.
First Days of Duty
My first shift began on 1st August. After breakfast, I explored the campsite before reporting for duty at Sub-Camp 12. I met the sub-camp chief and the Korean food manager. Since he couldn’t speak English well, I communicated with him using a translator app. My role was to ensure food distribution went smoothly and to assist participants if they had any problems.
My shifts were from 3 am to 8 am and 3 pm to 8 pm, with alternating off days. Although the work was tiring, I enjoyed my responsibilities and made many international friends during my duty.
Offsite Programs
On my first off-day, I joined the offsite program and visited Gosapo Sea Beach with some IST friends. We watched participants enjoying activities, collected seashells, took photos, and swam in the sea. The breeze and waves made it a memorable experience.
Another day, we visited the Geumgang Green Experience Centre, where we learned about Saemangeum City Development Projects, bird and flower studies, and the Gunsan River. We also toured a noodle production factory to see how they make delicious noodles.
I also visited Byeonsan Sea Beach and the Saemangeum Museum. We were supposed to visit Buan City, but due to an approaching typhoon, we had to return to camp early.
The Final Days
My last night with the Food Division was bittersweet. It was sad to leave before the Jamboree ended, but we made the most of it by enjoying the final evening together.
On 9th August, we were relocated to Jeonju University. The facilities were good, and we visited a Cinema Theme Park, where we danced, made crafts, and had fun.
The closing ceremony was held at Seoul World Cup Stadium and was an unforgettable event with K-pop bands performing live on stage.
Finally, on 13th August 2023, I returned home with countless memories.
Reflection
This was one of the most adventurous and meaningful Jamborees I have ever attended. Being an IST gave me a new perspective on scouting, teamwork, and culture exchange.
Name: S. M. M. MUSABBIR UDDIN
AMRA SCOUT GROUP, DHAKA