World Scout Jamboree – Poland 2027

Looking ahead: 26th World Scout Jamboree – Poland 2027

The next WSJ is scheduled for 30 July to 8 August 2027 in Gdańsk, Poland. The event will mark the 120th anniversary of Scouting and will be held on Sobieszewo Island, known for its natural beauty and ecological significance.

We know there’ll be lots of interest from adults across Wales in becoming part of the team – and with good reason! It’s a unique chance to support young people on an unforgettable adventure, while developing your own skills and leadership along the way.

Scouts Cymru has been allocated 2 Units for the 26^th WSJ, this will allow 8 leaders and 72 YP across 8 patrols the chance to participate.

The selection panel is keen to receive applications from anyone in Wales who’s enthusiastic about the Jamboree and ready for the challenge – it’s a development opportunity not just for young people, but for adult volunteers too.

What to expect 

If you’re selected, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime – it’ll be one of the most rewarding adventures you’ll ever take part in. But it’s important to know that the Jamboree is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding at times.

We want everyone to get the most out of it, so applicants should take a moment to consider the nature of the experience and feel confident that they’ll be able to take part fully – contributing to every aspect of the Jamboree, supporting others, and embracing the challenges as well as the fun.

Applicants should be aware that the Jamboree experience may last up to three weeks subject to final confirmation on the makeup of the experience and therefore will need to be sure they have the support of employers and family to be able to commit to the event. There will be a significant number of weekend and evening commitments in preparation and applicants should be confident they have time available amongst other commitments to fulfil the obligations of the role.

Expectations and Commitments from the UK Contingent and County/Country Team

As a member of Unit Leadership team, you can expect the following support and guidance from:

The Country Team:

• Support with running the young person recruitment
• Support and advice for developing the budget
• Access to local mentors/ people with experience from previous world events to advise you
• Regular review conversations, to identify and provide support for your own development and that of your team
• Upon request support with training or fundraising events with the young people for the unit
• Support with fundraising advice or grants towards the adult leaders Jamboree Fee (where possible)

The UK Contingent Team:

“The World Scout Jamboree is one of the largest outdoor education events for youth on the planet! Tens of thousands of Scouts from all over the world come together to camp outdoors and join in fun activities where they make new friends, learn about other cultures, and develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime.” World Organisation of the Scout Movement website

As the UK Contingent, this is our aspiration for our young people and the leaders supporting them. For many this will be the longest trip without their families and the experiences will shape their appetite for further adventures and give them tools that will aid them in life and build a legacy of future Scouting volunteers.

To support our Unit Leadership teams there will be:

• Regular check ins with the Unit Support team
• Regular updates with new information and reminders for payments and data provision deadlines
• Face to face meetings for Unit Leaders and Unit Leadership teams
• Training to support Unit Leadership teams be prepared for the specific challenges a Jamboree brings and have the skills to support their young people
• On event support for welfare, emergencies, safety and safeguarding

Scouts Cymru support from International Lead:

Our All-Wales Units will support young people from across Wales so being able to travel for preparation camps, fundraising activities, and events is essential. Parents and Young people should be prepared for a significant time commitment to help us deliver the best possible Jamboree experience for our young people.

Based on previous events, the costs is likely to be in the region of £4000.

Role Description- Unit Leader

Unit Leader – Scouts Cymru Unit to World Scout Jamboree

Responsible to: Scouts Cymru Programme Team – International Lead Volunteer

Responsible for: – Deputy Unit Leader

• Unit Leadership Team Membership Team Members (x2)
• Youth participants

Main Contacts – Scouts Cymru Lead Volunteers and Scouts Cymru Teams

Internal: – Unit Leadership teams of other Scouts Cymru Jamboree Unit

• Area Advisers and Area Scouters
• District Lead Volunteer (or nominees)
• Headquarters: UK Contingents Office, UK Contingent Leader, UK Contingent Management & Support Team
• Area Lead Volunteers
• Scouts Cymru HQ staff team

External: – Unit members

• Parents and supporters of young people in Unit
• Sponsors and supporters of the Jamboree Unit
• Media contacts (in partnership with the Comms team)

Role summary: To lead and manage a Jamboree Unit attending the World Scout Jamboree in Gdansk, Poland in 2027.

Main Activities:

• To attend the World Scout Jamboree in Gdansk, Poland and be responsible for the safety and operation of the Unit.
• To manage the Unit leadership team
• To set and monitor budgets and manage the finances of the Jamboree Unit within guidelines set by the County/Country and with appropriate support
• To be involved in the process of selecting youth participants for the Jamboree Unit
• To be the main contact for UK Headquarters to pass on information about the UK Contingent’s preparations
• To attend Contingent events, training days/ weekends, etc and to work closely with UKHQ volunteers in order to ensure all relevant Unit preparations and administration meet UKHQ deadlines
• To communicate all relevant information about the Jamboree to relevant parties (e.g. other Unit Leaders, young people and their parents, UKHQ contacts, County team, etc)
• To ensure a programme of activity, training and team building (including weekend camps and other Unit events) is developed for the Unit and leadership team to build a functioning and cohesive team in time for the Jamboree
• To encourage the raising of funds by the young people in the Unit
• To ensure the production of “merchandise” for the Unit (if desired); i.e. t-shirts, badges, etc; in partnership with other Unit Leaders
• To ensure that a member of the team works with the Contingent Management Team Member (Communications) and the County Media Team to identify local Unit stories and make full use of the publicity generated from the Jamboree
• To ensure that a member of the team liaise with the County media Team to create appropriate communication tools (e.g. email lists, forums, blogs, websites, etc)
• Contribute to the review and feedback process as required

Any other duties as may be reasonably requested by the Wales Lead Volunteer for Programme or Programme Team Member (International).