Hi, my name is Charlie Brand. I have been involved in scouting since a young age - from Beavers, through Cubs and Scouts. Now I am an Explorer Scout at the Trident Explorer Scout Unit (Lindfield) and a Young Leader with the Beaver group at the 5th Haywards Heath Scout Group. In November last year, I was successful in being selected from many applicants to attend the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in August 2023. Selection for this once in a lifetime experience is a real honour and I am so excited to represent my country and British scouting in South Korea.

The Mid-Sussex contingent of 12 young people will be working together for the next 18 months to fundraise to enable us to attend the Jamboree. A fundraising target of £3500 each has been set and we have lots of ideas to help us get there, from grand draws to sponsored events to car-washing, etc.

As a group of young people, we are very aware of the impact our actions have on others and on the planet, so we have committed to making a positive difference with our fundraising. We will be doing sponsored litter picks, collecting items to be recycled and selling items through car boot sales to ensure that waste is reduced and we are raising awareness of sustainability and the importance of looking after our planet for future generations.

In addition, the amount that we raise will not only cover our expenses, but will also contribute to ensuring that Scouts in developing countries around the world have the opportunity to attend this amazing event too.

I have recently met Jamborettes that have attended previous Jamborees and have heard about the positive impact the experience has had on them, their lives and the lives of others and I am incredibly excited to be a part of the special group of young people and leaders attending the WSJ.

Any contributions are very gratefully received and I look forward to sharing my Jamboree story with you all in 2023. Thank you so much!