World Scout Jamboree Presses Forward Amid Challenges: Heat, Departing Scouts and COVID-19 Cases Mark Event

On Saturday, the international delegation decided to proceed with the World Scout Jamboree, in spite of the searing heat and other difficulties that led Scouts from the United States, United Kingdom and other nations to depart the camping grounds on the country's southwest shoreline.

South Korea's Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo, announced this resolution after meeting with the leaders of national contingents. He reaffirmed Seoul's pledge to offer ample assistance to the event, which has been beset by issues like heat-induced ailments, a surge of COVID-19 cases, insect bites, and other operational obstacles since its inauguration in the Saemangeum reclamation area on Wednesday.

"The delegation met and opted to proceed with the event without any interruptions," stated Han at a press briefing at the jamboree's media center.

In the face of the ongoing heat wave, Han proposed that different programs could be held in regions beyond Saemangeum.

The South Korean organizers breathed a sigh of relief as the decision to carry on with the event was made. This followed after the U.S., British, and Singaporean Scouts' decision to leave the Saemangeum grounds, which spurred rumors that more participants might leave, possibly leading to the event being cancelled or shortened.

Prime Minister Han listed several measures undertaken by the Seoul government to keep the jamboree event on track.

This involved the assignment of over 700 personnel to maintain the hygiene of showers and other facilities, the allocation of an extra 104 air-conditioned buses and 64 canopies, and the enlistment of 60 additional healthcare experts, including 28 physicians.

The prime minister also mentioned that President Yoon Suk Yeol directed him and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min to craft tourism initiatives that would expose jamboree attendees to South Korea's industry, culture, history, and natural wonders.

The Jamboree event's future seemed bleak on Friday, as British Scouts declared their intention to vacate the campsite. Concurrently, the World Organization of the Scout Movement suggested contemplating "alternative" strategies to conclude the event ahead of schedule.

On Saturday, British Scouts commenced their journey back to Seoul from the Saemangeum grounds. With approximately 4,500 members, the British formed the largest contingent at this year's Jamboree.

Some expressed grievances over insect bites, unsanitary restrooms, and other issues. Despite these concerns, they intend to stay in Korea and return home as originally scheduled on August 13, as per a statement on their website.

Following the British Scouts, U.S. Scouts also made the decision to leave. Lou Paulsen, a high-ranking official of the U.S. delegation, informed Yonhap News Agency that due to the extreme heat, U.S. Scouts would relocate to Camp Humphreys, a U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sunday morning, planning to stay there until August 11.

Similarly, Singaporean Scouts decided to depart Saemangeum earlier than planned, as reported by the jamboree organizing committee. A group of 67 individuals from Singapore reportedly participated in the event.

Even in light of these departures, Scouts from the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina pledged to remain at the campsite.

Adding to the jamboree's problems was the spread of COVID-19.

Between July 29 and Friday, a total of 70 virus cases, including five from South Korea, were reported at the Saemangeum site, according to provincial officials.

These decisions to withdraw came despite President Yoon's directive on Friday for the government to provide an unlimited number of air-conditioned buses and refrigeration trucks to safeguard the young jamboree participants. The government also approved the expenditure of 6.9 billion won ($5.3 million) to support the event.

Prime Minister Han also made a visit to the Saemangeum site, committing to place the central government at the helm of efforts to ensure the Scouts' safety.

The World Scout Jamboree is a massive international gathering of Scouts from all over the globe. Typically held every four years, it is one of the most significant events in the global scouting calendar. The jamboree offers Scouts the chance to engage in various cultural, educational, and recreational activities while fostering international understanding and friendship. It serves as an ideal platform for youth from diverse cultures to interact, learn from each other, and promote peace and unity. Each jamboree is hosted by a different country, providing a unique cultural backdrop and flavor to every event. The primary aim of the jamboree is to help young people develop their physical, intellectual, and spiritual capabilities to make a positive difference in the world.