Two Barry sea scouts were chosen to take part in the World Jamboree.

On April 3, 2024, the Mayor of Barry, Councillor Ian Johnson, welcomed Samuel Bishop and Osian Wyn Rudge, members of Barry 1st Sea Scouts.

The pair were part of the contingent that attended the World Scout Jamboree held in South Korea in July 2023. The journey was possible thanks to a £1,000 grant from Barry Town Council.

Every four years, tens of thousands of scouts aged 14-17 from across the world meet up. The jamboree provides a platform to learn about cultures and nurture lifelong skills.

Samuel and Osian were selected after video applications and selection events, followed by preparatory camps. The pair joined 34 other chosen scouts representing South Wales at the international meet.

Their South Korean adventure was rife with challenges, from floods and heatwaves to a typhoon warning. The severe weather conditions resulted in scout groups' relocation to Seoul hotels as camping was no longer possible.

The mayor of Barry, Councillor Ian Johnson, said: "I am very pleased that Barry Town Council were able to support both scouts to attend this international event, where they were able to represent Wales and meet and share experiences with fellow scouts from all over the world."

He added: "In the council chamber, Sam and Osian told us about the application process and the training before they went to the event in South Korea, and then what happened during a very busy few weeks when they were in Seoul and at the campsite."

To conclude, the pair gifted a memento from their journey—a neckerchief and distinctive badges from the event—to Barry Town Council, which will be displayed at the Chamber.