A Barnoldswick Scout will be one of 3,500 from the UK travelling to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan next year.
Dean Hunt (14), of Lower West Avenue, Barnoldswick, will travel across the globe to Japan’s Yamaguchi prefecture for the 23rd edition between July 28th and August 8th, 2015, an event held in a different location every four years.
Dean has had a rollercoaster of emotions on his way to being selected, firstly being overlooked, but then getting a second chance which he seized with both hands.
Dean, who goes to West Craven High School and enjoys learning languages, said: “I feel amazing at the fact that I’m going but I didn’t initially get chosen and I felt very depressed. To be honest, I’m looking forward to everything.”
And proud mum Natalie Winstanley added: “Dean has gone all the way through from Beavers, to Cubs, to Scouts and will move on to Explorers.
“He is among only 1% of Scouts who get this chance, which is a once in a lifetime opportunity for him and the others chosen from around the country and a great honour.”
But before he can go, Dean needs to raise £3,250 for the trip which has a theme of “Wa” meaning harmony, unity, friendship and peace.
The trip includes a stay at a host’s home to understand how Japanese families live and socialise and an immersion into modern Japanese culture with a trip to the capital Tokyo.
And now with under a year to go, Dean’s fund-raising bid will move up a gear this weekend with a table top sale from 9am until 1pm tomorrow in the Frank Street Pensioners’ Centre in Barnoldswick.
Dean has received a welcome boost too as Martin Johnson from the lighting shop in Newtown, who went to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 1971, has donated a wooden globe valued at £300, the amount he had to raise for his excursion 43 years ago.
