Slough Scouts chosen to attend next year’s prestigious World Scout Jamboree have taken part in a special ten-pin bowling event as part of their fundraising efforts.

The five Scouts selected to represent Slough, Berkshire and their country at the 23^rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan next year took over Absolutely Tenpin in Slough on Tuesday. A total of 90 people took to the bowling lanes to raise an impressive £870 towards the once-in-a-lifetime trip.

There was a distinctly Japanese flavour to the evening thanks to some of the Scouts choice of attire as they tried to strike up their fundraising totals.

In addition to the five Scouts, eight adult volunteers from Slough have also been selected in leader and staff roles. The group will be part of a contingent of 3,519 from the UK, who will make the intercontinental trip to Japan to join 40,000 Scouts from around the world next summer.

Aiden Boland 15, Jamboree participant:

“It was a really enjoyable evening of bowling fun and it was a great way for us to combine a social event with fundraising for Jamboree. We have been so fortunate to represent Slough at the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan and we appreciate the huge amount of support that is coming our way. To raise nearly £1,000 while having fun is a fantastic achievement and it will contribute significantly to our combined fundraising efforts”

Part of the trip fees paid by UK Scouts goes towards a solidarity fund helping Scouts from less fortunate countries across the world to attend the Jamboree.

Among the supporters were 1^st Langley Scouts, SAS Network – Slough’s 18-25 Scout provision, Edith Rose Nurseries Ltd and many family and friends.

Rebecca (Edith Rose Nurseries Ltd)

“I used to be an assistant Cub Scout leader in Surrey and know what amazing opportunities Scouting provides for Young People. We’ve come to support the Slough Scouts in heading to Japan. I wish them all the best.”

Niki Hickly, Supervisor, Absolutely Tenpin:

“We are delighted to be able to help local charities raise money for good causes. As a not for profit organisation, it’s extremely important for Absolutely Ten Pin to reinvest revenue back into the community and this is one way we able to meet our charitable aims, the Slough Scouts group were a pleasure to have as our first of many charities and we hope to work with them again in the near future.”

5 Young People have been selected to be part of the 45 from Berkshire attending the World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015. About a month ago they took part in an action packed selection weekend of different team activities with over 170 other applicants. Out of the 15 applications from Slough 5 were successful.

About Selection weekend

3519 Scouts from the UK will join over 30,000 Scouts from all over the world to attend the 23^rd World Scout Jamboree, spending 12 days of activities and opportunities to make new friends and learn about other cultures. Scouts from the UK will also get the opportunity to stay with a host family for 3-4 days giving them a real insight to Japanese life.

Why do the Young People want to go to Japan?

Damien Woodall, Adult Volunteer “This is truly a once in a life time opportunity for these Young People. The trip will help each Young Persons confidence, communication skills and much more. They will build memories and friendships that will last forever.”

Bear Grylls, Chief Scout ‘The reason why Scouting remains the largest youth movement in the world is that it’s got great core values: it’s faith, it’s about friendship, it’s about fun – it’s all part of what we wanted when we grew up.’

These Young People are already starting fundraising for the trip and have spent the day bag packing at Sainsbury’s, Farnham Road. Part of the fees paid by UK Scouts goes towards a solidarity fund helping Scouts from less fortunate countries across the world attend the Jamboree. They are also planning to do much more fundraising on the lead up to their trip.