In light of the warning of Typhoon Khanun to hit Korea, the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) decided for the 25th World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) in SaeManGeum, Jeollabuk-do, to end early after receiving the confirmation from the Korean government.
Due to the expected impact of Typhoon Khanun, an early departure will be planned for participants, the WOSM said in a statement yesterday.
WOSM in a statement released on August 6, noted the significant resources mobilised over the last 24 hours to improve the campsite’s facilities and services to help the participants manage the impact of the severe heatwave affecting the country.
The WOSM in collaboration with host Korea Scout Association, have been working with the Korean government throughout the event in ensuring the safety and well-being of the 43,000 international participants in handling extreme heatwaves.
The Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) sent 22 individuals, comprising 18 young scouts, two leaders, one contingent management team and a contingent leader to the jamboree.
Scout member Awangku Ilyas Darwisy bin Pengiran Amiruddin said the heatwave barely allowed them to do campsite activities. “However, we still had off-site activities. We also had our own activities at the campsite such as dancing, singing, storytelling and flying kites,” he said.
The Korean government provided the contingent with facilities while keeping them safe throughout the event.
“We are doing fine and I think the jamboree was a very wonderful experience. I had many new experiences such as trying Korean food, wearing traditional costume called hanbok and going to museums to learn about Korea’s history,” said Adriyana Qisya binti Haji Muhd Subhi Abdilah.
The weather, however, affected a lot of people as they had to walk long distances.
“Nevertheless, we were trying our best to cope with the weather by staying hydrated, wearing hats, applying sunscreen, using umbrellas and staying out of the sun most of the time,” she said.
She added that the Korean government also rendered aid and support by providing cold water bottles and ice cubes as well as splashing water on the road side to keep the roads clean and cool.
Shaded areas were also increased and water around programme activities, making more air-conditioned spaces and transportation available, deploying more doctors and nurses, and increasing the availability of medical facilities and ambulances and other additional support and resources.
Nur Syahirah Amani binti Muhammad Nur Ariffin said the jamboree was fun and challenging with activities on-and off-site.
When they arrived at the campsite, it was extremely hot and many participants fell ill.
“We tried our best to stay hydrated, support each other. Fortunately, none of us encountered serious issues such as heat stroke. The management staff were helpful, providing us with fans, umbrellas and water.”
Meanwhile, Skip Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abas, taking up the role as an international service team (IST) member, said, “We are struggling a bit due to the heat wave, but the Korea Scout Association and management team did a lot.”
As ISTs, they were assigned to on-site activities and most of the time, they were working from 8.30am until 5pm under the sun. “Our activities would be cancelled when the temperature reached 35°C,” he said.
Skip Haji Ahmad is a trooper from the Rover Scouts of Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (1101) and a member of the National Rover Scout Secretariat.
Meanwhile, contingent leader Skip Haji Hassan bin Haji Abdul Hamid also shared updates on the current situation from the campsite.
An announcement made at the meeting of head of contingents yesterday called to ensure the safety measures were in place to face Typhoon Khanun which was predicted to affect the area near the campsite.
The participants will be temporarily moved to Seoul today, said Skip Haji Hassan.
“As for the management team of the Brunei contingent, we will ensure that our participants’ well-being is prioritised,” he said.
Skip Haji Hassan, who is the adult resources commissioner in PPNBD, said yesterday marked the seventh day at the jamboree for the Brunei contingent.
“Alhamdulillah, at this moment the contingent is in high spirit,” he said. – Lyna Mohamad
