In 2021, Gabriel Kennedy, a member of 1 st Blaydon Scouts was one of 130 who applied and was invited to attend a selection day to prove their individual ability with a selection of teamwork activities. Only 36 were chosen to attend the 25 th World Scout Jamboree in Saemanguem South Korea in 2023. Gabriel having been chosen his hard work now starts to raise £4,000 to attend.
To date he has been baking cakes, making bird boxes and candles having raised nearly £1,000 and is planning a plant sale, coffee morning and scout barbeque.
Gabriel’s mother Maddy being a local Girl Guide leader assisted him in applying to local businesses and groups and wrote to the Masonic Hall in Ryton. This created much interest amongst the Masonic brethren of Ryton and resulted with Freemasons George Clark and Sid Watson meeting with the applicant in his mother. The Ryton Lodges donated £150 to the project and after consultation with the hall management and advice from George Clark an application was made to Durham Benevolence for a Youth Support Grant.
The theme of the 25th World Scout Jamboree is “ Draw Your Dream .” More than 40,000 Scouts from all over the world will gather. The UK Contingent are more than just travel buddies, they are planners, fundraisers, motivators and mentors. As a team they have got a lot to achieve in a short time but will leap at the challenge to … Think big. Dream wild. Act Together.
The general aim is to foster a worldwide brotherhood and to help the young Scouts in the movement learn about other people and nations by direct interaction with them
The UK Contingent won’t silently creep round global issues, they will be trailblazers for getting young voices heard… ”you’re gonna hear them roar, they know that dreams come true when we all work together, a quote familiar to Freemasons.
Freemason Martin Rankin representing Durham Benevolence and members of Ryton Lodges were delighted to meet up with a very excited Gabriel who has received a £1,000 Youth Support Grant . Gabriel has made a pledge that on his return he will meet up with Ryton Freemasons and give a talk about his Jamboree Experience
