Suffolk Scouts relocated after South Korea jamboree heatwave

Around 40,000 young people from around the world have flocked to South Korea this month for the World Scout Jamboree, which is hosted every four years by a different country. 

These include groups and individuals from the county, with the Suffolk Saxons (Unit 27) having departed on July 29 last week. 

Adult volunteers, too, are among them. Hayley Liddell, 29 and from Woodbridge, and Peter Mower, 72 and from Ipswich, were both chosen in May to be part of the Jamboree's International Service Team.

Adult volunteer Peter Mower from Ipswich. Credit: Scouts (Image: Scouts)

Adult volunteer Hayley Liddell from Woodbridge. Credit: Scouts (Image: Scouts)

However, it has been reported that hundreds of young people have been struck down by heat-related illnesses since arriving at the camp over the past few days. 

Temperatures have reached 35C in the North Jeolla province where the event is being held. A heatwave warning has been issued, and thunderstorms are forecast. 

The UK branch of the Scouts confirmed on Friday afternoon that it was in the process of transferring young people and adult volunteers from the Jamboree site SaeManGeum to Seoul. 

It said: “We will start moving our people to hotel accommodation over the next two days. As we are the largest contingent, our hope is that this helps alleviate the pressure on the site overall. 

“We know that may be a disappointment for some and we will continue the Jamboree experience in Seoul, working with Korean authorities on a programme of activities so our young people still get the most from their time in Korea.  

“Young people will travel home as originally planned from 13 August. 

“While we have been on site at the Jamboree, the UK volunteer team has worked extremely hard with the organisers, for our youth members and adult volunteers to have enough food and water to sustain them, shelter from the unusually hot weather, and toilets and washing facilities appropriate for an event of this scale.”