JAKE Ellis, from Bossington, has been representing the UK at the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia.

Jake, 20, joined the International Service Team (IST) – the driving force behind the Jamboree.

Over the course of two weeks, he has been meeting people from all over the globe, taking part in a skills exchange and taking up the challenge to think about global issues in a new light.

The IST is a multinational team of adults who volunteer to spend their summer holiday in the ‘engine room’ of the Jamboree. They number 6,000 in total with nearly 1,000 coming from across the UK.

Some of them are instructors planning and running activities for the tens of thousands of Jamboree participants. Others are doctors, caterers or IT consultants. 

Jake was allocated a role on the Stand Up Paddle-boarding team, ensuring participants’ safety and success when they hit the water.

“Stand up paddle-boarding is a completely new skill I have learned,” said Jake.

“I’ve learned how to teach this new skill and make sure young people have fun but remain safe. I’m really excited about teaching young people new skills on the water.

“I’m also really pleased that my role allows me to cool off in this extreme heat!”

World Scout Jamborees happen every four years, and this year’s was opened by UK Chief Scout Bear Grylls: “They are incredible festivals of peace, friendship and adventure,” he said.

“Young people will make friends for life with people from over 150 countries, experience different food, language and culture while learning new skills. It will be the journey of a lifetime. 

“The 2019 Jamboree, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, is set to be one of the biggest and most exciting yet. The theme is ‘Unlock a New World’ – focusing especially on how we can create a sustainable world together.”