Creating Champions of Change KIJ 2025 – 1st Dymchurch; 1st New Romney & 1st Lydd

Kent International Jamboree 2025 - The UK Festival of Scouting and Guiding, was held at the Kent County Showground, Detling, near Maidstone this summer. The festival offered a unique opportunity for 7,000 young people and their leaders, to have fun, create friendships and enjoy great adventures. With participants from over 30 different countries from across the world the event provided cultural exchange experiences that will last a lifetime. This cultural exchange can be eye-opening and educational, fostering an understanding of different faiths, beliefs, and customs. The sheer size of the festival meant participants could experience hundreds of different activities, including many they might not have encountered before. The theme of ‘sustainability and protection of the environment’, encouraged participants to become Champions of Change to create a more sustainable future for their world.

In a challenged world, this kind of peace, international friendship, learning, and cooperation was a joy to see. Well done, to all Scouts and all those volunteers who make special things like this happen. This is the kind of investment of time, effort and resource our young people need. It’s nation-building, life-transforming and world-changing. From little acorns….

Scout leaders say that there is 'so much opportunity' for young people to learn skills for future careers. Young people say there is nothing to do, the Jamboree is proof that there is. Scouting gives a good foundation for life. Comments from parents:-

Simply amazing! Both my children attended and had an amazing time. Scouts, Explorers and Guides having fun. Good coverage from BBC Kent, who have been onsite for a couple of days. All the leaders and volunteers make this happen and deserve the recognition, many taking a week off work or spending time away from their families to make this a success.

This has been an epic adventure in my daughter’s life. She has had a fabulous time and I’m so grateful to our scout group and leaders.

Huge thanks (from a grateful grandparent) to everyone who has made this possible. Thank you for your generosity, your time, your expertise, your energy, and for your enthusiasm. The planning and commitment for many months is all the volunteers time as well, so hats off to them!!!!

The sheer size of the Festival allowed participants to engage in activities and discoveries that they might not have encountered otherwise in their lives. Moreover, The Festival provided a platform for participants to explore a wide range of activities, spanning hundreds of different options some of which for the festival, was a first for Scouting. The diverse array of activities helps young people broaden their horizons and develop new skills and interests.

​The Festival offered unique and amazing ceremonies, shows, and live music performances by professional artists, talented young people, and participants. The arena events created a lively atmosphere, and everyone came together to enjoy the music and dance. In the evening participants were able to enjoy an extensive range of entertainment and activities on a scale they had not experienced before. There were themed evenings for older Scouts and Guides while leaders and staff teams were able to relax the purpose-built 'Urban Hub'.

​Scouting offers undoubtedly remarkable experiences that bring young people together on an international level, fostering friendship, understanding, and personal growth. It offered a unique combination of fun, education, and cultural exchange that can have a lasting impact on the lives of participants, their leaders, and the communities where they live. Well done to all involved.