“Saemangeum Jamboree is Improving”… Germany and Sweden Remain

German and Swedish Delegations "Decide to Remain at the Campsite"
"Improving in the Right Direction... Will Monitor Closely"

As the UK, US, and Singapore Scout delegations participating in the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree decided to leave the camp early, the German and Swedish Scout delegations chose to remain at the campsite.

They explained their decision to stay by stating, "Many aspects such as food and hygiene are rapidly improving."

On the 5th (local time), the German Scout delegation posted a statement on their website saying, "Although the first few days did not go as we expected, at this point, we are not considering leaving the Jamboree."

They added, "We have consulted extensively with participants and unit leaders," and "The participants are doing well at the Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree, mostly having positive experiences, and they wish to continue camping."

The German Scout delegation explained their reason for staying by saying, "Rapid improvements are being made in many areas." Many leaders and supporters are finding solutions regarding health protection, hygiene, and food supply. They emphasized, "We are monitoring the situation as before and will make decisions based on comprehensive information."

German scouts participating in the Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree are delighted to see a cake made of bananas.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

They continued, "Although we take some cases of heat-related illnesses very seriously, there are currently no serious problems," and "We are responsible for the German participants and are mobilizing all possible resources to resolve issues." They also stressed, "The happiness and health of the participants are our top priorities."

The German Scout delegation stated, "We hope for further improvements in the future and have decided to give the organizing committee more time to achieve this." The German Scout delegation dispatched about 2,200 members this time.

The Swedish Scout delegation, consisting of about 1,500 members, also announced on their website on the 4th (local time) that "The Jamboree is a unique experience for the participants, and stopping now would deprive these young people of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," confirming their decision to stay.

The Swedish Scout delegation said, "We are focusing our efforts on exerting influence on the organizing committee to resolve the problems we face," adding, "More personnel have been deployed for cleaning hygiene facilities, and the Korean government’s resource supply has significantly increased, leading to daily progress in the right direction."

However, they added, "There are still areas that need continuous improvement, such as special dietary needs and the cleanliness of hygiene facilities."

Meanwhile, the UK Scout delegation, which dispatched the largest number of about 4,500 members to this Jamboree, notified their withdrawal from the campsite on the 4th and moved to a hotel in Seoul starting the morning of the 5th. Following this, the US Scout delegation, which sent about 1,200 members, also decided to leave on the 5th and headed to Camp Humphreys within the US military base in Pyeongtaek. The Singapore delegation also moved on the same day to the Korea Water Resources Corporation Talent Development Center located in Daejeon.

The Belgian Scout Federation also considered withdrawing by inquiring through the embassy in Korea about accommodating Scouts at a large facility in Incheon. However, they later decided to stay, trusting the government’s promise of support.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.