AREA SCOUTS, LEADERS HEAD TO KOREA

This summer, several area Boy Scouts will be attending the 17th World Jamboree, which will be held Aug. 8-16 in Korea. The World Jamboree is held every four years in a different country. The site of this year's jamboree is Sorak National Park, which is about 130 miles northeast of Korea's national capital, Seoul.

The Scouts from the Southeast Missouri Council attending as members of Jamboree Troop 1424 are J.C. Williams, from Charleston Troop 35, and Bobby Gardner, from Scott City Troop 29. Another Scout from the SEMO Council, going in a separate jamboree troop, is Jason Droke, from Troop 84 in Hornersville.

The adult leaders in this area are Joe Russell, from Cape Girardeau, who is on the National Service Staff for the jamboree, and Dr. Robert Gardner, assistant scoutmaster for Troop 1424. Dr. Gardner is president of the Southeast Missouri Council.

The purpose of the Jamboree is to give Scouts from differing cultures the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn about other customs and languages. The Jamboree will demonstrate Scouting's ability to develop world brotherhood, a spirit of fellowship, and a source of understanding among young people.

Approximately 800 Boy Scouts from America will be attending this international event. Over 15,000 Scouts from throughout the world are expected to attend the Jamboree.

"Scouts going to the Jamboree are looking forward to learning about Korea and about Scouting in other countries," commented Bobby Gardner. "But I think we'll find Scouts everywhere have a lot in common. During the week long event boys will overcome language barriers as they live, work and have fun in an atmosphere of international friendship."

At the Jamboree, participants will be involved in many different events and activities. Besides the time honored hiking, camping and crafts, Scouts will experience some of the activities and scenery native to Korea. Scouts will watch sumo wrestling and Tae-Kwon-Do demonstrations, visit ancient temples, and learn traditional dances of the nation. Other activities they will be participating in includes scuba diving, skateboarding, yachting, and many other more traditional activities.

Jamboree Troop 1424 left Los Angeles last Saturday for pre-Jamboree tours of Oahu, Hawaii; Tokyo, Japan; and Seoul, before proceeding to the Jamboree site.

The 17th Jamboree will commence with opening ceremonies on August 8. Activities of the World Jamboree will continue for six days, concluding on Aug. 15 with closing ceremonies. Troop 1424 will then return to the United States the following day.

This above report was prepared by Bobby Gardner, a member of Troop 29 in Scott City, who is participating in the Jamboree.