SCOUTS from all across Wiltshire will experience a once in a lifetime opportunity by travelling to Japan on Thursday to take part in a worldwide event which aims to develop the youngsters into global citizens.

Students from Corsham, Chippenham, Calne and Marlborough will be making the trip on Thursday to the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Kirara-hama along with 4,000 other scouts and guides from across the UK.

The event will see children from almost every country in the world who, for ten days, will live together and experience each other’s cultures, taking part in activities to grow as citizens to tackle world issues.

Stuart Kent one of the leaders in charge of the Wiltshire Unit said 27 pupils, aged 14-18, were offered the opportunity after more than 100 applied.

“The children are really excited to go and it has been 18 months in the making for them so it has had quite a build up,” Mr Kent said.

“Some of the kids haven’t flown before but they just want to get going now because it has been going on for so long. We want them to really take in the experience as it will be a one in a lifetime chance for many to go to Japan.”

In order to make the tough decision, the interested scouts went on a camping weekend and took part in numerous activities where they were marked on aspects such as team work, positivity and enthusiasm.

The top 27, who received the highest score, were then selected to attend the event.

The Jamboree takes place every four years and, in between the July 28-August 8 trip, the group will also be taking in the sights of Japan’s capital Tokyo by visiting a virtual reality theme park and an earthquake simulator.

“Earthquakes are quite normal occurrences for people living there so it should be good to show us how to prepare for one if it were to happen,” Mr Kent said.

They will also be taking part in a mini exchange trip with families whose children are involved in scouting in the country.

Mr Kent added: “A lot of people in Wiltshire support the work of the scouts and have helped us with fundraising so it is nice to show them what we are doing with the money.”

To keep up with the progress of the group during their trip, visit www.wiltshirejamboreeunit.org.uk.