Hey Blog! Today’s post will be about a fantastic opportunity offered to me and one which I will hopefully have a great deal more to tell you about in the future!
I realise, if I relate the details first, you will instantly guess. So, to have the joy of telling you, here it is: I have been chosen to be part of the Derbyshire contingent on the 2027 World Scout Jamboree in Poland!
The first information I had of this opening was back in the summer, when there was news of a selection day for the big event. I was very much in two minds, but decided that it was only a selection day, I had never done one before, and why not?, so I signed up and went.
It was a bit weird, just 50-or-so Scouts and Explorers in a room, playing games and testing activities, going outside to build marble runs and do a ‘minesweeper’ challenge, all while being watched by the leaders to decide who should go. There were only 36 places… and nearly a hundred applicants attended over two selection days. Only one in three could go. I was not expecting a place, nor even sure that I wanted to go – I am already terribly busy and have had similar experiences in the past, though not of this scale, overseas, or with Scouting. Besides, I was expecting them to give the place to another one of the hundred.
The selection was an interesting experience, because I felt everyone there was equally deserving and some more so than me, which is something I have not often felt. Nevertheless, I was glad I had attended, and then did not think much of it, until an email came to say I had been offered a place!
As I said, this was unexpected and I was completely at a loss what to do. At first, I didn’t know what to say, and then kept changing my mind constantly. Even till five minutes before I replied “yes” (well, more like 5 seconds!) I was unsure whether or not to accept. Eventually, I realised that this was just too good to miss, and if I were to turn it down I would regret it. Maybe I will still regret it, but it’s less likely. And even if I do protest about the amount of effort I need to raise the money to go, it’s unlikely to be in earnest.
Because the price is considerable. Paid in instalments, the first one is £500 – the parents’ deposit, if you will – and then each participant, on their own, needs to raise about £3000 over a year and a half. I have never earned £1000 in six months – the most I’ve ever made is a bit more than £200 – and while I won’t discuss the current finances of my wallet, purse, small leather bag containing solely 1ps under the bed and large plastic tub which holds the proceeds of my woodturning sales, I definitely do not have this much.
Therefore, I have been busy woodturning in the garage, and have over 30 mice in production, besides varying my stock with this year’s Christmas special – Christmas trees! They will be on sale at the local festive fair at the end of the month, so make sure to get there early while stocks last! Commissions also accepted, though they may take longer. Do come, the money will be going towards my jamboree fund and I will definitely be telling you more about this awesome opportunity over the next two years!