Two Scout volunteers from Brecon have been selected to represent the UK at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.

Dia Hazelden and Nick Lancaster are two of 950 adult volunteers that have been chosen to represent the UK and help deliver next year’s event, as part of the International Service Team (IST).

The Jamboree will see 50,000 young people come together for a skills, cultural and adventure festival in the sensational and scenic South Korea. In the summer of 2023, Dia. 60. and Nick, 44, will be part of a multinational team of adults who are volunteering to spend their summer holiday helping young people have an adventure of a lifetime, whilst thinking about global issues in a new light.

The 6,000 strong IST are there to make the Jamboree happen, undertaking a variety of roles to give young people from around the world a once in a lifetime experience. This could be planning and delivering activities for thousands of participants every day, or providing key services such as medical, catering, and infrastructure. The IST are the unsung heroes that will make a difference for tens of thousands of international Scouts next summer.

Through being a part of the IST, Dia and Nick will have the opportunity to not only pass on their skills to young people but also develop personally. They will gain a greater insight into global issues, whilst making lasting friendships with adult volunteers from around the globe.

Between now and July 2023, Dia and Nick will be supporting their local unit of young people that are attending the World Scout Jamboree, as well as helping Scouts “draw their dream”. This will include spending time on personal development and using their journey to Korea to inspire others in the local area.

Dia said: “I was never a scout when I was a child, but I made sure my children has this opportunity. I became a scout leader to repay the movement for all they have taught my children - I hope to teach as many other youngsters as possible, especially to have self-confidence and to be open to others’ thoughts and views.”

Nick said: “Scouting as a movement is very inclusive. I’m legally blind but people are willing to help me with my disability so I can help young people grow and gain the same passion for Scouting as I have. I am looking forward to learning about other cultures as I have never done any international Scouting before. Attending the 25th WSJ in South Korea will be a personal challenge for me as it is most definitely going to push me outside of my comfort zone.

“Without Scouting, I wouldn’t be who I am today. When I first started losing my sight, I refused to go out but my son wanted to join the local cub section and when I was asked to become a leader I was surprised by how welcoming everyone was! I am ready for the adventure of a lifetime!”

UK Chief Scout Bear Grylls, said: “Congratulations to Dia and Nick and all the other adult volunteers who have been selected to support this adventure! World Scout Jamborees only happen every four years and tens of thousands of Scouts from across the world attend each one. Young people could not take part in these life changing events without the support of adult volunteers like Dia and Nick.

“Over the last couple of years adult volunteers have played an important part in holding our communities together. Now is their chance to have an adventure. I say #Goodforyou to all those volunteers who want to be part of this adventure.”