A volunteer scout leader from Bedford is representing the UK at the World Scout Moot event in Portugal this month.
Greg Kilpin (43), a construction plant manager and scout volunteer, is part of this year’s international adventure hosted in Lisbon and Porto.
It is an opportunity for around 5,000 Scouts aged 18 – 25 from across the world to join together to experience the unique spirit of scouting.
With the final preparations complete Greg said: “My role in this is to support the hundreds of UK participants to have an amazing time through one of the 100 routes across Portugal.
“I’m really excited to meet people from other countries and cultures, but my biggest joy will be seeing the participants grow and help them overcome obstacles.”
World Scout Moot
The World Scout Moot experience is split into two halves, the ‘Path’ experience, where participants of various nationalities explore the host country, before all participants join in an on-site jamboree-style camp for four nights, taking part in cultural and international experiences.
The event is held every four years, with the first ever World Scout Moot being held in 1931 in Switzerland and most recently hosted in Iceland in 2017.
Due to COVID regulations, the event could not be held in 2021, making it eight years since the World Scout Moot has taken place
This year’s theme of World Scout Moot is ‘engage’. The event encourages the 9,000 participants to connect with others and their community through cross-cultural exchange, understanding, and friendship.
World Scout Moot not only gives participants their own unique experiences, but the opportunity to embed the skills and internal drive to positively impact the world around them. Opportunities like this continue to be created thanks to the support of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields, wished Greg well ahead of his departure, saying: “A massive good luck to Greg Kilpin and all the UK Scouts who are at the World Scout Moot.
“This is an amazing opportunity to discover yourself and the world around us, while exploring how you can create meaningful change. The true international spirit of Scouting will shine through, with so many chances to learn from other Scouts around the world
“I know each UK Scout attending will grab the opportunity to create memories, friendships and skills to last a lifetime.
“We know that too many young people today grow up unhappy and worried about their future. Scouts aim to change that. We give young people a chance to belong and a place to be themselves.”
