Cornwall Scout Represents UK at World Event in Portugal

From Cornwall to Portugal: Benny's Global Scouting Adventure Begins

Benny Webster, an early years practitioner from Cornwall, is currently taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime international Scouting event in Portugal, representing the UK at the 16th World Scout Moot.

Nearly 500 UK Scouts aged 18 to 25 have joined around 9,000 participants from across the globe for the two-week gathering, which started on 25th July in Tejo Park, Lisbon, and will finish in Porto. The event offers a mix of expedition, culture, and global friendship, all under this year's theme: engage.

Exploring Portugal and Making Lifelong Connections

During the event, Benny is spending time immersed in Portuguese communities and culture, alongside fellow Scouts from across the world. One of the highlights is a four-day expedition through remote parts of the country, where participants are teamed up with Scouts from other nations to take on one of 100 possible routes.

After the expedition, all participants reunite at a camp base in Ovar for more Scouting activities, skill building, and international cultural learning before wrapping up the event with a closing celebration.

Before departing, Benny shared her excitement:

"I'm so excited to meet incredible Scouts from all over the world, make tons of new friends, and pick up some awesome skills along the way! I can't wait to dive into different cultures, hear their stories, and really get a feel for what makes each one special. Exploring Portugal will be such an epic part of the journey — I'm ready to discover everything it has to offer."

Support and Encouragement from UK Scouting Leaders

Chief Scout Dwayne Fields offered his support to Benny and all the UK Scouts heading to Portugal:

"A massive good luck to Benny 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 aims to change that. We give young people a chance to belong and a place to be themselves."

Creating Opportunities Through Support

World Scout Moot is made possible in part thanks to the support of the players of People's Postcode Lottery, helping create opportunities like this one for young people across the UK.

The event continues until early August, when the group will head home after what promises to be a transformative experience.