ON JULY 20, around 10 young people aged 14-18 from the Basingstoke area will be attending the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, USA.

There will be 40,000 Scouts on one campsite with loads of amazing activities for them to take part in over the 12 days.

Recently, the Scouts attended one of the preparation camps in the New Forest.

Whilst there, Ben Wright, 14, from Beggarwood, said: "I am excited about meeting people my age from all around the world,

interacting with different cultures and making new friends.

"Before we get to West Virginia where the Jamboree is, we will be stopping over in New York. I am particularly looking forward to visiting New York because we will get to visit some iconic sites like Times Square and Ground Zero, where we will be able to pay our respects.

"After the camp, we will get to visit Washington DC where we will see the White House and play a baseball match with all the UK participants. For five days after Washington DC, we will be going to Newfoundland and staying with a local Scout group, living the

Newfoundland life.

"Already, months before the Jamboree even happens, with the preparation activities we have completed I have made friends for life and learnt so many different skills that I will be able to use later in life. I look forward to writing about my experience in the USA when I return in August."