Unit Leadership Conference Q&A Summary

There were a high number of questions asked across the weekend, and we addressed as many as we could during the Q & A sessions. We have summarised our responses of significant questions.

We’re all travelling to the Jamboree by coach. How will this work practically?

We’ll work with you to agree a fair location in your area for the coach to depart and drop you off after the Jamboree.

There will be accommodation to break up the journey, ensuring that you don’t arrive tired at the Jamboree. This will allow your young people to see some more of Europe, rather than just a corner of Poland. The journey will be part of the adventure.

There will be one coach per Unit. Units consisting of multiple Counties (and equivalents) will travel as Units rather than Counties.

We will also fund any food required for the journey and stop-overs to get to the Jamboree and back.

Why are we travelling by coach?

All forms of travel have been carefully considered, including rail and air travel. Coaches are the most practical solution for the Contingent’s travel needs.

What kit is being provided?

Currently, the UK Contingent will provide all participants, Unit Leaders, and IST with two UK Contingent neckers/scarves, two UK Contingent badges, a wheeled holdall, backpack, UK Contingent t-shirt.

The Jamboree site will provide a dining shelter, benches, tables, and a variety of cooking/ dining equipment. When we know more specifics, we’ll be sure to update you.

The UK Contingent will provide tents for Units. There will be enough tents to ensure that any gender splits can be managed, and individual pods for leaders.

As part of the feedback form for the conference, which has been emailed to all Unit Leadership Teams, there is an opportunity for you to give your feedback on the proposed kit provided by the UK Contingent.

There will be many items available for optional purchase which can be purchased through Scout Stores.

What is the size of our campsites be at the Jamboree?

The current sizing from the organisers state 20m x 25m. Be aware, this space may not be provided in a rectangular shape, so be prepared to be flexible with a campsite layout.

We love the brand! Where can we access resources?

The brand guidelines are already available here.

The assets (logos, elements etc) will be available on the Scouts Brand Centre in the coming weeks.

Young people (and adults) are paying a significant amount of money to attend the Jamboree. How can we justify this cost, especially when there is no pre/post event for the UK Contingent?

Pre/post events are not a mandatory part of any Jamboree. The trustees of Scouts have determined that this is the correct decision for this UK Contingent.

There are many significant factors influencing the fee, which are beyond the control of the UK Contingent: inflation has increased dramatically in recent years, the fee we are paying to the Jamboree Organising Team is over double the fee for Korea in 2023, and as one of the wealthiest countries in the world, the United Kingdom is charged a higher fee by the Jamboree Organising Team.

The Contingent Leadership Team are committed to reducing costs where possible, and our aim is to reduce the final payment, if possible.

Will the Jamboree site be alcohol-free?

Yes. There will be no alcohol at the Jamboree.

Will there be gender-neutral toilets and showers available at the Jamboree site?

Yes.

We need to book annual leave to attend the Jamboree. When will we know the dates to book?

We are aiming to confirm exact dates by summer 2026. Currently, we suggest you allocate a maximum of 4 days either side of the Jamboree (30 July – 8 August 2027).

We are committed to ensuring that any parts of the UK which return to school in mid-August will be home in time for this.

Will Unit Leaders be able to see the data young people submit to EventsAir?

Yes, this will be possible. More training on how to access young people's EventsAir data will be held at the Unit Team Leader training weekend in May 2026.

You should also continue to use local data management systems for your own prep events. This could be Online Scout Manager, or some other tool which you might prefer.

We are concerned about the current geopolitical situations around the world. What would happen if it were no longer safe to attend the Jamboree?

We are working with partners at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to assist with our planning, and the situation will be closely monitored at every step of the journey to the Jamboree.

There will be an evacuation plan in place for the UK Contingent.