I have been asked a number of questions by some people concerning the process we have decided to adopt to select participants from Gloucestershire for the 2015 World Scout Jamboree. The following are a selection of the questions raised and the answers given. I hope this will help everyone understand our thinking on this issue.
Q: Why are there only 18 places from Gloucestershire if 70+ are keen and interested?
A: The national contingent for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree will be considerably smaller than those which were sent to the last two world jamborees. Consequently Gloucestershire was only offered places for three patrols (27 people) which would have meant our participants having to train and attend with a single patrol either from another county, the Guides or from overseas. It was felt that this would have created an unbalanced unit and would have made it logistically difficult to plan and work together. In view of the current economic climate and the difficulty which leaders and young people were currently finding in fundraising for this sort of event, DCs decided to opt for two patrols (18 people) who could form a unit with two patrols from Avon County. This has given us a more balanced unit and the practical convenience and shared identity of working with a neighbouring county.
Q: Why are participants being selected by ballot rather than the traditional selection event?
A: The DCs, the County Leadership Team and I felt that a selection event was not a valid means of selecting so few participants from such a large potential pool of young people wishing to attend. There are no criteria laid down by Gilwell for this event other than the age range. If we were to select the young people we would have to have our own criteria. Some people have asked how we will ensure that the “best” young people attend if selection is by ballot but no-one has suggested how we judge who “the best” are. Any selection will necessarily be subjective and open to allegations of conscious or sub-conscious prejudice or bias. Attendance at a jamboree is not a prize for which young people should compete like a place in the first XI, the lead role in a school play or a place at university. Every Scout should have the same chance to attend, if they want to. A ballot is the fairest way of ensuring all Scouts have an equal chance of attending this important event whatever their particular skills and previous experience may be.
Q: A selection event provides an opportunity for a large group of older Scouts to meet and enjoy a weekend of activities together. Even for those not selected it is a very worthwhile event. Why are they being denied this opportunity?
A: Scouting already offers many occasions during the year when Scouts and Explorers can come together to undertake new activities and have fun together. If leaders would like the County to organise a Scouting Skills competition for these age groups I am sure the relevant ACCs would be happy to consider it.
Q: If selection is by ballot this could mean that the unit would not have a balanced spread of ages, gender or district representation.
A: This is a risk which is why we have sought to encourage as large a group of young people as possible to apply. However, this was always a possibility so long as selection took place at county level rather than in districts, something this county decided against a number of years ago. Such considerations also contradict any intention to select “the best” when the choice has to be influenced by such issues as the gender balance and the age range of participants.
Q: The Jamboree will be physically and emotionally demanding but the ballot process doesn’t give scope for the young people to have reflected on the expectations or feel confident that they can embrace this experience. Nor does it give any experience of the team work and personal committment involved in the fundraising for the 12 months leading up to the Jamboree.
A: All applicants are required to discuss their application with their section leader and DC. In particular DCs are asked to ensure that all applicants are aware of what they are letting themselves in for and understand the demands of the expedition and the commitment required.
Q: When will the ballot take place? Who will do it? Will it be in private?
A: The ballot will take place at the DCs’ meeting on 23 January 2014 at Cranham when 18 participants and 4 reserves will be selected.
Q: The ballot system will ensure only 18 young people from the County will experience the ‘preparation for and experience of Japan’ while the majority (i.e. the remaining names in the ballot) are offered nothing except a ‘rejection letter’ on their doorstep.
A: This would have been the same whatever selection process was adopted. If sufficient people are interested (including leaders) I am happy to consider organising a county expedition to an international event in 2015 for all those who were not selected (and anyone else who would like to take part).
I have decided to adopt a selection process that will give everyone an equal chance of attending whatever their skills and experience may be in the expectation that Scouting will work its magic and offer all those attending, including the less ambitious and outgoing youngsters, the chance to develop in a way that they would not otherwise have. I know it’s risky but we don’t achieve anything without taking risks. I hope this helps to explain the process and the reasons for choosing it and that you will support it by encouraging as many eligible Scouts and Explorer Scouts to apply as possible.
Thank you.
Paul
Paul D. Trott
County Commissioner