Dufftown Scouts Embark on Adventure
Dufftown Scouts Take on the Kent International Jamboree!
This summer, a spirited contingent from Dufftown Scouts, along with their leaders, traded the familiar hills of Moray for the Kent International Jamboree (KIJ). Held from August 2nd to 9th, 2025, at the Kent Showground, this week-long celebration brought together over 5,000 Scouts and Guides from the UK and around the world.
For the Dufftown group, the KIJ was a whirlwind of activities, cultural exchanges, and a chance to proudly represent their community on a global stage.
Chief Scout Awards Presented by Dwayne Fields
A major highlight for Dufftown came during the Jamboree's official ceremonies. Three Scouts were each awarded the Chief Scout Gold Award—the highest honour in their section.
The awards were personally presented by Dwayne Fields, the UK’s Chief Scout and celebrated adventurer known for his inspiring journey to the North Pole. Dwayne congratulated the trio, praising their dedication and resilience.
“You’ve earned this through hard work and heart—never forget what you’re capable of,” Dwayne told them.
The team leader, Karen ('Skip'), who has guided their journey, shared her pride: "Watching them receive their awards was emotional. They’ve grown so much—not just in skills, but in confidence and kindness. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Reflections from the Scouts: KIJ Highlights
The scouts returned home buzzing with stories of friendship, challenge, and adventure:
"I loved the camp, you made friendships and enjoyed yourself. My favourite part was Reykjavik, because if I'm not sleeping, then I'm climbing! I also liked seeing Scouting for Girls live. On the downside, I had to do my own washing from the week."
"My favourite part about Kent was getting my gold award, which was presented by the Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields. I also quite liked watching *Frozen* with my friends. Another thing I enjoyed was the challenges we did to colour-in the bags we were given when we arrived."
"My favourite part about going to the Kent Jamboree was definitely the night activities. I loved making new friends at Club 14-17 and getting to go on the rides for free at Rio. I also really enjoyed the concerts that were on every night. The crowd was always lively, and seeing Scouting for Girls live at the closing ceremony was amazing."
The Dufftown contingent returned full of stories, focusing on the adrenaline, the friendships, and the sheer scale of the Kent International Jamboree (KIJ).
Favourite Areas & Activities
The Reykjavik area, focused on adventurous physical activities, was a clear favourite:
"My favourite area was Reykjavik as I got the opportunity to do the drop, rock climbing, and abseiling. The overall friendliness of the people and staff made the long bus ride down worth it!"
"Reykjavik was my favourite area, with climbing, abseiling, zip-lining, the twister wall, and the bag jump. After a long wait in the queue, I managed the mini jump and got to do the high jump too! My very favourite bit was doing the Twister wall climb with my friends. It was a shame we only had one day in that area, but there were so many more things on site to try it was hard to fit it all in."
"My favourite part was probably the activities they allowed us to do, such as archery, rifle shooting, abseiling, micro-lighting, and many other enjoyable activities. Everyone else there was also really kind and friendly to us."
Other highlights included the evening entertainment and the technical experiences:
"The best bit was going on the rides at Rio; the one with wings or something on it was definitely the best one. I also liked when it had the concert at the end."
"At KIJ I got to fly a Cessna aircraft, it was amazing. I also got to go see and listen to Paper Castles play, they were really good."
"The parts that I really liked the best at Kent were driving, the shops, and the truck you got to go inside."
"My favourite activity was driving the car and playing in Rio. I met new friends, and I earned lots of new badges.The closing ceremony and the fireworks were amazing."
The Challenges and Lasting Memories
Not every part of the camping experience was glamorous, but even the tough bits led to shared memories and laughter:
"The worst bit was sleeping in the tent and carrying the dirty water; it was funny when someone got (clean) water all over herself and me and another Scout. It was really hard carrying that thing back."
Hajni & Szabi (Leaders): "The whole week was incredible. Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen. This was our first Jamboree and also our first camp. The kids had a lot of new adventures and at times were out of their comfort zone. They earned a lot of badges. Such a good feeling to see their faces after they finished each activity. Our favourite one was the silent disco and the festival bits. Also, the hot chocolate every night after a busy day!"
The trip to Kent International Jamboree was funded by EDF Renewables Dorenell Wind Farm Community Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland
