To be selected for the WSJ in Korea I had to go through an application and selection process. Firstly I had to submit an online application with some questions about how I would benefit from this experience.
A week later I was very excited to get an email confirming I had got through the first round and had been invited to go to a selection day which would narrow down the number of people from 120 to 36. This took place on the first weekend of December 2021.
The selection day took place at the Scout Centre at St Ives. The aim of the selection day was to choose the final group of Scouts/ Explorers which would make up the unit going from Cambridgeshire. The Unit leaders were looking for good teamwork skills, people who are good at helping others and show leadership.
The schedule of the day went like this:
- First we played icebreaker bingo to get to know one another. Then we got put into small groups.
- Our first activity was problem solving, there was 10 different problems or puzzles to solve and the whole idea was to work as a team to get them all done.
- The second activity was ideas for a day trip in Seoul. Seoul is the capital city of Korea. This was used to show our organizational skills and teamwork.
- Then we had a break with hot chocolate and biscuits and time to socialize.
- Our next activity took us off campus. We did a navigation quiz around St Ives so we could test our navigation and planning skills.
- Lunch was rolls or soup, then it was time for our afternoon activities.
- Our first afternoon activity was where we were allowed to look at a Lego structure for a few minutes then it got covered up and you were only allowed to take two separate one minute quick looks and you had to replicate it.
- Our second afternoon activity was to make a tik tok video promoting scouting. My group came up with with jumping out from behind a tree, kayaking on a gate and all of us running one then falls over and we all go back to help the person up.
- After another break we discussed fundraising ideas we could do as a unit.
- The last activity of the day was to build a bridge in two teams without being able to see the other half of the bridge. We had to work hard to communicate but sadly our bridge failed!
When I found out I had got in !!
It was a Thursday, the day I normally have Scouts and I got a phonecall from one of the unit leaders saying they would like to offer me a place. I was so shocked I could barely speak, I had the biggest smile on my face and my dad said would you like to do this and I nodded. So he told the person on the phone thank you and yes we would gladly take the place.
