FAQ
Find answers to common questions on our FAQ page! We cover essential information to help you prepare for an incredible international jamboree experience.
Our full FAQs will appear on this page in due course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Activities
What activity ranges will be on offer? And will it be different to the UMA/Skill Builder programme already on offer/to avoid crossover in regular meeting activity as much as possible?
There will not be any conflict of crossover with your regular programme, but activities will enhance the programme areas.
Admin
Will it be easy for groups to do leader swaps through the week if they can’t have some leaders commit to stay the full week; and will there be any price reduction offers for leaders who can only do the part weeks/can they class a leader swap as 1 leader price for full week? (all keeping within ratio’s of unit numbers attending).
We have the Day Visitor rate, for anything else, please discuss unique circumstances with Abi and her team and we’ll work to come to a solution.
Is there a minimum number of interest you need to reach for this to go ahead, or will this go ahead regardless at this point?
We are looking to get 1800 young people, and currently have numbers indicated at 1350. Should we look to be falling short, we will advise but we are confident it won’t come to that.
Will there be a reduction for siblings attending?
Children of Leaders (no activities – £15), siblings in a unit. Unfortunately we can’t offer a discount for siblings participating in the camp as young people.
What role will young leaders play? What is the cost for a young leader to attend? What will there be activity wise for young leaders?
If they pay full price, they get full access to the camp activities, if they pay the leader fee, they won’t get access to all activities. Budget and volunteers allowing, we may attempt to provide a Young Leader session for some activities, but this can’t be guaranteed at this stage.
Campsite
Can we bring a generator, one of our leaders has a breathing machine that needs to be plugged in, or can you provide electricity?
No generators, power is available at sub camps for charging, and rooms can be booked at the Arthur Rank Lodge.
Will there be separate sub camps for explorers/rangers?
Yes
Will there be an Adult Bar?
At this stage we aren’t committing either way, but need to prioritise other areas of the camp first. If we have space, budget, and can staff it, we won’t rule it out.
International
Do International Groups / Volunteers need to be from recognised WAGGGS/World Scouting organisations?
Yes, all groups (International and UK) must be registered members or affiliated members of WAGGGS or World Scouts.
Can I register an International Group without having links to a UK group?
Yes, you can, we will work with you to arrange this.
What are the regulations to enter the UK? (Visa / ETA)
Entry to the UK varies from country to country. Visa requirements will depend of the individual country, go to https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/before-you-leave-for-the-UK for further information.
Most countries who are exempt from visas will however, need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta for further information.
Can you provide me with a letter of invitation to support my visa application?
Yes, once you have registered, paid camp fees & National HQs have confirmed membership / qualifications you can request a Visa Support letter from the International Coordinator. Once this has been completed a letter of support will be issued.
How can International Groups pay their camp fees?
This is via instructions on the online registration.
Can International Groups hire equipment for WSIJ 2025?
The camp does not have equipment for hire but will work with you to find some.
Are there any pre or post WSIJ 2025 tours available for International Groups to book?
There are no tours specifically arranged by the camp, however link groups may be able to help with this depending on areas which are to be visited.
Do adults from International Groups need to provide evidence of safeguarding or first aid training?
All adult volunteers attending should be able to confirm that they have completed their own organisation’s recruitment vetting procedures and training necessary to be with young people.
Do International volunteers who attend without a group, to work as camp staff have to pay?
Yes, all international camp staff, will be required to pay an advance registration camp fee and for catering.
Will I be transported from my point of arrival and or departure to the camp?
No, it is every groups/individual responsibility to arrange transport, although some linked groups may organise this.
How old do I need to be to join as a volunteer for camp staff?
We can only accept volunteers who are 18+ years at the time of the camp to join the camp staff, under 18’s are welcome to attend as part of an International Group for the main camp but must be accompanied by an adult leader.
Volunteering
How many hours am I expected to work?
That depends on how many volunteers we get, you would be rostered several “shifts” over the course of around 12 hours each day with several breaks included for meals etc.
If I sign up with a friend, can we work together?
Absolutely, most shifts will be in pairs. There may be the odd occasion we might ask you to do something alone for a bit if there is the need.
My group is attending, can I camp and eat with them?
Of course, however we can’t guarantee you can eat at a particular time every day and remember they may be on the opposite corner of the site.
Can I get time off for Opening Ceremony / Scouts Own / Closing Ceremony?
We will ask everyone in the team what key parts of the Jamboree they would like to see and make every effort to accommodate these requests. We do however have to man certain gates throughout.
Will I get to meet the team before WSIJ?
We very much hope so, we plan to meet a couple of times before the event, including a site visit to Ardingly. Whether these meetings are all in person or on teams will depend on where volunteers are located, we have already had International Volunteers sign up so they will be invited to join via Teams if practical.