My name is Rob Marsh, and I have the real honour of being the Scout Camp Chief for WSIJ 2025. I’ve been an Adult Volunteer in Scouting ever since I turned 18, wanting to give back to the organisation after having had such a brilliant time as a Young Person, a highlight being achieving my Queen Scout Award in 2004. I started off as an Assistant Troop Leader with 1st Turners Hill & Crawley Down Scout Group, and then in 2008 took over as Explorer Scout Leader at Rowfant Explorer Scout Unit, and have been there ever since! 

My large event and international experience in Scouting began in 2007, when I went to the World Scout Jamboree as part of International Service Team. There I found myself running lost property in the Main Plaza, with my now wife, Charlotte. As you can imagine, when you have 40,000 young people camping together for three weeks, lost property got very busy! I made many new friends, from the UK and internationally, who I still keep in touch with today. 

This was got me hooked on International Scouting, and also the magic of large events, after seeing what the Young People can get out of them. In 2011 I went to the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden, a a leader in Canute, one of West Sussex Scout’s two Jamboree Units. Spending two years with the unit in the build up to the Jamboree, and then going to the Jamboree with them was incredible. Once again, lifelong friendships were formed. 

I’ve also headed up the Activities Team for two County Cub Camps, one being a joint event with East Sussex Scouts, Cub 100, marking the centenary of Cub Scouting. The other was Cosmic Capers, in 2019. 

In 2013, as WS, I was the Sub Camp Leader for Valhalla Sub Camp. This was the first time I’d been to a WS. I had a great time, seeing all the Young People enjoy themselves, and as a Sub Camp Leader I got to meet and speak to so many people. I loved every minute of it. 

So much so, I returned in 2017 to do it all over again as the Hufflepuff Sub Camp Leader, this time being particularly proud of our interactive gateway, which even survived the now infamous “Wet Wednesday”! 

Scouting really is my main hobby, which has given and continues to give me a lot of pleasure and fun. When I’m not working or Scouting, you are most likely to find me somewhere hosting a quiz or event of some description, which is a sideline business/hobby that keeps me out of trouble! 

I can’t wait to see you all at WSIJ, the team are working incredible hard to make it an event to remember. Please do stop me and say Hi, I look forward to hearing all your stories.