Scout memories
By Park Gi-hyun
Recalling the Scouting days of my teenage years easily puts a smile on my face. For many years, I was one of the Girl Scouts who genuinely enjoyed Scout programs exclusively offering the exploration of the world outside the classroom. Programs included having a campsite in the playground of my school, waking up at the crack of dawn to climb the mountain and mingling with people of all ages. Of course, I never ventured into similar activities prior to Scouts, and ironically, these programs were not my favorites in the beginning.
As I took part in various activities, I unwittingly became a person who was fond of having adventures. Furthermore, I began to value experiences fueling boldness, courage and confidence. A wide range of programs provided by the Scouts have enriched my life in several ways. I was strengthened by a struggle, became more willing to take risks and learned the power of teamwork at an early age. Every time I achieved a certain goal, I was awarded a badge representing the activity and proudly wore the badge on the Scout clothes. That was a very rewarding and gratifying experience in my teenage days. Sometimes I failed to get a badge, but it only helped me to push myself harder with perseverance and passion.
The recent Jamboree issue, which has dominated the national news agenda for several weeks, has nudged me to recollect my memories of the Scouts. Surprisingly, I came across Scout groups in central Seoul right before the event took place in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province. An estimated 43,000 scouts from around the world were to participate, but I had no idea who they were because the Jamboree event did not make headlines at that time. Irrespective of age and body size, every member was carrying a huge camping bag on their back, which seemed to represent the discomfort and endurance they were having. I thought their layered Scout outfits would only make them hotter. I still clearly remember the visibly exhausted contingent sitting on the ground in front of a McDonald's in an air-conditioned mall. I guess a part of the reason they visited the mall was to get away from the heat. Since I have witnessed these young participants and felt close to them as I was previously a Scout in the old days, the Jamboree issue came as very personal to me.
Poor organizer preparation undeniably turned the Jamboree event into turmoil. Haphazard planning only made me question how that would really satisfy and comfort those already heat-exhausted participants. Well, some say that they have fully enjoyed the moments in Seoul. I hope this comment is really true. Otherwise, their time in Korea would be left as a negative experience. As a former Scout, I believe that many outdoor activities, particularly camping, will be remembered for the rest of their lives. It can also play an important role in shaping one's personality and perspective. Regardless of how they spent their time in Korea, I hope their time here would serve as a milestone to draw their dreams in the future, just like the theme of the event.
The writer (faith0906@gmail.com) is a freelance English translator based in Korea.