The Scout Association - Isle of Man is pleased to announce that Alex Armstrong has been chosen to lead the contingent of Manx Scouts heading to the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, United States of America in 2019.

The World Scout Jamboree, which is held every four years, sees between 30,000 and 50,000 Scouts from over 150 different countries worldwide gather for three weeks of camping, international bonding and adventure which collectively produce a life changing experience for all those attending.

Alex, a local Leader from Onchan, was selected to lead the Manx Unit by Island Commissioner Guy Thompson after a tough selection process involving several local leaders.

Alex will lead a Unit of nine Scouts from the Island who will join forces with Scouts from Cumbria to make a forty strong Unit. They will then join with other Units from the British Isles to form a 4,000 strong UK Contingent.

Alex's first tasks will be the selection of the nine local Scouts and Explorer Scouts to go to the Jamboree and the fundraising of an immense ?40,000 needed to take the Unit to the US.

Island Commissioner, Guy Thompson said:
 
“Alex is a fantastic Leader and well known in the Scouting community on the Island. Despite only being 24, Alex has a wealth of experience across all age ranges within Scouting and a real passion for the movement. He will be an excellent Unit Leader and ambassador for the Isle of Man.”

Alex commented:

“I am ecstatic to have been selected as the Unit Leader for Manx Scouts heading to the Jamboree in 2019; especially so knowing the calibre of the other applicants. Now the hard work begins; 2 years of planning and preparation, team building and of course fundraising. My first task is to select the nine Scouts who will be representing the Island, a process currently in hand, and one I do not believe will be easy given the strength of applications received to date. This will be a fantastic experience for those involved and one of the best opportunities available to those in Scouting by being a part of a global movement.

Any help and support from the Manx Public will be greatly appreciated.”