Excited youngsters left Huddersfield this morning - bound for the other side of the world.
Some 36 teenagers and volunteers boarded a coach at Bradley Wood Scout Camp, between Huddersfield and Brighouse, on the first leg of a journey to Japan.
They fly out tomorrow from Newcastle to join the World Scout Jamboree, which is being held in Yamaguchi.
It is the 23rd World Jamboree and for the local youngsters and is the culmination of many months of planning.
The event gets under way on July 28 and runs through to August 8. The them of the festival is “WA: The Spirit of Unity”.
Thousands of Scouts from virtually every country in the world are expected to attend and they include the group from West Yorkshire.
Local spokesman Liz Cubberly said: “Preparing for the Jamboree has been a true journey.
““There has been a lot of planning and hard work, and we have held several training camps where young people from all over the county have joined together to become a comprehensive team.
“The anticipation is growing and I know when we get to Japan it will be 100 times better”.
Beth Halligan, 16, of Cowlersley, is one of those on board.
She said: “We will join 4,000 other Scouts from across the UK and 30,000 others from nearly every country in the world for two weeks of activities, fun and making new friends in the most truly international event on the planet.
“Our first stop on this incredible adventure will be arriving in Japan and travelling to Wakayama to spend some time living with Japanese Scouting families. This will give us a real taste of Japanese culture, daily life and tradition.
“Following that the Scouts will then spend ten days taking part in activities at The World Scout Jamboree which will include modules based around global development, a peace programme at Hiroshima, exploring nature and City of Science (COS).
“I can’t wait to try all the activities they have got planned and the best bit is most of the experience is still a surprise. I’ve made so many great new friendships and I know I will make so many more whist in Japan.
“Also I turn 17 during our time in Tokyo, which I’m really looking forward to. I’m so thankful to everyone who has supported me on my journey so far and can’t wait to tell them all about once I get back”.
Local Scouts and Leaders on the adventure include: Fiona Hodgson (Marsden), Jake Hutchinson (Crosland Moor), Abby McLaughlin (Marsden), Gary Smith (Crosland Moor), Ella Taylor (Golcar), Isobel Townend (Golcar), Sam Brown (Crosland Moor), Steve Eastwood (Crosland Moor), Rosie Alport (Barkisland), Hannah Benison (Holmfirth), Georgia Crossland (Clayton West), Georgina Ridgwick (Salendine Nook), Will Robertshaw (New Mill), Tom Watson (Honley), Harry Williams (Clayton West), Gary Smith (Scammonden) and Steve Eastwood (Milnsbridge).
