The Opportunity of a Lifetime [Part 2]
Event: World Scout Jamboree 2011
Location: Frankfurt, Germany & Rinkaby, Sweden
Date: [22/07/11 - 07/08/11] ♥
Note: For my own viewing pleasures. Just thought I would share my emotions and experiences of the best trip I ever had.
Part 2 | Part 1
Okay, let me take you back to the very, very beginning. The first time I’d heard about this camp was at an information meeting held one night. My leader gathered the entire group of ventures, and slowly explained in detail what this opportunity could bring. Everyone was elated, without a doubt. We were excitedly discussing the possibilities, and nearly jumping out of our seats as we did so.
Our leader presented to us a scheduled timeline; of which we would follow over the course of the next two years, if anybody decided to show interest. Included in the lists were items like payment due dates, meetings, and the ever-dreaded price of participation. Now, with a trip like this, we all knew the expenses would not come cheap. It was then revealed that this 3 week journey, food and transportation included, would cost nearly $4500.
Right then and there it struck me. There was no way I’d be able to afford this. It wasn’t like my family was struggling with basic necessities or anything, but I knew that this amount of money would not be a breeze.
There came the most difficult internal debate I ever had. I clearly remembered my parents saying that a $2000 exchange program to Japan was much too expensive, and to not even think about it. Now I had a problem. Here I was, desperate for a taste of something fascinating that I knew would only be once in a lifetime. On the other hand, $4500 really was a LOT of money and I didn’t know if I would be allowed.
Therefore, I decided to open my mouth and ask anyway; what did I have to lose, right? Breath held and fingers crossed, I stood there as I prepared to ask my father the question. The one whose answer may determine - and possibly change - my biggest life-defining moment during summer of 2011. Little did I know, he too knew about this wonderful experience, and was just waiting for the right moment to inform me.
I was truly shocked when he presented me with a single sheet of bright green paper - on it was a jumble of important information regarding World Jam 2011. Just as I was about to question the meaning of this, my dad speaks up and happily proclaims, “Hey, this seems interesting and I’d really like you to gain more exposure from this. You should go!”
Eyes wide, my heart leapt in joy, and it felt like I was on top of the world. Although I didn’t know why, it felt like the greatest moment of my life - so far. I thanked my parents profusely, already planning everything I could be doing when I arrive in Sweden. I have never been more grateful; they really understood how much I valued my Scouting career, and they knew I would never let something like this go to waste. 2011 may have been far in the future, but the adventure train was ready to exit the station, and I was not about to let it leave without me.
///
^Awesome best friend is awesome. :)
Location: Frankfurt, Germany & Rinkaby, Sweden
Date: [22/07/11 - 07/08/11] ♥
Note: For my own viewing pleasures. Just thought I would share my emotions and experiences of the best trip I ever had.
Part 2 | Part 1
Okay, let me take you back to the very, very beginning. The first time I’d heard about this camp was at an information meeting held one night. My leader gathered the entire group of ventures, and slowly explained in detail what this opportunity could bring. Everyone was elated, without a doubt. We were excitedly discussing the possibilities, and nearly jumping out of our seats as we did so.
Our leader presented to us a scheduled timeline; of which we would follow over the course of the next two years, if anybody decided to show interest. Included in the lists were items like payment due dates, meetings, and the ever-dreaded price of participation. Now, with a trip like this, we all knew the expenses would not come cheap. It was then revealed that this 3 week journey, food and transportation included, would cost nearly $4500.
Right then and there it struck me. There was no way I’d be able to afford this. It wasn’t like my family was struggling with basic necessities or anything, but I knew that this amount of money would not be a breeze.
There came the most difficult internal debate I ever had. I clearly remembered my parents saying that a $2000 exchange program to Japan was much too expensive, and to not even think about it. Now I had a problem. Here I was, desperate for a taste of something fascinating that I knew would only be once in a lifetime. On the other hand, $4500 really was a LOT of money and I didn’t know if I would be allowed.
Therefore, I decided to open my mouth and ask anyway; what did I have to lose, right? Breath held and fingers crossed, I stood there as I prepared to ask my father the question. The one whose answer may determine - and possibly change - my biggest life-defining moment during summer of 2011. Little did I know, he too knew about this wonderful experience, and was just waiting for the right moment to inform me.
I was truly shocked when he presented me with a single sheet of bright green paper - on it was a jumble of important information regarding World Jam 2011. Just as I was about to question the meaning of this, my dad speaks up and happily proclaims, “Hey, this seems interesting and I’d really like you to gain more exposure from this. You should go!”
Eyes wide, my heart leapt in joy, and it felt like I was on top of the world. Although I didn’t know why, it felt like the greatest moment of my life - so far. I thanked my parents profusely, already planning everything I could be doing when I arrive in Sweden. I have never been more grateful; they really understood how much I valued my Scouting career, and they knew I would never let something like this go to waste. 2011 may have been far in the future, but the adventure train was ready to exit the station, and I was not about to let it leave without me.
///
^Awesome best friend is awesome. :)