BASC will introduce a record number of young people to shooting and conservation at the Essex International Jamboree – the largest joint Scout and Guide camping event in Europe this year.
Around 10,000 participants from around the world will camp together for a week close to Chelmsford for the Jamboree, which is held every four years.
BASC, the UK’s largest shooting organisation, will be running a coaching line of epic proportions – with around 20 shotgun coaches working in 18 cages along a line which will be almost four times the length of a standard BASC coaching line.
The coaching line will run for six days from July 30th and aims to give 7,200 participants the chance to experience clay shooting.
Peter Marshall, from BASC’s Sporting Services team, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with a staggering number of youngsters to show them the fun that can be had from shooting. It is also an excellent opportunity to inform young people of the importance of the countryside, conservation and diversification.
“Qualified and experienced BASC coaches will volunteer their time to promote the sport to the next generation in a safe and engaging manner. We would hope that many of these youngsters who have never shot before will enjoy the experience and the event may set them up for a lifetime of shooting.”
To cope with the expected demand, BASC has worked with schools close to its north Wales headquarters to trial and refine coaching methods to be used at the Jamboree. This has allowed hundreds of youngsters to try shooting for the first time.
Peter Marshall added: “Working at the Jamboree means we can ensure that young people understand the safety aspects of this engaging sport and build on our objective to promote shooting and the well-being of the countryside.”
Mike Hardy, a BASC council member, said: “Shooting and conservation are great to be involved in; they instil a sense of discipline and responsibility. The Jamboree gives us a great opportunity to engage with youngsters from a wide range of backgrounds, introducing them to shooting and conservation in an enjoyable, safe and proficient manner. Over the course of the last few months, we have proven that children love getting involved. It will be a privilege to offer thousands more this shooting opportunity at the Jamboree.”
BASC’s coaching at the event would not be possible without the support of a number of leading companies; Eley are providing the cartridges, Browning the guns and Promatic are supplying traps and clays.
Essex International Jamboree will be supported by nearly 2,000 adult Scout and Guide volunteers. Joint Jamboree Chiefs Karen Packer and Paul Walker said: “Without the amazing work of our volunteers over the last four years, this Jamboree couldn’t be the incredible global event it has become.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Scouts and Guides from all over the UK and overseas to create lasting memories and international friendships. Working with BASC means we can offer clay shooting in a safe and enjoyable environment, something many young people will simply not get a chance to try anywhere else.”