FOUR Kilwinning scouts need to raise almost £16,000 after being selected for a once in a lifetime trip to the largest scouting event in the world.

Euan Ferguson, Katie Roy, Liam Hamilton and Charlie Clark of the 19th Kilwinning Scouts are the only scouts in North Ayrshire to have been offered the chance to attend the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia next year.

The event, hosted by Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and the Scout Association of Mexico, is every four years and sees over 45,000 scouts attending. Euan, Katie, Liam and Charlie had to take part in a rigorous selection camp which tested their practical knowledge of scouting and their team skills.

But the youngsters need to raise £15,600 between them in order to make their dream trip become a reality.

Kilwinning Academy student Euan told the Herald: “Much of the time you don’t realise you’re being assessed. They don’t push it on you, we were just told to get on with it. How they whittled it down, I’m still surprised.”

Euan added: “Because of my age, it would be the last time I could try to go. I feel so good that I’ve managed to get in. I’m looking forward to seeing how scouting works in different cultures.”

Katie, also at Kilwinning Academy, said: “I’m looking forward to making life-long friends and to the discovery of other people’s cultures. It’s brilliant that us four are the only ones from North Ayrshire and Arran going.”

St Matthew’s Academy pupil Liam added: “It’s really amazing to be selected for such a fantastic experience. I’m really looking forward to going and learning of different nationalities and different cultures. There’s going to be so many experiences that will change us as people and it’s a great opportunity with this event.”

Charlie, who goes to Kilwinning Academy, said he was looking forward to meeting new friends, adding: “At the January camp we already met a few. That was 36 people, never mind about 45,000. I think there were 92 people at the last selection camp and just to be one of the 92 who were picked is amazing.”

John Allison, scout leader at 19th Kilwinning Scouts, said: “It’s great, especially that we’ve got four of them going.

“It’s incredible, we’re so proud.

“They’ll have to raise just under £16,000, so they’ll be doing lots of fundraising.”

To help the scouts reach their target, visit their Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/darren-clark-4.