AN ADVENTUROUS teenager from Crowthorne is one of 5,000 UK Scouts to take part in the World Scout Jamboree in Virginia.
Ben Grimmett, 16, will join thousands of others in the skills and adventure festival happening right now.
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Ben is meeting 45,000 Scouts from nearly every country in the world, sharing his skills while enjoying high adventure in the picturesque part of North America.
The Jamboree offers young people the chance to learn new skills that they can use in other aspects of their life.
The members have had the chance to explore leadership and teamwork skills, and find out about different cultures from around the world.
They have also been able to take part in other activities, such as scuba diving and skateboarding.
Additionally, the Scouts have the opportunity to ride the longest zip line course in the world and climb the second highest man-made climbing wall on the planet.
Ben said: "We met some really nice South African Scouts, and camping next to us is a Lebanese group which is always singing and dancing.
"It's nice to be able to go and meet people around the world and understand how they think and what they do.
"I've definitely changed as a result of my Jamboree experience.
"I'm becoming more socially accepting."
The event was opened by UK Chief Scout Bear Grylls, who said: "World Scout Jamborees only happen every four years and tens of thousands of Scouts attend each one.
"They are incredible festivals of peace, friendship and adventure.
"Young people will make friends for life with people from more than 150 countries, experience different food, language and culture while learning new skills.
"It will be the journey of a lifetime. 
"The 2019 Jamboree, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, is set to be one of the biggest and most exciting yet.
"The theme is 'Unlock a new world' - focusing especially on how we can create a sustainable world together."