Thirty-six Scouts and four adult volunteer leaders from Nottinghamshire have arrived at Heathrow to fly off to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

They 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.

The UK Scouts are flying to Tokyo for three days, where the capital will be taken over by the Scouts getting to know each other, seeing the sights and taking part in traditional cultural activities before they travel to the Jamboree site near Yamaguchi City in the south of Japan by Bullet Train.

The Jamboree will include seven days of activities with modules based around global development, a peace programme (based at Hiroshima), exploring nature, and the Crossroads of Culture and City of Science (COS). The COS programme is aimed at deepening understanding of advances in science and technology and the benefits and problems associated with science.

This programme provides a venue for learning about the development of fuel cells and other energy sources for the future, ecological problems, and robotics and automotive technologies

Ben Scothern, 16, from Sutton, said: “I can’t believe we are actually here about to go!

“I have been counting down the days until we leave and finished packing two weeks ago. The people I am going with have become my closest friends and I can’t wait to make friends with Scouts from all over the world.”

Alex Chadwick, 16, of Hucknall, added: “I can’t wait to try all the activities they have got planned. I’m most looking forward to meeting new friends from across the world.

“I’ve never met anyone from overseas before. I’m going to try and make 100 new friends, because if not at the World Scout Jamboree, then when?”

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “While lots of people know that Scouting is all about adventure, they often don’t realise that adult volunteers get to do just as much as our young members through their involvement. The World Scout Jamboree is a great example of this.

“Over the course of the Jamboree Scouts will be able to meet people from around the world, take part in amazing adventures and experiences and be challenged to think about global issues in a new light. That is why Scouting is one of the greatest youth movement on earth and why I am so proud to be part of it.”