In the Beginning
1994 about 200 UK adults from both the Scout and Guide associations applied to be International Service Staff (ISS) at the 18th Worlds Jamboree in the Netherlands. After selection they were put into 4 regional units.
The UK South Service Team consisted of 58 people from across the Southern part of England right down to the Channel Islands.
Thanks to the foresight of our leader Ian, a number of weekends were held across the region to pass on information and more importantly to get to know the rest of the group. By the time we travelled to the Jamboree in July 1995, we were a very close group, with many of the friendships formed at that time continuing to this day.
Towards the end of the Jamboree, and various evenings of unit bonding in the bars, we realised that we couldn’t let it end there. The motto of the Jamboree was “The future is now” and that really was when our future started.
On our return to the UK, all the unit members were invited to a reunion near Bath. We decided to look onto the possibility of forming a Scout Fellowship. 32 people signed up and a committee elected.
FAQ
Why Southern Stars?
All sub camps at the Jamboree were star constellations. As the Southern Unit
our name seemed a natural choice.
Where did the Polar Bear come from?
The ISS Sub Camp was Polaris – the Polar Star.
What about Ursa – Our mascot?
Ursa Major and minor are the constellations, which form the stars of the Great
and Little Bears.
The Story Continues
From the get together in Bath, Southern Stars UK Fellowship has gone from strength to strength. As well as members throughout the UK and strong support from the Netherlands, we also have members (now called International Friends of Southern Stars) in Australia, Croatia, India, Ireland and various BFPO’s.
We have worked in International Service Teams throughout the world including, the 19th, 20th World Jamboree in Thailand and Chilli, The World Camp, also the 22nd Asia Pacific Jamboree in Australia. Many members also attend UK International Jamborees including Wings and Campdowne. We regularly help at events at Gilwell Park (Scout Ass) and have adopted the chapel area at Foxlease (Girl Guide UK).
In the words of George Purdy, Chief Scout, and now our President “Everywhere I go there seems to be Southern Stars. Are you trying to take over the world?”
With new members joining us all the time from the UK and friends from abroad, who knows where the future will take us!
We Work Hard and Play Hard!
Who can join SSUKF?
Membership of Southern Stars is open to all UK residents over 18 years of age who are, or willing to become full or associate members of the Scout Association UK, subject to HQ approval.
Non UK residents are welcome to become International Friends of Southern
Stars. They must be members of their own National Scout Associations.
