Larkin Jamboree Event Lead Appointed!

I am delighted to announce that, after a competitive application process, Phil Bennett has been appointed as the next Jamboree Event Leader for Larkin 2028. Phil brings with him a wealth of Scouting experience, having held many local, county, and national roles over the years. This has included significant operational delivery roles at the World Scout Jamboree in 2007 and our Larkin predecessor ‘NYJAM’ in 2009. Phil was then our Assistant County Commissioner for Explorer Scouts, after which he stepped up to be the Group Scout Leader of a group with over 250 young members. Most recently, Phil has supported the County on a number of special projects, including establishing our very first Islamic Scout Group in the County, and leading us through the Volunteer Experience Programme. Professionally, Phil has a significant operational role at the Network Rail Control Centre in York, looking after part of the East Coast Main Line!

Known for his level-headed approach and having an ability to find humour in everything, Phil has earned the respect of many volunteers across the County by project managing the catering delivery at all of our recent events. I know that Phil will be the perfect person to bring together, empower, and develop a team to deliver our flagship event.

Please join me in welcoming Phil to this exciting new role!

Thanks,

Max Butler County Lead Volunteer

Phil said: “What an honour it is to have been selected as Jamboree Event Leader for Larkin ’28, I could not be any prouder or excited to be taking on this role and to be working with the amazing Event Volunteers who will make Larkin ’28 a huge success. 

For those who do not yet know me, I currently hold the role of Transformation Lead for North Yorkshire Scouts, having helped to prepare and guide the County through the recent Transformation process and the delivery of the new Volunteer Experience and Digital Tools. In 2023 I was proud to be part of the leadership team that guided 36 Explorer Scouts through their eventful trip to the World Scout Jamboree in Korea. An experience that showed me just how incredible our Young People are, especially when faced with adversity and challenges. More recently I have been found at one of the County’s Events such as Damboree or Ignite, leading the incredible Catering team at these events and cooking a few sausages!

I have been lucky enough to have attended a wide spectrum of large camps and Jamborees in a variety of roles from a Participant, Section Leader, Event Volunteer and Event Organiser, having experienced each element of Camp and Jamboree Life. Through these experiences I have seen the and benefited from the incredible positive impact that these types of events have on the Young People attending and participating. 

I very firmly believe that every Young Person in Girlguiding and Scouting should be given the opportunity to attend a Jamboree, so that they can reap the benefits that these adventures will bring. It is that passion for Scouting and adventure that will drive me in my commitment to ensure that Larkin ’28 is an incredible Jamboree for everyone that attends

Of course, I can’t do this on my own and I will need an equally passionate and dynamic Event Leadership Team to deliver this event for all of us. I am looking forward to working with the County Leadership Team and Trustee Board to select the members of the Event Leadership that will shape and deliver Larkin ’28.”