Two Flintshire Guides are heading Stateside after being selected to represent Wales at the 24th World Scout Jamboree.

Tilly Horrigan, 14, of Nercwys, and Mali Jones, 15, of Mold, who both attend Mold Alun High School, will be jetting out to West Virginia in July 2019 for the 10 day camp where they will be joining more than 40,000 Scouts and Guides from around the world.

Mali and Tilly, both members of the Carmel Senior Section Unit, had to undergo a rigorous selection process before getting the good news they had been selected as two of nine Guides and Scouts that will represent Wales.

Tilly, who joined the 2nd Mold Brownies aged seven before graduating to the 1st Gwernaffield Guide Unit, described the selection process.

She said: “We had to complete an application form and write an essay describing our achievements and explain why we wanted to attend the Jamboree. From the applications 14 were chosen to attend a selection camp.

“The two night weekend camp was held at Broneirion, Powys. It was cantered on team-building and activities. We had to teach and pass on a traditional craft that could be understood by a non English speaker. I chose decorating traditional Welsh love spoons.

“There were also lots of discussions and we had to cook a dinner on a camp fire. I did pasta Bolognese. It was tough and I was aware we were been closely observed throughout the process.”

She added: “I was thrilled and really excited to discover I was one of the nine to be selected although I was disappointed for those that weren’t picked. I’m now just looking forward to meeting young people from so many different cultures and countries.

“The Jamboree is being hosted jointly by the US, Canada and Mexico and the actual camp is going to be vast.”

Mali, who joined 1st Gwernaffield Brownies aged eight before moving up to Gwernaffield Guides Unit, says prior to the camp they will be visiting either New York or Washington DC.

She said: “We aren’t sure yet where we will be going. We have asked for New York but it doesn’t really matter. The jamboree and camp is going to be amazing.

“Almost every country will be represented although there are some that can’t send representatives due to American immigration rules.”

She added: “After the Jamboree ends we will then be hosted by Scout groups in either America or Canada for a short stay before we return home. It’s the chance of a lifetime and we are both so excited.

“There’s the opportunity to do so many things from white water rafting, climbing, BMX riding, high ropes and lots of water sports."

Having been selected the girls now need to fundraise in order to raise the £3,495 they each need for their trip.

Tilly said: “We do have a 20 per cent bursary from Clwyd Guides and a £150 Girl Guide grant. However, we are now working towards raising funds as best we can.

“We have a bingo night organised by our parents at the Swan Inn, Gwernymynydd on Friday, May 4. We are really grateful to the licensee Kevin Thomas for agreeing to help. We are also holding a raffle too. And we have lots of other plans for events like coffee mornings and so forth.

“We also have a stall at the Duck race at Loggerheads on Monday, May 7 where we will be doing glitter tattoos. And we have separate district Rainbow, Brownie and Guide events, all based on an American theme such as a barn dance, planned for later in the year.”

Mali added: “It’s going to be an amazing experience for us both and we are really excited. I just want to meet and make friends with as many young people from as many different countries and cultures as possible. It really is the chance of a lifetime and an experience we will never forget.”

The bingo night starts at 7.30pm and there are places available. Tickets are £5.