The first 24 hours saw heavy rain, bringing traffic problems and floods, the first for over 10 years. Putting up tents in the  rain is a great way of getting to know your fellow Scouts, as language barriers are quickly forgotten. Remembering people’s names was overcome by simply being called by their country - apart from me, as everyone had latched onto ‘Birdy’, my nickname. 

For the event’s official opening we visited the natural history museum and a wildlife park. We held a campfire that evening, without the fire and indoors as most Scouts seemed to be feeling the cold. Most people had a strange idea of what a UK Scout should be good at. Probably the most embarrassing was that I should know lots of campfire songs as I come from the home of Scouting. I managed to get away with it with the one Scout song I could remember from Cubs.

I was told I had been chosen to make the welcoming speech to the visiting ruler of Sharjah, who sponsored the event. I felt this may be a good time to phone home and share my panic with my parents. Several text messages later I had some key phrases to use in the speech.During the gathering we had lectures from the World Health Organisation, held in English an d Arabic, and the Red Crescent (Red Cross in the UK). We also spoke about different projects that our countries where involved with.

This was a real insight into the World Scout Organisation’s work – it was strange to hear countries we're helping talking about countries they're helping. That’s the great thing about Scouting, no matter what your situation is, you always see if you can make a difference elsewhere.

The official visit day dawned with clear skies and lovely weather. We had lots to prepare before the arrival of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who was a Scout and has always been very supportive of Scouting, both at home and abroad.

My nerves were building; I don’t remember much of the early part of the ceremony, especially as it was mainly in Arabic. Suddenly I was aware of my name being said and being ushered to the podium – then it was all over and I was able to enjoy the rest.

It was the greatest honour of my Scouting life so far. We got to meet His Highness and discuss the work we had undertaken in The Andaman Islands following the tsunami. We also presented him with a UK neckerchief and Centenary of Scouting badge.