600 Scouts suffer from fainting, dizziness at World Scout Jamboree in South Korea
Watch: Adam Hollingworth explains the extreme heat facing more than 43,000 scouts in Buan, South Korea. Credits: Newshub. New Zealand Scouts are among the 43,000 children sweltering at the 'World Scout Jamboree' in South Korea, as temperatures top 38C. More than 600 of the youngsters attending the event have suffered fainting and dizziness. But leaders of the Aotearoa contingent of around 80 say they're upbeat, and Scouts are "adhering" to the message to stay hydrated and remain in the shade. Jamboree - it's 12 days when the Scouting world meets to celebrate friendship and shared values. More than 140,000 14- to 17-year-olds, from more than 150 countries are partying it up. But soaring temperatures in South Korea have hampered the fun. "Ready to go team, let's go smash it," said chief Scout Bear Grylls - who was at the opening ceremony. He later posted on social media to remind Scouts to stay hydrated and look out for each other. "We're all dealing with climate change, but to me, it says that the world needs Scouts more than ever." But hundreds of youngsters have gone to hospital with problems ranging from skin rashes to bug bites to heat-related illnesses. It's so hot the United Kingdom contingent of 4500 has upped sticks and decamped from their tents to hotels. Kiwi Scouts were asked to raise $9,500 each for the trip. And they've been posting plenty of pictures of them and their leaders having the time of their lives. The New Zealand contingent of 92 says it's in high spirits, and well-prepared with electrolytes, chilled water and an air-conditioned bus. They say they're taking a flexible approach to activities - and they've even built a pair of rugby posts for touch rugby should anyone want to take them on. Only two people have sought treatment for heat-related conditions. Organisers have gone on the defensive. "Our latest satisfaction rate shows that over 62 percent of all participants were either very satisfied, or satisfied with the program delivery, so far," said Jacob Murray, director of the World Scout Federation. "Despite the heat and the difficulties and the challenges that they are facing, only 8 percent reported that they were very unsatisfied with their experience so far." The South Korean government has stepped in with a face-saving $8 million emergency fund. "The recent decree from the President of Korea gives Minister Kim [Hyun-Sook] increased stability and resources to provide water, shade, umbrellas, cooling buses, doctors and nurses to the site immediately," Murray told reporters. The motto of the Scouts is 'Be Prepared' but one father told a British newspaper the organisation's founder Robert Baden Powell would be turning in his grave. The World Organization of the Scout Movement said it asked South Korean organisers to "consider alternative options to end the event earlier than scheduled and support the participants until they depart for their home countries".