In August this year I was lucky enough to get to go to the 12th Nippon Agoonoree in Japan. For those of you who have never heard of an Agoonoree, it is an accessible camp for special needs Scouts. The 12th Nippon Agoonoree was attended by 700 Scouts from Japan and around the world and was a Scout camp I will never forget. Before heading to the Agoonoree site at Mount Fuji the Australian Contingent went on a pre tour to experience Japan and Japanese culture. We visited so many different places in Japan in just a week in a half. We even got to visit a place most people dream of getting to see, Disneyland. It wasn’t all easy. We faced temperatures of 39 degrees with 100% humidity, train stations with very limited elevator access, not to mention we were travelling with two wheelchairs, 13 suitcases and a mobility scooter. There is only so much research and planning you can do to overcome these challenges. Most things will catch you by surprise and it’s down to the people you have with you and their ability to adapt while still having a smile on their face. The first day was tough but by the second day we had really started to work together and get it done. We became pros at navigating train stations and really started to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. Long trips on the bullet trains were filled with laughs and lessons in Japanese and sign language. One of our contingent was deaf but communicating with him was never an issue. I had never learned sign language or Japanese but I was quickly able to learn enough so there was no barrier. Sign language is something I am still learning and practising since I’ve been back home. This trip really was pushing it to the extremes of what inclusive Scouting can be. Not everyone is going to get the opportunity to take fully wheelchair bound Scouts on an overseas trip but everything I learned really can be applied to Scouting at home. Learning a bit of sign language or something about Autism can go a long way in being able to include someone in your activities. If I could give anyone some advice based on my experience it would be this: Ask questions- of the youth member, their family and their carers. The more you know the more you can adapt in a helpful way Use the patrol and buddy system to your advantage. Look after your carers- A carer can’t care if they’re worn out or not coping well themselves. Make sure people take a break and have multiple carers if possible. Stop and think- there is almost always a way to adapt your activity so it can be enjoyed by all Be flexible and smile- it won’t always be smooth sailing. Remember why you're doing it. It’s all about providing opportunities for youth regardless of their abilities.