Author: Howard Nelson
Published: September 3, 2024
Essex EIJ
It's amazing how the world can be so small and yet united through Scouting.
This International Jamboree was attended by approximately 8,000 Scouts and Girl Guides and Staff from all around the world. In fact there were over 40 contingents who were international and some of our neighbours on The Ganges Subcamp were from Kenya, Ukraine and Tokyo.
Our morning began with a sub camp Yoga session to get everyone stretched out, followed by a day of activities from an Alan Sugar style Enterprise Experience, to Clay Pigeon Shooting, to Kayaking to Talent Competitions. We attended an international Food Fair where we all took our own traditional/local style food and shared this with others. We took Lincolnshire Plum Loaf and this was very well received. I tried a Beetroot Soup from the Ukraine Contingent and spent some time talking to their Scouts who had sadly lost Leaders and fellow scouts in the War. It was incredibly moving. We also held a Carnival Day were we created a Fair Game and took turns in playing each other’s.
In the evenings the young people had many options to attend a cinema, live music on stage, craft tents, mocktail bar, disco and lots more. Every day was different and shared with Explorer Scouts and Guides from around the world. We’ve eaten together, danced together and made many friendships as well as experiencing different cultures we might not have been able to do without attending an event like this. We’ve swapped neckers and badges with others and made friends which will be treasured for life.
Where will the H&B ESU be heading next I wonder?
Helen Robinson
Explorer Team Leader
Horbling & Billingborough Explorer Scout Unit
Young people first: safeguarding and safety in Scouting
Wherever we go and whatever we do, we put young people’s safety and wellbeing first. Here's how.
Lincolnshire County Scout Council
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