Where is the only place you will ever find a gathering of 12,000 scouts, 2000 leaders and over 1000 helpers?
The Australian Jamboree!
When people say the word ‘scouting’ most will think of the stereotypical camping, bird-watching, uniform wearing little boy with badges and a scarf around his neck. Well, you are very, very wrong. The Scouting movement is a worldwide organisation of children, teens and adults. Every three years The Australian Scouting Movement holds an event called a Jamboree. 10 days of fun, action, adventure and full on scouts! Scout troops from all over Australia and various parts of the world attended the 2010 Jamboree in New South Wales earlier in January this year. Many arrived early from other states and countries and those from Victoria (including myself) were absolutely exhausted after an 11 hour bus ride. After all tents were set up, people had settled into their new homes and after some serious relaxation and sleeping had been achieved the fun began. Everything kicked off after the opening ceremony including fireworks, films and a musical appearance by BlueJuice.
Onsite activities included: challenge valley obstacle course, BMX bike riding, skateboarding, circus and clown school, craft activities, waterslides, abseiling, rock-climbing, laser skirmish, navigation exercises and many more.
Offsite Activities included: Jamberoo water park; Sydney’s very own Wet ‘n’ Wild, city tour; several activities based in Sydney’s Circular Quay and surrounding area’s, endurance; hiking throughout dense bushland and completing skill exercises along the way, water activities; based at a bay where scouts could go snorkelling, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and attend a cruise along the coast and through Circular Quay.
In free-time you could visit the mall; a central hub of shopping, activities and hang-out spots. Here you could visit state contingencies, souvenir shops, fast-food joints, the JNN network and a mini historical Australian village to represent our gold mining era and heritage.
JNN network had set up a television programme, daily newspaper and radio station for everyone’s enjoyment, all of which were run by leaders, venturers and rovers willing to help.
Jamboree was a time for making new friends and strengthening your bonds with the old. Of leadership skills and responsibilities away from home. A time of learning, discovering and exploring. For a scout, Jamboree is something you only ever do once in your life. It is an experience to remember, a story to tell for the rest of our lives.
Though we were sad to leave even I couldn’t argue over the prospect of seeing my family and pets and sleeping in a real bed!
