Scouts Australia

World Scout Jamboree in Sweden proves life changing for scouts

39000 scouts from around the world congregated together between the 27th of July to the 7th of August to share new experiences and uninterrupted fun in Rinkaby, Sweden, as they took part in the 22nd World Scout Jamboree.  With special appearances by UK Scout Association President Bear Grylls, key note speakers like H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden and the opportunity to go camping with H.M. King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, many scouts reported this Jamboree to be a life changing experience!

The word “Jamboree” was derived from the Swahili word “jambo” which means “hello” in English. This is precisely what scouts did during the Jamboree, immersing themselves in different cultures and actively learning about sustainability issues, along with empowering themselves with tools to be better global citizens. Some of their activities included participating as Indiana Jones in an obstacle course, exploring the underworld of caves, and living in the past with Vikings within the Medieval world. At night scouts explored forests, forcing them to use their skills and abilities to make informed choices. Scouts here learned not just about themselves but about people from all over the world, embracing the diversity of our planet.              

Scouts also experienced first hand the ability of different faith communities to co-exist peacefully and learn how to live in tolerance and harmony.  Important issues like the role of Scouting in eradicating poverty and the importance of duty to God as a scout were also discussed in the Jamboree Forum with famous keynote speakers including H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden. 

Scouts also embraced spontaneous activities at the Jamboree like encountering jugglers, playing games, trying their hand at scout bingo or other fun opportunities. Scouts even trekked to the nearby Baltic Sea for a day at the beach or visited the town of Kristianstad to experience the atmosphere of an historic Swedish city.

As UK Scout Association President Bear Grylls said at the opening ceremony of the World Scout Jamboree, “We’re part of something so special...we’re part of 28 million scouts around the world. That is a world wide force of good, encouraging people like you to make a difference.”  Scouts at the Jamboree armed themselves to do just that, experiencing the daily excitement of “Simply Scouting” at the Jamboree.

To find out more about what Australian Scouts at the World Scout Jamboree did in Sweden read their highly interesting blog on http:/australia.simplyscouts.se. For additional information please visit http://worldscoutjamboree.se.