Explorer Scouts from across South East Region have just returned from nearly 3 weeks in Denmark, Sweden and The Netherlands, where they joined the 4,400 strong UK Contingent at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree.

The adventure began when we departed from Edinburgh and headed for Copenhagen to join the Pre Jamboree experience. The Unit spent three days enjoying some of the culture of Copenhagen where they were out on the water for a Speedboat trip, tried out many new sports, including Capoierra and Hip-hop and then descended on Tivoli Gardens for an evening on roller coasters and the chairoplanes which gave us a stunning view of the city.

Talking about the pre-event, Explorer Scout Eilidh, aged 16, from Edinburgh said 'meeting up with everyone else from the UK going to the Jamboree was great and I can't wait to get to the Jamboree to meet Scouts from other countries.'

After three fun filled days in Copenhagen, leaving at 8am, having been up for 3 hours already, we arrived at the Jamboree site in sunny Kristianstad and began setting up camp. Arriving at the Jamboree and looking around, the Jamboree site was too big for words and over the course of the next 24 hours, our new neighbours arrived from Belgium, Mexico, Ireland & The Netherlands.

After a days torrential rain, you could feel the excitement around the sub-Camp as we gathered to walk to the opening ceremony. The number of people arriving at the opening ceremony was both intimidating and awe-inspiring. People from all nationalities crowded together and chatted, despite the language barrier.

Jamie, from Midlothian, and Lauren, from Edinburgh, piped us in to huge cheers. In the crowd Jamie and a Spanish Scout played a duet together, even although neither spoke each others language. The opening ceremony started with every countries flag being brought into the arena, which really put the number of scouts and the diversity of the Jamboree into perspective. There was then a brief history of Sweden and an epic entrance from Bear Grylls who abseiled in from the roof. Crazy Vikings danced and 'artists' played with fire.

Our first scheduled activities at the Jamboree were 'Earth' and 'Dream'. Earth was all about the four elements of wind, water, oxygen and soil. We had to think about natural disasters, try our hand at filtering water and learn about the natural power of wind. Dream challenged us to complete a quiet, lit walk through the forest after midnight and think about who we really were.

'Quest was all about completing a range of different challenges,' said Hannah, from Currie. 'Our Group had to complete a jigsaw whilst only two of them did not have blindfolds on and then we had to move a castle between hoops whilst all pulling on different ropes. I have definitely learnt that key to good teamwork is to communicate well.'

Away from the activities, a big part of the Jamboree was all about meeting Scouts & Guides from  different countries. Alex, from Blackford said 'we have been challenged to invite Patrols from different countries to dinner and Trinidad and Tobago was my favourite, he continued, 'they taught us to play Mission Impossible on the steel drums.'

Catriona, from Pentland District enjoyed her time at the People activity. 'We had the opportunity to sit in a relaxation tent and listen to a story which was a perfect chance to chill out. We were able to reflect on the fantastic time that we had had at the Jamboree.' ‘We also played Rafa, Rafa where we walked into a new culture and had to adapt to it.'

One of the highlights of the Jamboree was Camp in Camp and Kate, aged 17 years old, from Currie went to a small campsite in the Southernmost part of Sweden.' Local Scouts met us on arrival and showed us around the local town. In the afternoon, we went swimming and took part in traditional Swedish activities such as fire lighting and pioneering.'

In the middle of the Jamboree, was Cultural Festival Day where we showcased the best of Scottish Culture with Haggis and Irn Bru for sampling and our Unit visited other Groups in the sub-Camp trying out their food and learning about their cultures.

All too soon, we were heading for the Closing Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the Jamboree and new friendships that had been formed before heading on to a bus for Copenhagen Airport and on to Rotterdam.

The Unit enjoyed three fantastic days being hosted by local Scouting families in Rotterdam where they were a hit with everyone that they met.

The South East Scotland Unit have done us proud and were fantastic ambassadors for Scottish Scouting. If you would like any of them to come and visit your Group to share their Jamboree experiences with you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at garysbainbridge@googlemail.com