A World Scout Jamboree (often abbreviated to WSJ), is a large gathering of thousands of Scouts and Guides from all over the world; they are held every four years and are held in a different country each time. In the summer of 2011, the 22nd WSJ will be held in Sweden. Whilst the total numbers have not yet been finalised, it is anticipated that the number taking part will be around the 40,000 figure.
Young People ages 14-17 can attend the WSJ as part of a unit, which is accompanied by 4 members of a Unit Leadership Team. On top of this, there is also a vast team of staff (Including the International Service Team, or IST for short). The theme for the WSJ in 2011, is "Simply Scouting" which can best be described as the constant excitement participants will experience whilst taking part in the varied and active programme of the Jamboree.
Whilst at the Jamboree, out Unit Members will take part in a busy programme, including a range of activities, including taking part in the subcamp programme and subcamp life, programme activities including Global Development activities, adventorous activities, water activities, arena events including an opening and closing ceremony and finally a few days at a smaller low key camping event.
To find out more about the 22nd WSJ in Sweden have a look at the events website (Click Here), or have a look at the UK contingents website (Click Here).
Jamboree Venue
The Jamboree will be held on the fields of Rinkaby, not far from the town of Kristianstad, in the province of Skane, in the south of Sweden.
Rinkaby has already been tried and tested for some fantastic national Jamborees, including the 2001 event for 26,500 Scouts and the successful 2007 'Jiingiijamborii'.
The Jamboree site is a green grassy field, with old stone walls and groves of trees. You may have the chance to see wildlife in the surrounding pine woods. Not far away are large tracts of unspoiled nature, and the beach is only a few minutes away by bus. Perfect for a Simply Scouting adventure!
Jamboree Programme
The Jamboree theme is "Simply Scouting", which should not be mistaken for "Simple Scouting". The Jamboree programme will be active and relevant for Scouts living in the 22nd Century, the broad jamboree programme is split up into the following areas:
Subcamp Life
Subcamps are the homes of the Scouts at the Jamboree. This is where most of the everyday camp life takes place; sleeping, cooking, cleaning etc. At the World Scout Jamboree, Scouts and Guides will have the tools to create their own home and plenty of time for subcamp life.
The close environment of a subcamp makes it easier to get to know new friends from other countries and to build a genuine understanding of each other. At the 22nd World Scout Jamboree every subcamp will have areas for socialising, including a small café, campfire circle and activity spaces. Subcamp life makes it possible for each Scout to influence and create his or her own Jamboree experience. Simply Scouting!
Module Activities
Hundreds of stimulating, fun, inclusive, modern, quality activities focused on discovering new cultures, the environment, sustainable development, global development issues, respect for oneself and for others, health, community development, peace and much much more!
These activities aim to give Scouts and Guides the knowledge and tools relevant to the needs of young people in the world today. Here, National Scout and Guide Organisations, non-governmental organisations and others pool their expertise to run fun, educational and challenging activities, which draw on the patrol system.
Common Areas
Everything outside the subcamps and scheduled activity areas are 'Common Areas': shared areas for everyone at the Jamboree. Common Areas are designed to facilitate meetings, so will include for example: cafés, unscheduled activity areas, exhibitions and specific spaces for faiths and beliefs.
Arena Events
The main arena events are similiar to that at event such as Glastonbury or V Festival; thousands of Scouts and Guides get to play an interactive role in the programme. There will be three big arena events: the Opening Ceremony, a massive event in the middle of the Jamboree and the Closing Ceremony.
Camp in Camp
Unlike many World Scout Jamborees, Scouts and Guides (in smaller groups of 100-200) will take part in a smaller overnight camp away from the Jamboree site. This “Camp in Camp†will give each and every one of the participating Scouts a chance to experience nature and small scale camping, in true Swedish style. This will be an opportunity to get to know a smaller group of new friends.
