Issue 2
Official newspaper of the Essex International Jamboree
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Opening goes with a bang Thousands of people get together for the first time to mark the start of the fun by Emma Parker EXCITEMENT was in the air as the first Sub Camps Pygmy Hippo and Red Panda arrived in the Market Square, and the fantastic Jamboree Band, Reef Knot, played various songs old and new to an already buzzing crowd. The Orange Coats, the show’s warm up entertainers and presenters, were also energetically entertaining the arriving crowds making sure they were ready for the start of the evening’s fun. When all of the Sub Camps had finally arrived the formal part of the ceremony began with the welcome song, Together we will see. Essex International Jamboree flags entered from all of the corners of the Market Square in an eruption of colour and excitement. The cast ran through the arena and up on to the stage to finish the song with a stirring dance routine, that was enjoyed by everyone in the bustling arena. The central focus of the Jamboree was
explained. In a dramatic representation the cast dressed as industrialists in white boiler suits. They were followed by other cast members dressed as endangered animals arrived on the stage. The colourful lights showed off the performance and made it an even more spectacular event. Participants were given an insight into the themes that the event is focussing on - the world is being destroyed by the human race and someone has to stand up and change it. Together we have a responsibility to make a difference. The Sub Camp names were announced as some of the planet’s animals facing extinction, with the banners of each Sub Camp entering from the back of the arena, followed by the Sub Camp badges. Each Sub Camp cheered excitedly at the announcement of their names, and the energy in the arena itself was pulsating. The flags of countries represented at the Jamboree entered through the arena rippling in the breeze and each country
was announced in turn. As the flags arrived on the stage the crowd again joined together in celebrating the international friendships that have already begun to form. The presenters arrived on stage and welcomed the Jamboree Chief and Jamboree Deputy to officially open the event. The excitement was really building as the 10,000-strong audience started the countdown to the official opening and the raising of the Jamboree flag. With a deafening cheer six silver jets burst into the air and confetti shot across the stage as this year’s Jamboree song began. With the flag flying to the right of the stage, it will remain there until the closing ceremony on Friday. The entire crowd celebrated into the night with music playing in the main arena. It was clear that everyone was truly ready to enjoy the week ahead.
Today’s weather Sunshine and heavy showers Minimum temp: 24C Maximum temp: 17C UV index: 6 Sun rises: 5.18am Sun sets: 9.00pm
Make the most of your Jamboree experience WE all want to make the most of this year’s Jamboree, but we can only do that while we are able to enjoy it. Here are five top tips to keep you happy and healthy during your stay... 1. The weather is hot… so keep safe in the sun. Slip on a T-shirt, Slap on a hat and Slop on some sun lotion – no sunburn here please! 2. Drink plenty of water and make sure you eat regular meals, so you have plenty of energy to take part in all the fantastic activities planned for the week. 3. Sleep – at night! There is a lights out and silence policy in place between midnight and 6.30am to ensure everyone can get enough sleep. 4. In case of accidents and medical emergencies look to you Sub Camp Leader or keep an eye out for adults in purple T-shirts, they are first aiders. No emergency calls should be made without the Field Hospital or Site Security’s knowledge. 5. Both Scouts and Guides are expected to ensure an environment of tolerance. No bad language or behaviour will be tolerated. So have fun, keep safe and be healthy!
Sub Camps adopt endangered animals by Antony Weller YOU will know by now whether you are an orangutan, a komodo dragon or a Ringtailed Lemur. But do you know why? Every Sub Camp at the Jamboree is named after an endangered animal. And each Sub Camp has become involved in adopting their animal at Colchester Zoo. It’s an important part of the Jamboree legacy. Some participants will be visiting the Zoo during the Jamboree and will be able to see at first hand the endangered animals including our younger guests so that they can learn at a young age about helping animals in the future. Just like Scouting and Guiding, the 11 different animals come from every corner of the globe but unlike the two organisations they aren’t flourishing. All are in danger of extinction, some such as the African elephant are in danger because of the illegal trade in ivory that’s led to poachers killing them for profit. Others like the Orangutan are at risk because of the erosion of their natural habitat. Many of the animals are unknown. With only 400 living in the wild, not much has been made of the status of the Amur Tiger. But with so few left and a life expectancy of only 17 years, there is a real threat to the creatures - they could even be extinct by the time some of the young visitors at Open Day reach the end of their Scouting and Guiding lives. It’s hoped that by educating young people of the threat to the animals now, they’ll feel inspired to get involved in the fight for the future.
On the main stage this evening Reissue will be playing at 7.30pm, followed by Indie band The Dice. Montango will be the last band on the main stage playing pure pop from 8.50pm. In the live marquee, Five Miles High will kick-start the evening with some pop and easy listening at 8.30pm. Alone Me, a hot little pop band will be entertaining you from 9.30pm and Darwyn, a easy listening band will finish off the evening. Don’t worry staff you have not been forgotten! In the Staff Bar the Jamboree’s house band will be playing all evening.
Saturday - Grease, 8pm Sunday - Cars, 8pm Monday - Simpsons - The Movie, 3pm; Spiderwick Chronicles, 8pm Tuesday - Shrek 3, 3pm; Happy Feet, 8pm Wednesday - The Golden Compass, 8pm Thursday - Ice Age 2, 8pm Friday - Ghostbusters, 3pm Doors open for matinees at 3pm and at 8pm for evening showings.
Canadian Wolf
Elephant Pygmy Hippo
Lemur
Humboldt Penguin Orangutan
Aardvark
Red Panda
Amur Tiger
Win a giant Jenga with Sainsbury’s Active Kids
Tonight’s entertainment
What’s on at the cinema and when
Komodo Dragon
How would you fancy adding to your Groups games activities? Well Planet Essex is giving you the chance to win your very own game of Giant Jenga – the must have game for any Group. All you need to do is find five unusual things that spell out the word MEDIA, put them in a bag along with your name, sub camp and Group name by noon on Monday and we’ll do the rest. The winners of the most imaginative selection of items will win the Jenga. No strings, no premium rate competition line. Just your own wild imagination! Good Luck
Leaders can learn new skills too THE Jamboree is a great way for young people to make new friends and try out new things; but there is also a fantastic opportunity available for leaders and volunteers of all ages. Throughout the event there will be training sessions available for leaders to take part in, which fit into Scouting and Girlguiding adult training, allowing adults at the Jamboree the chance to learn new skills and make friends too. From finance and administration to media training and learning the skills to deal with challenging behaviour, there is plenty to suit
everyone. You could take the full 1st Response course or just attend the refresher, or join in the Air and Share session to get something off your chest or get some ideas. One session running during the week is In4mers, a Girlguiding Senior Section-led peer initiative which deals with bullying. This session is billed as an interactive way to dispel the myths about bullying and will be useful for all adults, including Group Scout Leaders, Unit Guiders and District Commissioners, as bullying is an issue that affects all people not just young people in units. The session takes
place on Friday, August 1. Rob Lyon, Head of Welfare at the Jamboree, said: “We recognise that at home adults time is limited, so why not use the EIJ 2008 as perfect opportunity to save your valuable time.” The majority of the sessions are suitable for volunteers of both organisations. Leaders can find out more information from the intranet in the Sub Camps or by visiting the help desk in the Market Square. However, you need to get your skates on and book early to avoid disappointment, and take advantage of the opportunity to add to your skills and knowledge.
Scouts and Guides come from far and wide ARRIVING at the Jamboree isn’t always a simple case of pack and go. For some it lasted two days before they arrived on site. Those groups came from as close as Northern Ireland and as far away as Nigeria, but all had one thing in common - to enjoy the Jamboree from the start. All the international groups have had years of planning and fundraising to be here and the final part of that process was their journey to site. Travelling from another country is never an easy task, which is made even more complicated when the group size is 50, like the Nigerian contingent who arrived on Thursday. In all their entire journey lasted more than 24 hours and involved three different modes of transport – plane, train and car. The best thing for them though was the lack of tentage they had to travel with. All of their tents have been lent by groups from the UK, another example of the Jamboree spirit. It did lead to another challenge, though – putting up tents they’d never seen before. But as so often in Scouting, help was at hand. Chief Lizzy Chaizor said: “We are very proud to be here and everyone is really friendly and very helpful, it is our first time here and we are very happy to be here.” While the Nigerians had a long, complex journey other groups had a far easier journey, such as the Israelis. Travelling from Gallel, they set out on a coach to the airport for a five-hour flight to Heathrow, finally arriving on site Thursday afternoon. Abo, 14 said: “We had a fun journey and I am really excited as it is my first time in England. I am extremely proud to be here and it will be a new life experience for me.” Not only have the group come to the Jamboree to participate, but they also want to give something back to the event through their traditional group dancing. So watch out for them on the Pygmy Hippo Sub Camp stage. Surprisingly one of the closest counties to the Jamboree site, Germany, had one of the longest journeys, we have heard of so far. The group is now on the Komodo Dragon Sub Camp, but it took them 12 hours to arrive. Once leaving their towns in Germany, the group headed to Rotterdam in Holland, before a long seven-hour ferry trip to Harwich across the North Sea. Sarah Kleiue-Katthöfer, Scout Leader, said: “Our journey was long and tiring but it was just as hard at the site as setting up the tents took more than seven hours. “Despite this we are very glad to be here and thank you to our joint hosts, 1st Newport Scouts, who picked us up from Harwich.” If you travelled to the Jamboree in an unusual way, contact the Planet Essex reporting team via the Media Centre reception desk.
Mixing with the stars of the opening show by Sarah Paget
Benjamin
David
James
Joanna
Layla
Vicky
WE all saw the Opening Ceremony and felt the buzz and excitement. But we found somewhere full of more buzz and even more fun… backstage with the cast. We caught up with six cast members in the run up the Opening Ceremony. The cast are a hand-picked selection of the best Scout and Guide performers who auditioned earlier this year. After months of rehearsals they are here and raring to go. So how did they get involved? Many found the information to audition on the Jamboree website, others through their Gang Show, and some were even persuaded to have a go, like Benjamin, 12, of 1st Silverend Scouts, who said: “My Scout Leader told me that they were going for castings and I should have a go and I got in”. As expected the cast were especially excited before the opening ceremony, Layla, 23, of Zodiac Rangers was very excited about the opening ceremony. She said: “It’s usually a really good laugh and really good fun and we’re really enjoying it.” But it’s not just about what’s happening on the stage. David, 13, of 14th Chelmsford Scouts was looking forward to the ceremony “it should be good with all 10,000 people clapping their hands,” he said. Of course everyone always remembers their favourite parts of the show, but what are the casts favourite songs and routines? James, 13, of 1st Newington Scouts, said: “I always enjoy my solo – Son of Man.” Others are even more energetic. “I look forward to the Jamboree song because I get to do a cartwheel in it,” said Vicky, 12, of 1st Writtle Guides. The cast is made up of participants and staff. So what are they looking forward to now that the Jamboree has begun? Joanna, 15, Amazon ESU is looking forward to “the open day but also It’s a Knock-Out”. David is looking forward to “meeting new friends and meeting people from around the world”. Watch out for the cast throughout the Jamboree, as they are also performing a special Open Day Show on Wednesday and, of course, will lead us to the finale on Friday night.
Months of work pay off for the ceremonies team IT’S not just the cast that have an important role of presenting the Jamboree as there are many people working behind the scenes to create a fantastic opening ceremony. From the companies supplying the lights and sound, to the stage crew, who had to set up the stage in three hours, the whole ceremony has slowly taken shape. The stage itself is 13.6 metres wide, eight metres high and 12.5 deep and can hold all of the 80 cast members. A lot of the work had already taken place long before the start of the Jamboree, with countless planning meetings, sourcing music and organising cast rehearsals. A small team of choreographers, costume designers and a musical director all worked hard to get the cast into shape through auditions and two practice weekends. With the show including at least two
costume changes, there has been a lot of measuring, ordering and fitting of costumes to be done. This was certainly a time-consuming task, as it took nearly five hours just to sort out
the final costumes. Head of Ceremonies, Gary Jarvis, said, “Well done to all the cast and the teams. Their hard work has really paid off to produce this fantastic ceremony.”
What are you most looking forward to at the Jamboree? FROM Sub Camp leaders arriving to mark out sites a couple of weeks ago, to participants arriving a couple of days early as they have travelled from abroad, the excitement has been building as the site begins to take shape through the use of gateways and the putting up of many hundreds of tents. While they were still setting up we asked some of the groups what they were most looking forward to once the jamboree started. Here’s what they said...
Humboldt Penguins gate
The glorious world of gateways
Tony Waring, Humboldt Penguin Sub Camp Leader, said: “I am looking forward to getting the atmosphere going when all the groups arrive.” James Adeolu Oyelami, of 1st Ado Odo Ota Scout Group, Nigeria, on Amur Tiger Sub Camp said: “After a long journey on three different types of transport within the UK alone, I just cannot wait for it to start.”
by Sarah Paget THERE are 11 sub camps on site at this year’s Jamboree, the theme being ‘The world’s Endangered Animals’. Many of the teams have spent a lot of time and effort creating individual and dazzling gateways. So here is a rough guide as to what is out there! Canadian Wolves have gone truly Canadian with maple leaves adorning the sides of their banners. They have also taken the paw-prints that marked each site as their groups came in and pinned them to the gateway. With lights above as well, all that can be said is watch out for the wolf at the entrance! Red Pandas One of the most original ideas comes from the Red Pandas. They are building a friendship wall. Each group has been asked to bring a piece of material, signed by their participants. The aim is that every member of the Sub Camp will have not only have taken part in the friendship wall, but will also have contributed to the gateway itself. The Red Pandas have also painstakingly painted a motif with the details of each of the groups that make up the Sub Camp. Aardvarks have a termite mound…well, as aardvarks they might get a little peckish. It was designed and built by Nigel Wright of the East Essex Caving Team and Scout Fellowship. One of the highlights of the gate are the three windows…which on closer inspection hold three Ant colonies. Not just pretty to look at, but alive too! Komodo Dragons Perhaps one of the most adventurous with moving parts, this gateway is unmissable with its huge palm tree. Take a trip to Komodo, press the big white button and you maybe surprised by the result. It’s an all singing all dancing gateway. Amur Tigers Complete with foliage, this gateway takes us deep into the tigers habitat. Either side are two
Pictured right is Kirsten, 14, from Germany and on Komodo Dragon Sub Camp said: “I can’t wait to make new friends.”
Aardvarks gate completely different seasons, on one you will find a summer scene and on the other a winter landscape, complete with snow – lets hope it lasts in this July weather! Lemurs This gateway offers a wide variety of sensory distractions. The foliage for the jungle is made of cargo netting with the addition of Lemur banners made by the Sub Camp staff. As you step near the gate you will hear running water, and if you walk through you will find jungle noises from all around. Finally, just inside the gate you will find the Lemur. Humboldt Penguins From the icy regions of the world, the Humboldt Penguins bring a simple, yet effectively refreshing, mural of Penguins helter-skeltering on icebergs. Most eye-catching is not merely their polar gateway, but an intricate inner gateway made from an A-frame and fibres that will be lit up at night. Elephants After much deliberation the Sub Camp have opted for an Elephant gateway. You will find the gateway now has a trunk, a head and even a tail, with the pillars having been transformed into the legs.
Pygmy Hippos This is perhaps the simplest approach yet. The Sub Camp team have gone with the official banners and, of course, the Sub Camp badge overhead. And either side there are the camp notice boards in Pygmy Hippo pink. However, as part of the Sub Camp challenge, additions will be made to brighten it up. Orangutans Another simple approach, however there is no denying that you are in the Orangutans natural habitat. The gateway boasts a striking mural of both Jungle and two Orangutans holding the Sub Camp badge above the entrance. The image was designed and painted by Gerry Tovell, assistant Sub Camp Leader and ‘Master of the Gate’. The Orangutans were not only the first to complete their gateway, but also have a challenge for anyone who wishes to join in. The two Orangutans over the gateway need names, so if you have any suggestions please contact Gerry at the Sub Camp. So, if you find that you have five minutes, go and take a look and decide for yourself which gateway you feel is the best.
Richard Baker and Janet Stuckey, who are Sub Camp leaders on Elephant, said: “We can’t wait to get that Jamboree atmosphere going and some nice weather would be great.” Bradley Cox, Scout Leader with 4th Canvey Island and Castle Point Explorers on Aardvark Sub Camp said: “This is a first for our group as we haven’t been to a Jamboree before. “Everyone is really excited. There is less pressure on the leaders as it is an organised are cooking for 50 event, however, we people instead.” Malin Selin, Stöde Scout Kar, Sweden and staying on the Red Panda Sub Camp, said: “We are looking forward to working together as a team and setting up and letting the group cook on their own.”
The Planet Essex team: Katherine Broomfield; Antony Weller; Abi Bousfield; Sarah Chandler; Kirstie Wright; Caroline Hill; Sarah Paget; Sophie Williams; Emma Parker; Becky Tompkinson; Cathy Burton; Caz Wilcox; Ellie Campen; Ian Guy; Layla Parry; Maxine Trick; Paul Traynier; Steph Anderson; Tim Browne and Tina Wing. The media team can be contacted in the Market Square, or via our roaming reporter team.