Issue 3
Official newspaper of the Essex International Jamboree
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wet and wild activities for all by Emma Parker and Sophie Williams “WE’RE telling the participants we’ll keep them dry, with a view of getting them soaking wet”. That’s the message from the water activities team at Alton Water. This activity allows a majority of the participants to try something that they have never done before, but hopeful it might kindle an interest that they can take away from Jamboree. You can hear the shouts and laughter from the shore of the reservoir. And it seems their objective is similar to those of the instructors: “the best part so far has been getting wet and splashing the instructors,” explained Jack, 10, from 1st Great Pardon Scout group. Some of the participants seemed to have difficulty staying afloat, Elliot, from Canadian Wolves Sub Camp spent more of his time in the water than on the dingy itself. “It’s getting cold in here now!” he laughed. The Dingy sailing is perfect way for people to work as a team and make the international friendships that are forming in the Sub Camps stronger. In the afternoon, 50 participants took part in the sailing activities at Brightlingsea. The idea of the sailing session is to give participants the opportunity to try sailing on the open water where there’s much more space. It’s also gives those who live inland the chance to feel the cool sea air. “It’s a fantastic experience especially for some people who have never tried the types of activities before” explained Instructor Sam. It’s clear that the participants are enjoying being out on the open water as everyone has giant grins on their faces. The 1st Shenfield
Guides were particularly enjoying themselves. “We sailed round on a dingy and saw jellyfish. All of the boats had a water fight, it was great fun” they explained excitedly. The session lasts for three hours which means each group gets the chance to relax on the boats and feel proud at the fact they have learnt something new about sailing. Jane and Poppy from 8th Leigh Guides are
among those impressed: “We’ve learnt a lot today about sailing, when the rudder falls off, you know you’ve done something wrong! It’s been good fun and we got stuck in the mud! The activities leader had to come and help us!” For everyone who took part in the water activities, it’s clear that they will look back and remember the fun that they have had and the new friendships that they have made.
Sea Scout unit celebrate 100 years of fun AMUR Tigers had more to celebrate at the Opening Ceremony than most. They have a Scout unit among their number who are celebrating their centenary this year. The Hamble Sea Scouts of T.S. Mercury, Southampton, lay claim to being not only the first Sea Scout unit in the United Kingdom, but the world. One of the Sea Scouts, Noah, 14, explained that they were set up in 1908 by Baden Powell’s older brother, Warington. There were five patrols of Scouts established on T.S. Mercury in 1908. Of course at this time they were not known as Sea Scouts, but Marine Scouts. Sea Scouts were not officially formed as a Scouting Movement until 1909. The Hamble Sea Scouts were fully registered on July 10, 1910 and are a special unit. There are around 350 Sea Scout groups in the UK but only 100 of these are recognised by the Royal Navy. Being recognised by the Royal Navy allows the Hamble Sea Scouts to fly a Defaced Red Ensign. This is a flag
with a red background and a white cross with the Union Flag in the top left corner. The defacing means that there is another symbol on the flag, in this case the Scout Emblem. The celebrations in the Amur Tiger Sub Camp were started with the whole Sub Camp learning the dance routine for the Jamboree song, like other Sub Camps, as part of the Opening Ceremony warm up. This was followed by the Sea Scouts marching up to the gateway of the Sub Camp. They were then gathered into the middle of the crowd and surprised with a birthday cake on behalf of the Sub Camp. The whole Sub Camp joined in an enthusiastic rendition of Happy Birthday. Elliot, Skipper of the unit said he was very proud to be a part of the oldest Sea Scout group in the UK. Hayden, 12 and Paige, 11 said it was “cool” and “scary” to be presented with the cake by the whole Sub Camp. The celebrations ended with the Sea Scouts leading the way for the Amur Tigers to the next celebration… the Opening Ceremony.
Corrina Howie and Paige Bessa from Hamble Sea Scouts
Today’s weather Drizzle Minimum temp: 17C Maximum temp: 25C UV index: 6 Sun rises: 5.20am Sun sets: 8.58pm
The Jamboree so far
WE had a long journey over to the site. Alas after many hours, we arrived! The first tent we put up was the storage tent, then we put up our young leader’s tent. The final tent we put up was our tent ,which was gigantic! We were all extremely hot and hungry! The welcoming party was the best. We got the stuff from the glow sticks all over us. We are sure we will enjoy the activities and of course meeting the people here! By Alice and Eleanor
Tonight’s entertainment
ON the Main Stage this evening The White Gospel will be playing at 7.30pm, followed by Broken Robot. Soprano will be the last band on stage starting their set at 8.50pm. In the Live Marquee the fun starts at 8.30pm with Green Leaf 56. Next on will be All Systems Go! at 9pm. Finally you will be entertained by Absent Kid starting their set at 10.10pm. The Dance Marquee offers a beachedthemed party. Yer Blues, who are part of the Jamboree house band will be playing in the Market Square bar and in the Staff Bar the entertainment kicks off at 8pm with Rock and Roll/Mikes Band.
Daily worship...
Monday - 6.45pm Main Stage with the Sikh Team. All denominations welcome. Tuesday - 7.30am Peace and Quiet Zone; 6.45pm Main Stage with the Peace and Quiet team. All denominations welcome. Wednesday - 7.30am Peace and Quiet Zone; 6.45pm Main Stage with the Peace and Quiet team. All denominations welcome. Thursday - 7.30am Peace and Quiet Zone; 6.45pm Main Stage with Rev Susan. All denominations welcome. Friday - 7.30am Peace and Quiet Zone; 6.45pm Main Stage with the Muslim Team. All denominations welcome.
.net@jamboree
INTERNET cafe, .net@jamboree is open 9am to 5pm and 6.30pm to 8pm every day. So if you want to catch up with friends or relatives via the World Wide Web, this is the place to go. The cafe will be closed during all ceremonies.
Newspaper news
n Planet Essex will be delivered at breakfast time each morning to the Sub Camp main office for collection. Please make sure these are visible and made available to everyone on the Sub Camp. n Any left over copies of Planet Essex at Sub Camps, need to be available for collection the following morning. Please store them in a dry place so they can be used at a future date. n Sub Camps who have newsletters are asked to deliver a copy to the Media Centre every time one is printed. This will help the reporting team with coverage of what is going on your area.
For sale...
n Limited edition friends of Daisy cowprint scarfs are on sale from Daisy on the Market Square, costing £2.50. n 78th Cardingfon Scout group are raffling a new bell tent donated by Euro Plus. Tickets are £1 each and the draw will take place on Wednesday evening. All the proceeds will go to saving the Canadian Wolf. n Jungle Tots and Mini Jam badges will be on sale at 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday from the Creche.
Hard work transforms Essex communities by Emma Parker
GIVING something back to the community in which we’ve lived. A simple enough mission for the 10,000 Jamboree participants, and one which will develop through the EcoExperience Essex. These community projects are taking place across the county and allow you to help the environment. The projects include working with the Wildlife Trust and Colchester Country Park. Participants spend a full day offsite doing different types of jobs. One of them took place at Thorrington Scout Campsite. Fifty participants spent the day assisting the campsite’s warden working towards the creation of a new rafting lake and pond dipping area. The Scouts and Guides learnt to use lots of different tools and worked together chopping down dead trees and clearing the boggy pond. Thirteen-year-old Ginny from Orangutan Sub Camp said: “We’ve got to bring the trees down which was fun and then we pulled a rusty old shopping trolley out of the dirty pond, it made us laugh.” The project gives participants the chance to work with new people and share a new experience together. The project will transform the wasteland into an area where nature can flourish and Scouts and Guides will be able to enjoy for years to come. Although some of the participants were unsure of what to expect from EcoExperience Essex, Emily from 8th Springfield Guides said: “From the moment we got here, it was fun, it was much better than we expected.” Fourteen-year-old Jess from the same group was another of those impressed: “Today has really made me feel that I can make a difference, I never thought that I could do the things that I have done today, and I’d recommend it to everyone.” On completing the day here participants receive a certificate that explains that they
have completed half of the Community Challenge Badge which is available to all sections in scouting and the guides similarly can use this as part of their community service. The participants also receive an EcoExperience Essex badge, designed by local Cub Scouts, which they can wear on their uniform. There are many other projects taking place all week where participants will have the
opportunity to paint bird viewing shelters, clear a weed called Ragwort which is poisonous to cattle from the grassland which they live on and take part in important wildlife surveys to aid the Wildlife Trust. This aspect of the Jamboree programme is enjoyable and gives participants to the chance to really make a different which encompasses this year’s Jamboree themes and the essence of Scouting and Guiding.
Back stage with Reef Knot YOU will have no doubt heard this year’s Jamboree song sung by Reef Knot, Essex Jamboree’s very own band. But how did it come about? Reef Knot, who only finalised their name recently, came together as the result of an Essex-wide audition. A large number of people auditioned to become part of the band and the lucky vocalists Anna Pool, 16, Edward Wragg, 17, Rhea Varker, 18 and Emily Hall, 20, were chosen as the ones to join the musicians to form the complete band. Musicians Dave Bryant on the drums, bass guitarist Kevin Fuller and guitarists Neil Wright and Andy Cunningham have played together as the band Yer Blues for eight years and were excited to have the new additions to their group. The band, which include Explorer Scouts, Scout Network and Leaders, started rehearsing in January. They got together for weekly rehearsals in Chelmsford to practice the songs that they will be playing throughout the Jamboree. And although they didn’t know each other at the start, it is clear they have become really great friends, and are enjoying the experience of being in the band together.
The Jamboree song was written by Anna Pool one of the vocalists. She said the song, which took three weeks to write “had to be fun, cheesy and lively, representing Scouting and Guiding coming together with an international flavour”. She found the most difficult part of writing the song was “putting something in about saving the world and endangered animals”. The song is catchy and fun and everyone will have it in their heads for the next week as it truly does symbolise the event. The band have been looking forward to the Jamboree since they formed, and Andy, one of the group’s guitarists, said: “This is the biggest gig of our lives – so far!” For Reef Knot, the Jamboree has become a perfect opportunity to combine two hobbies, Scouting and Music. Kevin said: “It really proves the idea that Scouting can be for everyone.” The band are excited to meet all of the participants at the Jamboree, Dave, the band’s drummer, said: “Come and say hello if you see us around site, we’re really friendly and would love to meet you.” With plenty more performances, Reef Knot and Yer Blues will performing all over the site, and are also available to play acoustic sessions at Sub Camps.
How did you get here and how long did it take you? WE have been out and about talking to scouts and guides about their journey here. Susan Weatherley, 15, 1st South Hornchurch Guides, Humboldt Penguin Sub Camp “I came in my leader’s minibus and it took about two hours. It was a smooth journey and we sailed through the traffic.” Monika Saluesen, 15, Norway, Elephant Sub Camp “I went by bus to the airport in Norway which took three hours. Then I got on a plane to England where another bus bought us to the camp site. My journey took about six hours altogether.” Natalie Agola, 11, Kenya, Elephant Sub Camp “I was driven to the airport; we flew to Egypt first and waited in the airport there for two hours then we got a plane here. We took the train and then a minibus from the airport to the site. The journey took 12 hours altogether.” Vlad Vinereanu, 18, Romania, Komodo Dragon Sub Camp “A bus took us to the airport and we flew here for two-anda-half hours. Our hosts picked us up and drove us from the airport to the camp site. Our journey was 13 gruelling hours.” Dustin Kammler, 11, USA, Red Panda Sub Camp “I was driven to the airport which took one-and-a-half hours. Our flight was eight hours long but we were waiting for the plane to take off for five hours because a storm came in. Once we got here a coach took us to Skreens Park where we stayed for two days, we got another coach here to the site.” Sarah Morrow, 15, Northern Ireland, Canadian Wolf Sub Camp “We came by plane from Belfast to Stansted airport and then a bus bought us here, it took about 10 hours.” Ester Selin, 11, Sweden, Canadian Wolf Sub Camp “We had a small bus to the airport and went on a plane for three hours. We stayed overnight in London. The next morning we got a bus to the camp. My journey took about 36 hours from home to the Jamboree.” Tamir Jane Deeb, 12, Pygmy Hippo Sub Camp “We flew here and the flight took five hours. Then we got a bus from the airport to here. There were no problems with the journey.” Robert Neary, 14, 2nd Rhyl Scouts, Wales, Orangutan Sub Camp “We came by minibus and it took about four or five hours. There were 15 of us in the minibus, which was quite hot, but the journey was okay.” William Chapman, 13, 2nd Great Parndon Harlow, Pygmy Hippo Sub Camp “We came here by car and it took about an hour and fortyfive minutes, we got stuck in some traffic near the end.”
Participants arrive from far and wide by Sarah Chandler THE Jamboree officially kicked off on Saturday when, besides the few earlier arrivals on Thursday evening and Friday, the majority of the participants came on site. The bedlam began early in the morning when Scouts, Guides and Leaders started to arrive. With a total of 7,800 young people to get on site, it took a lot of co-operation and patience to get everyone on to their Sub Camps. A team of marshalls carefully directed traffic around the site, which was by then thriving with activity. UK participants were bought in by coach or, for the very local, dropped off by car. On arrival the Scouts and Guides, accompanied by their leaders, were directed straight to their Sub Camps where they were greeted by their teams. For international participants the journey to the Jamboree proved to be longer and more challenging, with people arriving by a combination of plane, train, minibus and even taxi. Many participants flying into the UK were met at the airport by a contingent host who escorted them to the transport that would bring them to the Jamboree site. Once here, participants were registered and received their all important Sub Camp scarf and Jamboree pass. It was then groups began
to put up tents and each of the 11 Sub Camps really began to take shape. As more and more participants arrived, everyone made the effort to help each other set up camp. Freya, 10, from 1st Rayleigh Scouts said that seeing everyone else arrive was “wicked!” She, like many others, made international friends straight away helping people from the USA and Egypt put up their tents. Arrival and set up was the first time that participants could take the opportunity to welcome international guests to the UK and to the Jamboree. The organised chaos continued all throughout the day and well into Saturday
evening with the last group arriving at around 9 pm. It was then time for the fun of the Jamboree to really begin with the opening ceremony for which the majority of participants had arrived in time to enjoy.
Put yourself to the test and try some of the challenge activities by Sarah Paget and Kirstie Wright TENTS are up, the opening ceremony put us in a great mood – and the sun is shining. It’s time to see what activities the Jamboree offers to stretch and entertain us. So here’s a look at the Challenge Activities. Adrenaline junkies should make their way to the Quad bikes and Go Karts for the speed rush. The Go Kart team have 18 karts, with two different courses, one for 14 years and over, the other for anyone from eight to 80. For the ultimate experience, try the tight bends combined with high speed. And if that’s still not enough, the Quad bike team have eight bikes on offer all with even higher speeds. Want to be an excellent climber? Then why not train on the bouldering wall, which gradually gets harder as you make your way round the eight-sided course. Two people are needed to make it to the end, so teamwork skills will be tested. The girls of Lemur Sub Camp were looking for adventure. Alicia, 10, of 3rd Wigan Scouts
And of course, there are some things so said she preferred climbing to abseiling as it secret that even we couldn’t find out the details was “easier and more fun”. Marleen, 11, of – but our sources tell us they are well worth 1st Elsenham Guides said the climbing wall exploring! was “scary and really fun as it got a bit of adrenaline up”. Dark, confined spaces, different heights and mazes are the challenges of Caving. The course takes between five and 10 minutes to complete. Chris, 11, of 4th Thorpe Bay, Lemur Sub Camp said, “It is a really tough course but a brilliant experience as I have never done this before.” Full body strength and skill is needed for the Assault Course which encompasses 14 activities. This is not for the faint hearted, testing everything from endurance to agility and lasting up to 10 minutes. One group of Nigerian scouts, discussing their performances after they’d all finished, said it was really hard, but agreed the rope swing was the best. A sharp eye and a steady hand are the requirements for Archery, Air Rifles and the Ball Bearing range. With up to 10,000 ball bearings, there is little chance of running out of ammo. There are different targets to aim at, at varying distances. Robin, 14, of 6th Dronfield Scouts, Amur Tiger Sub Camp said it was easier than archery. For water lovers, Scuba diving is worth a try. Bear in mind that you must be aged 14 Appointments require a time, date and location. before you can take part, and the activity is supervised by trained staff. The sunny weather The Media Store will be open on we’ve been enjoying at the Jamboree may the Market Square between 09.00 make this the most popular of the Challenge - 21.00 during the Jamboree week Activities. “It’s great to do because the weather is so to purchase framed photos, to hot and it’s cool in the water,” said Lauren, 15, order your copy of the event DVD of 1st Cranham Park Guides, Amur Tiger Sub and bound sets of newspapers. Camp. “I’ve not done this before. It’s weird at first, but really good fun.”
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More highlights from the Opening Ceremony
Do your bit to support group’s Three Nations trip NEXT summer 90 Scout Network members from 28 counties across the UK will be taking part in an expedition to rival all expeditions. The Three Nations expedition is a three-week cultural experience and service project where they will visit Russia, Mongolia and China. The Scouts will be visiting cultural sites in all three countries and performing service projects in Mongolia. They are hoping to help Unicef and work with the street children in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. The young people, who are all aged between 18 and 25, also plan to help restore a Buddhist temple which was destroyed by Communist purges in the 1930's. However, an event like this is not easy, and a fundraising idea was formed. In a discussion at the 21st World Scout Jamboree last year, it became clear that everyone wanted to use or borrow the high visibility jackets, so the idea of hi vis neckies was born. Mark Charlton a member of the expedition committee, and part of the Entertainments Technical team here at the Jamboree said “Hi vis neckies are the latest thing in Scouting and Guiding attire” And in a bid to raise cash to fund the trip, the hi vis neckies, which cost £7 each, will be on sale during the week at the Jamart in Market Square or online at www.hivisneckies.com. So if you want to help a good cause and become the height of fashion, get your hi vis neckies now.
Participants become journalists LOCATED in the Market Square, the Youth Media area of the Media Centre is where Scouts, Guides and Explorers can write press stories to go in the newspaper or on the website, go on the radio or even make a TV report for the official Essex International Jamboree DVD. If you want to be heard shouting about your experiences at the Jamboree then join Youth Media today, where we can let you be heard. You can come whenever you have some free time for as long as you want. So how about it? Why not join the Youth Media today! Here’s what Media Monkey Perry James did at Youth Media when he popped in on Sunday... If you were listening to Jungle Radio yesterday lunchtime you may have heard Media Monkeys Perry James and Robert Smith
interviewing two Scouts from Nigeria. It was the youngsters first ever appearance on live radio and they really enjoyed the experience - they weren’t even nervous! The show was broadcast across the Jamboree site and could be heard over the internet by people from all over the world.
Robert thought the chance to talk to Scouts from another country was cool, and Perry added: “This is all part of the Jamboree, what it’s all about - meeting people from other countries.” Perry and Robert’s studio guests were Nigerians Afolabi I. Oluyeni and Alabi O. Kehinde, who said they were really enjoying the Jamboree and hoped to learn a lot about different countries and cultures. They also said that the people here are very friendly - everyone makes time to stop and talk and they feel very welcome. In Afolabi’s words, “Bravo to the Jamboree!” You can see articles written by media monkeys on http://web.eij.org.uk/youthmedia/ And if you’re interested in taking part, come and see the Youth Media team in the media centre!
Top tips for keeping clean and healthy at camp WE have so far been blessed with beautiful weather for the Jamboree which is fantastic for us all, but while enjoying the heat and the blazing sunshine we must not forget to take care of ourselves and our friends. In this kind of weather it is important to remember the risks with spending lots of time outdoors. It is recommended that everyone wears sun cream as well as wearing a t-shirt to avoid getting burnt, even taking time out to be in the shade for part of the day is sensible. No matter how hot it is outside Scouts and Guides must also wear shoes at all times on the Jamboree site. And don’t forget the four golden S’s – slip, slap, slop, slurp. Slip on a t-shirt, slap on a hat, slop on some sun cream and slurp plenty of water. It is vital to drink water which is available
around-the-clock from any of the designated water taps; however water must not be drunk from the taps in the toilet blocks as it is not drinking water. The water in the toilets is neither suitable for washing up crockery and cooking equipment, nor should it be used for people to have their daily wash or clean their teeth in. The basins in the toilet cabins are solely for the purpose of washing hands after using the facilities. Equally the water taps spread around the site should only be used for filling up bottles of water; it should not be used for washing clothes or hair as others need to be able to access the water for drinking and cooking in. Occasionally participants and staff alike may find that certain toilet blocks are temporarily closed, if they are it is because site services have had cause to close them, whatever the
reason we would like to encourage people to make use of an alternative block until the amenities are fit for re-opening. The closure of toilet blocks is most commonly due to them being left in an unsuitable condition for further use; this can therefore be easily avoided if we all do our part to keep them clean and tidy. If we all remember not to misuse toilet paper, to put sanitary towels in the bins provided and always flush, then the toilets will remain in much better condition. Camping in close quarters to thousands of people means we must pay extra attention to our personal hygiene and safety as well as to the general cleanliness of the Jamboree site. Clean and healthy campers are happy campers and at the UK’s largest international Jamboree we want everyone to be a happy camper.
A chance for adults to have some activity fun WANT to bring out the inner child in you? The Activities team is opening the field on Tuesday evening to all full-time Jamboree and Sub Camp staff. This is the perfect time to try your hand at Archery or test your driving skills on the Go Karts and Quad Bikes. There is even the opportunity for a spot of climbing, with many more activities available. All the activities will be in the Challenge area of the field. The only things you need to bring are your swim wear for Scuba Diving and a permission to shoot form if you are under 18. n Is your team the best on the Jamboree site? If you think you are then prove it on Thursday night, from 7.30pm until 9pm, at the It’s A Knockout activity. There are 10 different challenges for each team to try and complete while battling against nine other teams. Be prepared to get wet, have fun and look silly, as this is the time when adults become children. Joe Brown, the Head of It’s A Knockout activity, said: “Don’t forget to bring your sense of humour.” So, if your team is interested you need a minimum of 15 and the signing up forms will be in the staff catering tent early in the week.
Explorers launch winter camp TONIGHT Essex Explorer Scouts welcome any Explorer Scouts and Young Leaders to attend the launch of their new national event, Wintac. The winter activity camp is held at Skreens Park, Essex, from November 14 to 16 this year and will be a 70s-themed weekend, so there will be plenty of opportunity for dressing up. With lots of different activities available at the camp, such as go karts, climbing and inflatables, there will be plenty to keep everyone busy. The launch is at Guest Hospitality, on the Market Square, at 8pm.
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.