Issue 4
Official newspaper of the Essex International Jamboree
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Challenge yourself and try some international activities by Sarah Paget CHALLENGE is a common theme across the Jamboree. Tying that in with our mission to make the world a better place provides the perfect opportunity to offer to participants the chance to work towards an award. The Global Explorer Award can be done via your sub Camp or the International Plaza. Achieving your Global Explorer should take no time at all, especially if you spend a morning or afternoon on the International Plaza. It’s there that you’ll find 24 tents all offering a wide range of exciting and varied activities. There are three main areas of focus for the plaza, six tents for Regions of the World, which focus on the cultures, six that focus on the main religions of the world and 12 that are split between six Global Development Zones. The activities on offer in the world faith tents include henna tattoos in the Islamic tent and Origami lotus flowers in the Sikh tent. Keria, 10 from Komodo Dragon Sub Camp, tried on a Headscarf in the Islamic tent, explaining that it was really cool to experience the different cultures. While carefully painting Chinese letters in the East Asian region tent, Kirsty 12, and Tonicha 13 from 3rd Aylsham Guides explained what they had done in the plaza: “We made diwali lanterns in the Sikh tent and did a word search” and were looking forward to the Henna tattoos. The Global Development Zones are; Climate and Poverty, Fair Trade, Endangered Species, Islamic Relief, River Blindness and Children’s Rights. It’s here that workshops are available to make participants think about the world around us and how we can make a difference. And no visit to any area of the Jamboree would be complete without the chance to take a break and relax as you take part in a Fair Trade Quiz at the Fair Trade Café. It’s worth taking the time to visit as you can leave a message on the international friendship wall. To complete your award you’ll need to collect the stamps for each area as laid out in the participants’ handbook. And don’t forget the Food festival which is on your Sub Camp on Wednesday evening. n As you complete your award you are invited to make a pledge to help make the planet when you leave the Jamboree. Later this week we at Planet Essex would like to include as many of your pledges as possible in the newspaper. To share yours pop into the Media Centre and leave us a note saying what it is and it may feature in our special feature.
And there is plenty for adults too... THE Global Explorer Award is also a fantastic way for adults to explore the site when they have a little well earned time off. Head of International Darren Bretton, explained the Adult Explorer Award, because the staff award varies a little from the participants’ award. Adults should complete the award as laid out in the Participants handbook. However, if you are pushed for time and cannot manage the hour long Global Development Zone Workshop you should complete either an extra faith or culture base. For the International Food section Staff can either visit a Sub Camp during the Food Festival on Wednesday and sample food from somewhere else in the world or they can ensure that they eat a meal with another international
member of staff in the Masi Mara Mess on Game Reserve Sub Camp. To collect your stamps for International Food Festival, you should bring your book to the Rain Forest Retreat to be stamped and at the same time submit your Programme Exchange to the board for your final stamp. Staff Volunteer James Hage has already started his Adult Global Development Award: “It gives you a chance to see the site in full swing and it how we are making a difference to the young people within the movements”. James said he especially liked being able to see the site and at the Plaza it was good to see the “interaction between the learning environment and the young people. I particularly want to have a shot at the Chinese writing in the East Asia tent.”
Today’s weather Sunny Minimum temp: 17C Maximum temp: 20C UV index: 6 Sun rises: 5.21am Sun sets: 8.57pm
Tonight’s entertainment ENTERTAINMENT on the Main Stage this evening kicks off with Vacant Touch at 7.30pm followed by The Jodie Lenton Band from 8pm. In the Live tent Redtrack will be providing the entertainment from 8pm, with Glitch at 8.40pm. The house band Reef Knot complete the evening's fun from 9.30pm. This evening's disco in the Dance tent is Trash night, so make your costumes and come on down. Tonight in the Staff Bar it’s Acoustic Night with entertainment from Sheila Lord at 9pm, Hannah O’Rourke at 9.40 and closing with Redtrack at 10.30pm.
With so many activities on offer, what will you have a go at first? by Sophie Williams and Emma Parker ONE of the many joys of the Jamboree is the amount of activities you can do in such a small arena. Nowhere is that more in evidence than the Arena. As soon as you enter, you can feel the excitement and energy coming from the near 3,000 participants who will pass through this week. The whole place feels like a village fete - the water slide proving particularly popular during the hot weather. Isobel from Orangutan Sub Camp seemed to have the perfect technique for a really enjoyable experience: “The water slide is really funny and refreshing especially with the hot weather we’ve been having”. At the Graffiti wall, participants are allowed to grab a paintbrush and come up with their own designs to put on the wall. “It’s really random, you can do whatever you want to do and it unites everyone’s names together,” Emma from Canadian Wolf Sub Camp explained. Just in front of the Graffiti Wall is the craft tent. A raft of creativity is on show. Robert and Daniel, of 78th Cardington Scouts, had their
Birthdays and anniversaries n Vicki Harrison, Happy 30th Birthday, on the Go kart Team n Bethan Jenkins, Happy 13th Birthday, Orangutan, 2nd Hadleish Guides and Rangers. n “You had your 1st Birthday at the Essex Jamboree and now you get to be a teenager at the Essex Jamboree. Have a great day!” n Congratulations Becky and John on your 3rd Wedding Anniversary, Love the Aardvark Anthill Mob.
How to beat the dinner queues AS we know queuing is one of the greatest British pastimes. To beat the queues in the Masai Mara here’s a few top tips for all of you hungry staff out there. The dining times for the evening meal run from 5 pm to 10 pm and there’s plenty of time for everyone. The busiest time is between 6.30 pm and 7.45 pm please try your best to avoid these times and escape the queuing.
Scarfs and passes ALTHOUGH we know that you want to keep up with the latest fashion here at the Jamboree, it is vital that you wear your scarves and passes at all times. Encompassing Scouting and Guiding style is the only way that you will gain access to activities and evening entertainment.
Jamboree do’s and don’ts reminder WE want you to have fun while you’re here at the Jamboree, but there are a few things you need to consider to make sure you have the best possible time. The weather is hot so Slip on a t-shirt, Slap on a hat, Slop on some sun cream and Slurp lots of water. In the heat please also make sure that you keep all aerosols cans such as deodorants, cool and out of direct sunlight. Failing to do so could cause pressure in the can to increase and could lead to them exploding and causing injuries. For your safety the carrying or wearing of penknives or sheath knives, is not permitted. Also ensure that if you are going off site that you don’t carry them with you as it is illegal in the United Kingdom to possess a knife of any kind.
faces painted: “We’re aiming to have our faces painted differently every day, today we’re going to be called Frank and Stein,” as they show off their latest design. Few people would have failed to notice the tall people walking across site. Stiff and Stilted, a group of Scouts that run stilt walking activities, show participants what they can achieve if they really set their mind to something. “It’s quite scary but really fun” according to 12-year-old Lucy, a Guide from 6th Springfield. The team are offering Stiff and Stilted scarves to the first 15 participants to master walking on the six foot stilts, which is definitely a challenge to attempt. Another exciting activity brings traditional Scouting skills into the modern arena. Participants can spend time learning the basics of pioneering and then see their new skills in use in a raft of different creations. One 3rd Writtle Guide, Hannah, 14, explained: “It looks really cool, learning these skills could be useful as we could try to build things when we get home.” There is so much to do and see in the arena and everyone is clearly having fun in the sun.
Sing and dance the night away IT doesn’t matter where you go at the Jamboree in the evening, there’s always something to do. With a lively and energetic atmosphere the Main Market Square comes to life with participants making use of facilities such as the Soft Rock Café and the Cinema which was filled to capacity. Chuck Up Juggle Club, the Jamboree’s very own street entertainment team, showed off their skills in the centre by demonstrating a number of circus style acts including juggling, uni-cycling, poi and diablos. Participants have the opportunity to put their own talents to the test by joining the team to have a go with the equipment. Musical entertainment was provided by bands performing on the main stage, which attracted a crowd of young people cheering and enjoying the live music. Louise, 15, from Kendo Explorer Scout Unit said the Essex based Mantango were “a great band” and described the performance as “fantastic.” The musical activity didn’t stop at the main stage. In addition both the live and dance tents were open to participants. The dance tent became wild with loud dance and club tunes blearing, which the crowd appreciated dancing and jumping around waving their glow sticks. The live tent, on the other hand drew a calmer mass of people who listened to the musical talents of local band Darwyn as well as that of AloneMe and Five Miles High.. It’s equally busy on Sub Camps as participants made their way back from days out to Colchester Zoo, or hours spent on the Activities Arena. For members of Elephant Sub Camp the evening was spent enjoying games and trying to get everyone involved in the karaoke night that included singing, and dancing the Macarena to
songs that were definitely not the Macarena! Mystique Rangers from Anglia region said they’d really been enjoying the Sub Camp atmosphere so far, and that they were trying to work up the courage to sing on the stage. Red Panda Sub Camp had been busy all day, tie-dying t-shirts and making masks from mod-rock, but it really is true that Red Panda’s are most active at dusk, wrapping up their days entertainments with one of the first talent shows to hit the Sub Camps. Two acts went through to the next round, including Sam, 15, from Bedford Explorers, who had spent the whole day doling out free hugs. He performed his own song on his acoustic guitar in front of a small crowd on the Red Panda Sub
Camp, and the other Explorers rated him 10/10. He, along with the other winners from other Sub Camps, will be performing in the Jamboree Talent Show final on Thursday night.
What can’t you live without at the Jamboree and how are you going to cope? WE have been out and about asking scouts and guides what they just can’t live without at camp. Rosie, 12, 1st Easington Guides, Pygmy Hippo: “I am going to struggle without my mobile phone, but I will just have to make new friends and talk to people I don’t know.” Chris, 14, 12th Bangor, Aardvark: “At home I always play on my PlayStation, here I’ll have to spend my time doing lots of activities and enjoy the nice weather here.” Thorbjorn, 13, Norway, Elephant: “I will miss my boat at home I use it a lot, I can do water activities here but will do other things too.”
Zach, 11, 1st Braintree, Humboldt Penguin: “I will miss the TV as I won’t be able to find out what’s going on, I can listen to the radio and go around making new friends from around the world and swap scarves with them.” Georgia, 10, Epping Forrest South Guides, Amur Tiger: “I will really miss my MP3 player but I’m here with my friends and we can sing together and watch the different entertainments.”
Welcoming thousands of visitors ON Wednesday as more than 4,000 day visitors join us here at the Jamboree, there will be even more activities you can join with our guests to participate in. As part of our pledge to protect the endangered species our Sub Camps are named after, events will be taking place to help raise money to go towards helping look after these animals at Colchester Zoo. A Penny Fair will be taking place at the gate of each Sub Camp, so dig deep in your pockets and join in the games and buy from the stalls if you see something you fancy. The activities field will host the Race to
by Emma Parker HOW would you fancy staying on site for longer than the week? Well, Jamboree organisers are looking for people to help with returning the site to a farm after the event. According to those that helped erect the site, it’s another fantastic way to meet people. Lisa Dickinson was one of many volunteers that took part in the build. It was Lisa’s first experience as staff at a Jamboree and she was nervous about what to expect. “I enjoyed meeting lots of new people, on teams that I wouldn’t
Kirsten, 14, Germany, Komodo Dragon “I am missing my pet mice but I try not to think about them, I don’t want them to miss me, so I will just keep myself busy.”
Francine, 11, 1st Luton Guides, Aardvark “I’ll my miss my brother but I will do lots of things here to take my mind off it and try my best to make new friends.” William,13, 4th Epping Scouts, Lemur “I will miss my dog but I have a soft toy that looks just like him, so I think I’ll be ok.”
of International Acts from the Jamboree, where you can see the different cultures that have made their way to the Jamboree. The Market Square will also host lots of exciting entertainment throughout the day and you will be able to spend time watching these with the visitors. You can also join our visitors in all of the different activities that the arena has to offer, and perhaps challenge them to take part in some of the fun and activities that you have enjoyed so far this week. So, as we welcome our visitors to share in our world, we hope you enjoy your day.
Could you lend a hand and learn a new skill?
Grace 15, 3rd Saffron Walden Guides, Komodo Dragon “I will miss my hair straighteners so I’m going to use hair bands and stuff and I won’t care what people think.”
Julie-Claire,15, 3rd Great Baddow Guides, Red Panda “I listen to my MP3 player all the time so it will strange without it, but I’m sure I will get up to some crazy things with my friends.”
Extinction event, where you can build animalthemed chariots. Those that take part will then be judged on their handiwork later on in the day. Everyone can also enjoy the amazing spectacle that is falconry as birds of prey will be flying in and giving demonstrations at 11am and 3.30pm on the activities field. There will be many other activities available too, including the Rainforest Quiz in the International Plaza, where everyone can challenge their knowledge of Rainforests and the issues facing its destruction. The Main Stage will host a World Showcase
usually get to meet. It’s great to speaking to them, as I went around the site. My friendship group has increased and it has made me feel much more comfortable.” During her time on the build Lisa, took part in the plumbing work. She assisted an experienced team in laying and preparing all of the pipes that deliver water to all of the areas of the Jamboree site. “It was something that I have never even thought about doing before, but it feels great to know that I have learnt a new skill that I might be able to use.” And for anyone thinking about extending their stay it’s not all work and no play. “The social side is fantastic, in the evenings I spent time socialising with my new friends, and it was such a laugh.” As an essential part of any large event, the build gives you the opportunity to extend your experience and meet lots of new people. “I would definitely take part in the build team again, it really has made my Jamboree experience 100 times better.” So if you have got more of your summer to fill with fun and friends then go and see Site Services for more information.
WIN a fantastic orienteering set for your group WE are offering you the chance to win an orienteering kit if you can prove you are the best orienteer at the Jamboree! All you need to do is answer six easy questions – two today, two on Wednesday and two on Thursday. Each day there will be one question in Planet Essex, and one repeated throughout the day on Jungle Radio. Once you have all six answers, you need to fill in a coupon at the Media Centre and all winning coupons will be put in a hat to select one
winner. All entries must be in by noon on Thursday. So get your thinking caps on and see if you can answer today’s question: Question 1: What is the name of the cow, where you can make a video in Market Square?
The Editor’s decision is final and the winner will be contacted through their sub camp on Thursday afternoon.
It’s a Knockout experience by Sarah Chandler THEY may be at the end of the Jamboree site, but there’s little doubting the ‘It’s a Knockout’ team aren’t providing a quiet oasis as the site reaches the end. In the blazing sunshine, the entire Orangutan Sub Camp are the latest to try their hand at one of the bigger team activities available. Divided into ten teams they are led and encouraged by their team leaders into the unknown. It’s a Knockout is a variety of competitive activities designed to test people physically and mentally. “There is something for everybody, whether you like running around or just cheering along and waving the team flag.” explained Activity Leader Jo Brown The arena is buzzing with enthusiasm from both the participants themselves as well as the staff team. After a warm welcome each team was given the chance to earn bonus points for the loudest cheers when their team leader was bought on stage. Everyone was then on their feet to learn the dance to the children’s TV programme Lazy Town before being lead to their first activity. There are 10 activities which include welly wanging, an arctic run, hook a boat and picdoku. Each one lasts for five minutes in which teams must try to gain as many points as possible.
Participants get several intervals between games throughout the afternoon but they are not for taking time out to rest. Teams are encouraged to join in with singing and dancing around the central stage for which they can again earn extra bonus points. The whole competition is packed with music, cheering, fun games and activities. The teams are made up of a mixture of the groups from the participating Sub Camp which means bonding and team spirit are vital in order to have a chance at winning. Nicholas, 12 has been put in the green team: “It’s a Knockout is great fun because it’s different to what I’ve done on camp before”. When all the activities were completed the 10 teams congregated once again in the centre of the arena where the afternoon’s winners were announced, the leader of the winning team was then drenched in water much to the delight of participants. Lisa has found herself in the yellow team. The 16 year old decided: “it was an opportunity to not worry about making a fool of yourself. The afternoon saw different people from around the Sub Camp uniting together to compete for the same team”
Cultures and traditions showcased as part of open day attractions WITH so many cultures and countries here in Essex, it’s the perfect chance to learn about the world and to show off your talents. The World Showcase, a variety show showcasing different world traditions and entertainments, needs you! If you have an act from your local or national community such as a song or dance, the deadline is Tuesday night to get involved, and you could be centre stage in the Main Arena at any time during the rest of the week. On Wednesday, there’s a whole day of activities themed around the world. During the day on your Sub Camps you can take part in the Penny Fair and once you’ve recovered from that you can stay on Sub Camps to sample
different foods from around the globe at the Food Festivals. The day ends with the World Fair in the Main Arena where participants are being encouraged to bring games or activities to the Fair. It could be something new or something that you’ve already done at the Penny Fair earlier in the day. Finally, on Thursday, there’s a traditional campfire being held at 7.30pm in the field behind Orangutan Sub Camp. Again, they need young entertainers to sing or perform short sketches and amuse the crowd! Any potential performers need to apply at the Rainforest Retreat in the International Plaza at 11am or 3pm before Thursday evening.
years or more was a lot to take in. I don’t think I could manage. The next activity had one team competing against another to complete a giant puzzle showing the cramped conditions of the refugee camps. We had to design one such refugee camp as if we were a camp commissioner, thinking about where to place all the tents, toilets, security and childrens’ areas to create a safe area in which to live. Having been quite nervous at the start, I felt like I learnt a lot about what it is like to live in a refugee camp for maybe many years and also to be faced with the prospect of not being able to go back home. All I can say is when I am asked to donate money in the future to an organisation such as Islamic Aid I will think about those images of refugee camps and put my hand in my pocket to draw out some money.
n During the week the Scouts and Guides have been going out of camp to learn how to sail and actually go in the water and take control! This unusual opportunity gives you a chance to have a taste of something that you wouldn’t normally do (unless you already sail!). I went on Sunday and it was fantastic! So make sure you try and get the chance to have a go. Also it gave me and my friends a good chance to meet new people, I was with someone from Cambridge who I might never have met if it wasn’t for the sailing. If you’re scared about sailing maybe because you might fall in or the boat tips over, there’s nothing to worry about. I fell in three times and capsized twice! Just remember to work together and make friends that’s what its all about (apart from the sailing bit). That way you can have more fun and get a great experience. I highly recommend it. It’s one of the best things I’ve done so far! So give it a go and take me with you! Andrew Seaman Komodo Dragon Sub Camp
From the Youth Media team... FOLLOWING lunch on my subcamp, my afternoon activity was a programme with the International Plaza team... Still on ‘morning mode’ (it cannot be Sunday afternoon already!) I headed over to the International Plaza, not quite sure what to expect but confident that I would have a good time because I was surrounded by friends including Kevin the Monkey. A quick glance at my ticket told me that I should be in the Global Development Zone and the mysterious letter F on my pass soon made sense as I made my way over to a Party Tent bearing the same letter.
Having got there a little early, the people from Islamic Relief made us all feel welcome as we sunbathed. As 2pm arrived the Islamic Relief guys gave an introduction, telling us what they do to help other worse off people in the world. The group I was in were led to a make-shift fire pit and refugee tent to see how people forced to flee their homes because of natural disasters and conflict are forced to live. Imagining having to cook your food over an open fire, having to travel up to five miles a day for water, and being one of 12 people living in a single, small tent for possibly five
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.