Issue 5
Official newspaper of the Essex International Jamboree
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
A bird’s eye visit of the Essex International Jamboree 2008 - for the full story, see page 3
Take on a new challenge by Emma Parker HAVE you seen people wearing bright red wrist bands around site? It’s easy to mistake them for yet another piece of crazy camp wear, but you can only receive one of these exclusive prizes by completing the Incident Challenge. You have half a day to finish six out of nine tasks which will take you all over the site. Working in teams of four to six people, you will start your challenge at the Incident Challenge headquarters in the Activity Field, and quickly find yourself undertaking mental, physical and fun activities. “The Clove Hitch challenge was hard, at first we couldn’t work out how to do it. We had to work as a team and listen to each other. We don’t usually do that,” said Daniel from Thurrock Explorer Scouts. But it’s not just about testing yourself against the puzzles and tricks, it’s also about giving you the chance to spend more time moving around the different areas and meeting new people. Fourteen-year old Daniel, who is staying on Elephant Sub Camp, went on to say “It is great to visit the other Sub Camps, I’ve spent time talking to people while we’ve been waiting and I
got to see what Pygmy Hippo Sub Camp looks like.” Pictured above, these participants were using their brains to work out a giant jigsaw shaped like the County of Essex. A group of Guides from 4th Loughton were deep in discussion, bending over a table, trying to figure out how the multi-coloured shapes fitted together.
They said the Incident Challenge was nothing like they had expected. Instead of just hiking around site in an orienteering exercise, as they had thought, they enjoyed completing the games and really having to think. If you feel all you’ve seen is your Sub Camp and the Market Square, this could be the challenge that broadens your Jamboree experience - both physically and mentally.
Open Day Programme 10.30am Jamboree site opens to visitors. Free Fairtrade Bananas given away to first 2,000 visitors. 11am Falconry Flying – Activities arena. 11am Penny Fayre at each Sub Camp Gateway – money raised to go to the Colchester Zoo Conservation Programme. 11am Tug O War. 12.30pm Lunchtime music provided by the South East Essex Youth Symphony Orchestra - Main stage. 2.30pm Race to Extinction: Build your own endangered animal chariot. Judging followed by race - Activities arena. 3.45pm Falconry Flying – Activities arena. 5pm Open Day Finale - Main stage. 5.30pm Jamboree site closes to visitors.
Today’s weather Sunny intervals Minimum temp: 15C Maximum temp: 21C UV index: 5 Sun rises: 5.23am Sun sets: 8.55pm
Birthdays and anniversaries Birthdays: Heather Campbell, on Aardvark: Happy 32nd Birthday from Anne and 112th North Belfast; Teresa Wechsler, on Elephant: Happy Birthday from DPSG Stamm Spalt; Happy 18th Birthday to Jack and Michael on the sailing team, love Toad and all Explorers from 17th Colchester; Jade Stewart, on Orangutan: Happy 14th Birthday from 18th Chelmsford and 6th Springfield Guides. Anniversaries: Happy 31st wedding anniversary to Mark and Margaret Loster, Canadian Wolf Sub Camp, from 3rd Writtle Guides and 1st Writtle Scouts.
Tonight’s entertainment TODAY (Wednesday) is a busy one on the Main Stage as entertainment begins with the Visitors Show at 4pm followed by International Acts at 7.30pm. In the Live Tent things kick off with Missing Andy at 8pm, moving on to 4ft Pimp at 8.40pm followed by Ninjalube at 9pm. The evening concludes with Kobe at 9.20pm. The Dance Tent has entertainment from Tinie Templa in an International Themed disco. Tonight is also Staff Acoustic Night with the musical stylings of Dee Hunter at 9pm, Tayla at 10pm and finishing the evening will be Alex V Harris starting at 10.20pm in the Staff Bar.
Calling all students... THE Higher Education organisation for Scouts, SSAGO along with their Guide counterparts, LINK, will be holding an unofficial rally at 8pm on Wednesday. The idea is to encourage and inform potential new members about their roles who may be going off to University or any Higher Education later this year. Please feel free to join them on the International Plaza if you are interested.
Food warehouse reminder THE deadline for changes to food orders from the food warehouse is 11am today (Wednesday). All accounts must be settled by tomorrow afternoon (Thursday).
Start your day with aerobics IF you need some rigorous exercise first thing in the morning, then you should be in Market Square on Friday. This is when the final aerobics work out of the week run by members of Elephant Sub Camp will take place. And because the move from Sub Camp to Main Arena has been arranged, they are inviting everyone onsite to join in. The fun starts at 8.30am and if that isn’t enough to tempt you to come then Jamboree Chief Claire Darch has agreed to be there, complete with Lycra.
Showcase your talents THE International Team is looking for acts for the International Showcase this evening. If you are interested in performing a song or dance from around the world on the Main Stage, visit the team in the Rainforest Retreat in the International Plaza before 4pm today.
For sale...
n CHELMSFORD Explorer Scouts are selling Harlequin neckers to raise money for a summer expedition to Nepal next year. They are £3 from Dino’s Fast Food. n 36th Colchester Garrison Scouts have got three field kitchens and four propane burners looking for a new home. To find out more visit them at Pygmy Hippo Sub Camp.
A one-stop shop for any medical problems by Kirstie Wright A HEALTHY Jamboree is a happy Jamboree and the task of keeping everyone safe has been taken on by 20 volunteers drawn from St Johns Ambulance, along with some scouting help. Their skills mean that any medical incident can be dealt with at any time of day. Central to their plans is the field hospital, located by the International Plaza. Housing three major cubicles equipped with beds, 10 chairs for minor injuries, and a multitude of specialist equipment including defibrillators, it’s a one stop shop for any medical problem. The team of three paramedics, two nurses and one doctor spend most of their time in the hospital but move around the site at certain times of the day to ensure a rapid response service if it is needed. Building the centre took 12 hours and it opened on Friday evening. Since then more than 200 people have visited with a variety of injuries, from insect bites to broken bones. The medical equipment has been supplied by St John Ambulance, while beds and chairs have been provided by the Scouts.
Treatment is dealt with in the same way as at an Accident and Emergency department at any local hospital, even down to the waiting room. Speed is essential when trying to get to incidents and the team can do this using their four vehicles - an ambulance, a mini-bus, a small 4x4 vehicle, and a control unit. So be aware of vehicles in a hurry around site, and be prepared to move out of the way! Among the most common problems have been insect bites and dehydration, which means participants and adults need to make sure they drink plenty of water and take some with them when they head to activities or to work. Head of the Medical team, Paul Leverett, said: “Drink plenty, remember sunscreen and make sure you always wear shoes. We have already had a lot of foot injuries, and we don’t want to see anymore.” A final health tip from the team is that, if you need them at night, then contact Security first. And remember, if these people have nothing to do for the rest of the Jamboree, then their presence will not have been wasted and we’ll all return home safely.
Inspired attraction draws crowds DAISY the dairy room, a caravan masquerading as a cow, takes pride of place on the Market Square. The caravan, which is surrounded by a white picket fence and bails of hay, hosts more than 80 groups of participants a day. The interior is decorated with a cow print sofa, a fire place and pot plants which gives the atmosphere of being sat in a living room. The dairy room gives participants the chance to be quizzed by Daisy, answering questions and being given interesting tasks in a Big Brother-style activity. Daisy also really likes so find out what participants have being doing that day and what they are looking forward to at the Jamboree. While waiting to go into the dairy room, Daniel, 11, of 2nd Rayleigh Scouts said: “Everyone says it’s quite good and I really want to see what it’s like in there” The dairy room name came from a spelling mistake at an initial meeting back in 2004, and seemed to stick, but it actually really adds to the effect of the attraction, giving it a truly fun element. On leaving the dairy room the smiles and laughter on the participants faces only add to
IN support of the Jamboree’s recycling pledge, Aardvark Sub Camp are hosting Eco Market Shop, a company which makes and sells recycled products such as bags. The stall will be open from 10am to 4pm today and everyone is welcome.
Orienteering contest part 2 TODAY’S question to win an orienteering set is: Name five Challenge and five Arena activities. Don’t forget to listen out for the next one on Jungle Radio today. The final questions will be in Planet Essex and on the radio tomorrow. the anticipation of those waiting outside. “We love Daisy, we pegged her. She made us sing Rockstar in there, it was so fun. We came to visit yesterday and we knew straight away we would come back. We’re going to try and visit her every day.” The dairy room footage is edited daily and the best bits are played on the outside wall of the caravan, which gives people the chance to see what others have been up to in there and what they have to say about the Jamboree. The team are also selling Daisy cow print neckers from the dairy room garden, for £2.50.
Variety acts wow their Sub Camps “I WAS very nervous before I went on the stage, but my friends were behind me. The past couple of days here have been intense.” Michael Miller is the latest Komodo Dragon resident to try his hand at their quest to prove that Essex has got talent. His spirit underlines the confidence Scouts can draw from their Jamboree experience and he’s not the only one to feel scared about a debut stage performance. First up was Eva, who decided to sing a solo, not easy when the stage isn’t your natural home. Eva proved popular with the crowd but it was Michael who top scored with the judges after his variety act of Diablo skills. Over on Orangutan Sub Camp, a large
Recycled products stall
group of participants were playing a game of volleyball, while others watched intently to find out which team would win. “The evenings are fun, because you get to meet new people and make new friends. Everyone is really friendly and we’ve been taught lots of new games by the Americans and the Spanish, says to 1st Chelmsford Scouts. On Pygmy Hippo Sub Camp, participants are taking part in the Miss Hippo 2008 competition, a drag competition that also asks them to perform a variety act in front of some hostile judges. Walking away from the camps you can tell that the evening entertainments will carry on throughout the week, ensuring that everyone is truly entertained.
What’s the most random item that you’ve brought to the Jamboree? WE have been out and about asking scouts and guides what the most unusual item they brought to camp was. Peter, Humboldt Penguin, 1st Chapel-en-leFrith Scouts, said: “I brought a whoopee cushion I got out of a crisp packet!” Sarah, Komodo Dragon, 1st Welford Scouts said: “I think that the most random item that I brought with me is my teddy bear.” Molly, Red Panda and part of the Sweden Scouts contingent said: “We have a Swedish flag to put on our camp so everyone knows who we are.” Sophie, Komodo Dragon, Falcon Rangers, said: “Probably my fish key ring, that’s pretty random!” Connor, Humboldt Penguin, 1st Chapel - en le - Frith Scouts, said: “I brought a spare button in case any of them came off of my shirt!” Zoe, Komodo Dragon, said: “My eyelash curlers are the most random item with me.” John, Komodo Dragon, 1st Coggleshaw, “I’d say that my book is pretty random because I’m never going to read it, there’s too much to do here at the jamboree”. Robert, Lemur Sub Camp, 4th Epping Scouts, said: “Probably the badge on my hat and my Christian Aid badge.” Honey, from Lemur Sub Camp, 2nd Hutton Guides: “The most random item that I brought with me is a broken watch”. Charlotte, Amur Tiger, 1st Britton Guides, “My ugliest teddy is quite unusual; I don’t know why I brought it!” Arthur, Komodo Dragon, 1st Earls Colne “I brought elastic bands with me because they’re so useful. You can do many things with elastic bands!” Jenny, Amur Tiger, 1st Britton Guides said: “My hair dye is the most random thing that I’ve brought to the Jamboree”. Tamzin, Humboldt Penguin, Clacton Guides, “My hula skirt is pretty random. I brought it for the beach party but I didn’t even wear it. I was too embarrassed!”
A bird’s eye view of site by Emma Parker IT’S hard to imagine just how large the Jamboree site is when visiting each individual section. But one very lucky photographer had the opportunity to take to the skies to see the site from 11,000 feet. Jamboree photography team leader Becky Tompkinson, 20, spent 15 minutes in the air, circling the site six times. Flying in a small aircraft with local pilot Pete Wensak gave her the opportunity to see the scale of the site. She said: “It was amazing to photograph the site in its entirety rather than a cross section at a time.” Leaving from his personal airfield about 20 minutes away from the Jamboree site, Becky also experienced the pilot’s aerobatic talents, spiralling through the air, in complicated movements. The plane flew high into the air and then spiralled back down ensuring Becky got the best possible view of the event. She said: “It was like being on a rollercoaster with scenic views.” The site looked like a miniature city and Becky could see people waving at her from the ground below. “I’ve flown long distances but I’ve never been in a small plane before, but it was so worthwhile. “If I could do it again I definitely would.” Becky’s photographs will be available to view and will be on sale from the Media Sales tent on the Market Square for £3 each, and will make a fantastic souvenir to cherish.
Team’s patience pays off YOU know it seems like a good idea at the time. But trying to lie still on the floor waiting for an aircraft to fly over proved a test of endurance for staff on the International Plaza. The plan was to recreate the Global Explorer Award in outline using 65 staff as human representation of the ring of friendship. But they were left in limbo for more than an hour before
Bringing an international flavour to work teams by Sarah Chandler
HAVING recently completed their education, nine Senior Scouts from Denmark decided to make the Essex International Jamboree: “Their one big experience together before leaving Denmark.” Emma Dorph, 20, and Nanna Dahl, 18, are both working as staff in the Soft Rock Cafe. “One of the girls did some research on the internet and found out about Essex Jamboree,” explained Emma. They then spent weekends working in a café at their local horse riding school in order to save up enough money to be able to get here. The girls were pleased to be working in the Soft Rock as they were hoping to: “have the chance to interact with other people”, as well as make use of their English. They’ve found the Jamboree different to their usual camps with Scouts back home, likening it to a festival atmosphere. Nanna felt that the young people were enjoying the Jamboree and they were both pleased to be making new friends themselves. The two students aren’t the only ones having fun as staff at the Jamboree. There are also internationals working as part of the Sub Camp teams. Hannah Granlund, 21, from Sweden, is one of the Pygmy Hippo Sub Camp staff. Hannah is a Cub Leader back home and came to Essex for the Jamboree as a participant in 2000. Hannah was invited by Scouting friends
Nanna and Emma who she has been in frequent contact with since that first time in Essex eight years ago. Its Hannah’s first time as a member of staff at a camp like this, “it’s different,” she explained, “because we do stuff for everyone on the Sub Camp, not just our own group.” She, like Emma and Nanna, found the Jamboree to be a very different way of camping compared with what she is used to back home. She also expressed her enthusiasm for the prospect of Sweden hosting the next World Scout Jamboree which takes place in 2011. Hannah said: “We have a really good mix of people on the Sub Camp team, they are a lovely bunch.” She also explained that there is much more emphasis on international relations this time round. The international team have been really good, I had a tent here ready for me which made getting here a lot easier.”
Sikh service sends out messages of peace ON Monday night the market square played host to a Sikh religious service, whch was enjoyed by people from around the world. Lyrics to the hymns which were sung were displayed on the big screen so that everyone could be involved. The prayers and hymns delivered a message
of peace and compassion. “Religions are like rivers they flow differently and through different places but they all end up in the sea.” The Market Square was silent as the crowd paid their respects to a religion largely different from their own.
finally completing the challenge. The idea, devised by Plaza boss Darren Bretton saw several false alarms before the aircraft finally came into view and the team were able to throw themselves into their final position. Central to the design was Ewan the Bear who was used in the middle to represent the centre of the world.
From youth media... Después de mucho tiempo de preparación ya estamos aquí! Todo empezó el pasado setiembre cuando nos planteamos preparar unos campamentos distintos a los que habiamos hecho hasta ahora. Unos campamentos en el estranjero. Buscamos diferentes opciones y encontramos campamentos de todos los tipos, desde intercambios con agrupamientos belgas hasta viajes en tren por toda Europa, después de muchas reuniones, charlas y alguna que otra discusión decidimos que lo mejor era venir aquí, a Essex. Fue entonces cuando empezó el verdadero trabajo, organizar unos campamentos ( que ya es mucha faena) y además fuera de nuestro país. Hicimos diferentes tascas para poder costearnos una parte del viaje, cuidamos niños, vendimos camisetas y organizamos un concierto. Preparamos una pequeña ruta por Inglaterra, ya que queríamos conocer un poquito el país y perder el miedo a hablar en inglés antes de llegar al campamento. Todo esto se hizo realidad el pasado jueves cuando cogimos el avión dirección Stansted, ese mismo día dormimos en un local de scouts de Chelmsford y visitamos la ciudad. El día siguiente tuvimos la oportunidad de descubrir Londres, y al fin el sabado llegamos a Essex International Jamboree, el sitio donde teníamos realmente ganas de llegar para poder conocer mucha gente y junto al otro agrupamiento poder representar a Catalunya!! Helena, Marta and Paula. (AEG Ben enlla, pioners i caravel.les) English Summary: Helena, Marta and Paula from Catalonia write about their journey to Essex, from the decision to come to the Jamboree last September, through their fundraising activities and preparations, to the day they touched down at Stansted last week. After seeing London and sleeping in a Scout hut in Chelmsford they arrived at the Jamboree and have been enjoying themselves a lot!
Youngsters enjoy their own special Jamboree by Kirstie Wright PARTICIPANTS and adults aren’t the only ones having lots of fun at the Jamboree. The children of staff onsite have been having plenty of fun themselves spending their days at Mini Jam. Catering for children aged five to 10, a team of childcare workers supervise the 46 youngsters on all the Jamboree’s activities so they can have their own adventure. A structured day is organised by the team, which starts at 8.30am and finishes at 5.30pm. It’s a long day for everyone but only because of the non-stop fun. Pat Muller said: “The children are really enjoying themselves and we have a lot for them to do here, they will never get bored.” Within the Mini Jam centre, the children have a chance to take part in crafts, play board games, watch DVDs and have lunch. And during the week they will also be doing all the activities the participants are undertaking. This means that they can work towards their Global Explorer Award, which will enable them all to make new friends from both the UK and around the world. Fortunately for the Mini Jammers, they’ll be off site when the Open Day visitors arrive. Instead the children are looking forward to a day trip to Colchester Zoo. There they will be able see all of the animals that have been sponsored by the different Sub Camps at the Jamboree. Lucy, six, said, “I’m really looking forward to seeing the animals, especially the penguins as they are my favourite.” But if going to Colchester Zoo wasn’t enough, they have also organised for there to be two sleepovers within the Mini Jam centre. Half of the children have already spent Monday night away from their parents; the rest will do the same on Thursday. There’s already much speculation over whether the children or their parents enjoyed that particular activity the most.
Chief Scout’s message for world peace EXCITEMENT reigned in the Norwegian contingent on Tuesday as they looked forward to the visit of their Chief Scout. Lars Andersen stopped briefly to visit the Norwegian Blue Cross Scouts to share coffee and cake with them before helping the Scouts take part in the Incident Challenge. Ingrid, 16 and Joachim, 11 said it “was special and a little surprising” to find their Chief Scout visiting them at the Jamboree. Mr Andersen explained that he feels it is important to visit the Scouts wherever they are and discover from them what they would like to achieve in Scouting. He also sent a message to all the Scouts and Guides here at the Jamboree, to take advantage of the opportunities to spend time with international Scouts, to learn from each other and work together to create a more tolerant and peaceful world. While Mr Andersen is in the United Kingdom he plans to visit another international Jamboree at Camp Downe where he will see Scouts from his own group.
Green badge scheme
Jungle fun for tots IF you’re walking into a sea of painted faces, and there’s the buzz of Piglet: The Movie on DVD, then you’ve made it into the Jungle Tots nursery where the youngest members of the Jamboree are spending their days. The nursery is made up of 31 under fives whose parents are working at the Jamboree. Their time at Jungle Tots is kept varied by a range of different games and crafts including making clay models, colouring – and painting faces! The hot weather has meant that their favourite place to play is the paddling pool in the “garden” of the nursery which has provided a release from the heat. Life is a constant
garden party for the toddlers, who have come from all over the country. For those who aren’t spending their time running around in the sunshine, there’s a large marquee for them to play in, where they can be kept amused with games and crafts, so much so that the walls are even painted too! They have a special animal everyday to learn about, to go along with the Jamboree theme, as the animals chosen are endangered species.
Birds of prey put on a great display WITH a series of swoops and swerves greeted by oohs and ahhs, it was time for one of the more unusual Jamboree performers to strut his stuff. Jake the falcon is the star turn in Falconhigh Falconry – he’s one of three birds of prey showing off in the Activities Arena over the next few days. The aim of the spectacle is to introduce Guides and Scouts to these birds in both a practical and enjoyable way. It is a very hands-on display and allows the participants to get very close to the birds. “It was great fun and watching the bird fly over everyone’s heads was really exciting. I would definitely recommend it to everyone else,” said Jamie from Komodo Dragon Sub Camp. The instructor even allowed some of the participants to land the falcon and feed him treats. By the end of the display more than 30 people had joined the original audience. n To see the birds in action for yourself, they will be flying at 11am and 3pm today and tomorrow or you can just see them in their enclosure next to the craft tents.
A GUIDE leader has created an activity pack on the subject of sustainable development that can be used in units. Twenty-five-year-old Lisa Hiles from South Wales, has devised a badge that is suitable for all ages of children in both Girlguiding and Scouts organisations called Project Eco. Designed for the community project element of her Queen’s Guide Award, Lisa is now selling her badge pack for £5 on a CD-Rom, with badges costing £1 each. All profits will go to Tree Aid, a charity which helps villages in Africa work their way out of poverty by planting tree crops such as mangos. To find out more email at Lisa projecteco@ hotmail.co.uk.
American Scouts’ unusual way of making friends DELIBERATELY dropping items around site might not be top of the list for most people on the Jamboree site but for the Scout group from New Jersey, USA, it’s a novel way of meeting people. More than 600 wooden coins are being dropped over the site in various places during the week, so if you find one read the message on it and you will be pleasantly surprised. The idea started in 1996 when the group was visiting the Jamboree for the fourth time. Wanting more people to come and see them, they set up the Good Scout Nickel Programme, and it has been successful ever since. At each Jamboree they give away more than 600 coins. By creating the scheme the Scouts have managed to meet new people from all around the world and stay in contact as everyone has to sign a book. The group have a history of making new friends. They are part of the England Exchange Programme which is linked to Chelmsford Scouts in Essex. Set up in 1977, the group have travelled to the UK every four years and also been to every Essex Jamboree since 1978. Bob Taylor, Group Leader, said, “The Jamboree here has just got better each year, the whole group really enjoy it.” So keep your eyes peeled for the wooden coins around the site, and you will be in for a surprise when you visit the group on Red Panda Sub Camp.
The Planet Essex team: Katherine Broomfield; Antony Weller; Justin Mullender; 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.