Issue 6
Official newspaper of the Essex International Jamboree
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Welcoming our visitors on site by Sarah Paget ON Wednesday the Jamboree was invaded, not by endangered species, but by day visitors. It was encouraging to see 4,000 friends, family, units and groups who came to share in the Jamboree experience for themselves. Some were simply overawed by the whole Jamboree as they didn’t know what it involved or how much fun we were having! “I would love to come to a big camp like this when I’m a Scout,” said Abigail, 10, from 7th Clacton Cubs. Even the participants were out and about exploring and trying some of their favourite activities again. “It’s a great way to show people from outside the organisations what we are about. And what we are trying to achieve globally,” said 13-yearold James from Lemur Sub Camp. There were many things to entertain both young and old alike, such as the touch tables from Colchester Zoo and the Explorers who have returned from a trip to see the largest glaciers in the world. There were, of course, the various places to stop when it all became too much, to rest and recuperate in the likes of Dino’s Diner and the Rainforest Retreat. Early in the morning the Sub Camps had each held a Penny Fair, raising money for charity. And even the Activity Field was a hive of activity as people bounced, climbed and zoomed their way around the various stations. Even the local police had a comment on proceedings: “It’s my first Jamboree, I’m impressed the crowds are better behaved than what I usually deal with!,” said Special Constable Ross Caines of the Essex force. The day ended for the visitors with a spectacular display from the cast on the stage. “I really liked the Jamboree welcome song,” said Katie, 10, from the 44th Colchester Cubs. Jo, aged 8, really enjoyed “clapping along to all the songs”. After an active and exciting day our visitors left for their warm and cosy beds, leaving us to enjoy our last couple of days, safe in the knowledge they had all had fun.
Today’s weather Light showers Minimum temp: 15C Maximum temp: 24C UV index: 4 Sun rises: 5.23am Sun sets: 8.55pm
Birthdays and anniversaries Birthdays: Gareth Stacey: You are 38 today, have a great day; Happy 17th birthday to Becca Hawes from everyone at 1st Willingham Guides; 1st Hatfield Peveral Scouts want to wish Chris and Rebecca Baker a Happy 13th Birthday; Happy 46th Birthday to Peter Dixon from Phoenix Explorers on Lemur Sub Camp; Happy 17th to John Mayes from Amazon ESU on Red Panda Sub Camp; Happy Birthday to Frankie Docherty, East Lancashire on Game Reserve Sub Camp; Happy 32nd Birthday to Heather Campbell from 112th Scouts on Aardvark Sub Camp; Happy Birthday to Stephen Davies from 1st Penmark and Porthkerry, on Elephant Sub Camp; Happy Birthday to Marion Davis on Humboldt Penguin Sub Camp; Danielle Leonard on Orangutan Sub Camp, it’s your 11th Birthday today,have a good day. Anniversaries: Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary to Jayne and Steve Poole from 15th Sutton Coldfield West.
Newspaper sets available DO you want to take something home with you as a reminder of all the fun times at the Jamboree? The Planet Essex newspapers that have been sent around the Sub Camp every day will also be available after the Jamboree as a complete set. To make sure you get one of the sets, which are £3 each with £1.50 postage and packing, place your order now at the Media Store on the Market Square.
Sub Camp badges order BECAUSE the demand for complete sets of Sub Camp badges has outstriped supply, the Jamart is taking orders for post-event delivery. If you missed out and want the complete collection, order a set from the shop on the Market Square for delivery after the Jamboree. Sets cost £11 each plus postage and packing and feature all of the Sub Camp animals as well as the Game Reserve.
Have you seen blanket? A Disney comfort blanket with Dumbo attached. If found please return to Jungle Tots. Young child already distressed, mother getting there.
Last call in food warehouse THE last day for food collections is tomorrow (Friday) as the warehouse will not be open on Saturday. Groups are also reminded to pay their outstanding bills by the end of today.
Chief Guide visits site by Caroline Hill “IT’S such a fantastic event”. Not the words of a participant but of Chief Guide Liz Burnley who dropped into the Jamboree on Tuesday to see for herself how Guides are enjoying the experience. Before setting off on a tour of the Sub Camps, Liz had been asked to present awards to 21 girls who received a variety of accolades including the Queen’s Guide Award and the Chief Guide’s Challenge badge. “It’s so special to do something like this at such a fantastic event!” Liz Burnley exclaimed during the presentation. “The site looks extraordinary and giving the awards out here will, I hope, be an extra special memory for the richly deserving participants.” Bonnie Hill, County Commissioner for Girlguiding Essex West said she’d been determined to get Liz to the Jamboree, so had made sure the Chief Guide had the date in her diary early. Chloe, 18, from Sovereign Rangers on Elephant Sub Camp received her Chief Guide’s Challenge badge. She said: “It’s really nice to receive my award from the Chief
Guide herself, and to know that it was her that signed my certificate personally five minutes earlier, and not just a stamp.” It wasn’t just participants who received awards, with staff members and leaders also collecting certificates. Heather, 17, who has spent the Jamboree working on “It’s a Knockout!” said it was a surprise to have the Chief there to present her award, and that she was no longer just a person in Guiding magazine to her now! Becky Tompkinson, (pictured left), received her Queen’s Guide Award. She completed a number of challenges for this prestigious award, including an 80km expedition in the Brecon Beacons, a trip to Brownsea Island with her Brownie unit, a weekend at youth
forum Innovate Latimer and carried out a project on personal safety. Also in attendance was the Chief Commissioner of Girlguiding Anglia, Rosie Spencer, who agreed that it was very special to have the Chief Guide at the Jamboree. She said it was an excellent opportunity for the girls to be able to talk to their Chief Guide, who, she said, really understood that Girlguiding was girl led, and was so interested in talking to the girls and young women themselves. Before she left for her tour of the site, Liz reminded everyone present that this was a sample of things to come, especially as the organisation moves towards 2010, when it will celebrate its centenary.
Staff let loose for activities Tales of a blue It’s a cliché that leaders are just bigger kids than those they look after but if you were on the Activities Arena on Tuesday night you’d have seen the cliché being proved right. The whole place was thrown open to the support staff at the Jamboree and they didn’t waste the opportunity to have their own fun. The Climbing Wall was the first challenge for the night. Once harnessed up it was a challenge to see who was first to the top. “At first it was really scary, then I got my confidence up and I made it to the top” said Kirstie Wright At the Archery Range, Sarah Paget managed to hit gold despite being left handed: “I’m more problematic than most because I shoot left handed so I was delighted when I finally struck gold. Others were also having problems mastering simple things. James Hage jumped head first into the ball pit not realising it was so
travelling duck
shallow while Lisa Essex complained that: “the instructors seemed to be deliberately making us fall into the water on the rope swing.” James did manage to regain some pride on the Quad Bikes : “it became deadly serious – there was a need for there to be a winner” said James as his bruised ego received a much needed lift at the end of an exhausting night.
Rubbish costumes but the dancing was excellent It may have looked rubbish to anyone walking past but Trash night turned out the exact opposite. Every night a different themed party is taking place in the Dance Tent. And making costumes from recycled material brought out the creative streak in plenty of party guests. A group from East Tilbury Scouts had taken over two days to make their spectacular outfits. Using litter they saved from their groups meals, the girls made skirts from several dozen crisp packets attached to bin bags, with an extensive overcoat made of other food packets and belts made of pasta tubes. As participants danced the night away in the various items of litter they were wearing, they were reminded of the importance of recycling
and spreading the message of the Jamboree they can make a difference. Elliot, 15 who is staying on Red Panda said “We need to remember to recycle stuff that’s polluting the environment. That way we will help towards saving the planet.” The atmosphere in the tent was electric with everyone dancing as a huge crowd, it was difficult to see who was from where, and who knew who, as everyone seemed to be mingling. Participants combined recycling and fashion, making a particular effort to ensure that their costumes were up to date with the latest fashion. “Don’t throw your litter away, use it as a fashion accessory” exclaimed E- Unit Explorers from West Lancashire.
Scouts from Fife in Scotland have taken recycling to a new high, and given a little blue plastic duck a new lease of life in the process. Bobby (Boaby), as he’s known, was adopted by 48th Fife at a Jamboree two years ago after he was found languishing in a water waste pipe following an activity. It’s thought he was left because he has a defective eye. But since that chance meeting, Bobby has gone on the adventure of a lifetime – he’s now spending his time in Aardvark Sub Camp. Dressed in the troops colours including scarf, Bobby is now an instant addition to any troop activity. “He goes everywhere with us” said Liam, 14. He is allocated a ‘companion’ on a daily basis so that he doesn’t get left behind. The responsibility for bringing him to Jamboree was given to 13-year-old Robyn because: “It was my first time flying, so I was given him to look after”. The group are currently compiling a scrap book of Bobby’s adventures, hence his desire to be photographed at every opportunity. There are ambitions to get Bobby photographed with as many international scouts as possible. He is as adventurous as any other Scout his age. He has taken part in many activities with his troop, including going on rollercoasters, log flumes and trying climbing. However, unlike his human friends, he is not so keen on fires, although “he likes sitting in the fire bucket” said Chris, 13. At Essex he has watched the climbing and even went to the zoo and made some new animal friends. So if you are out and about and see this cheeky little blue duck, make sure you say hello and have your picture taken, just for good measure.
What have you enjoyed at the Jamboree Open Day? WE have been out and about asking Open Day visitors what they have enjoyed about their time on site. Niamh, aged 9, of 7th Witham Brownies, said: “It’s really good, and I’m enjoying doing the Sub Camp Safari. I’d like to come here when I’m a Guide.”
Heather, aged 10, of Oxfordshire Guides, said: “I think it’s fun and I don’t think you could ever get bored, there are so many things to do!”
Brendon, aged 8, of Rondersly Cubs, said: “I really like the Market Square, there’s so much stuff there!” Jonathan, aged 7, of 4th Dover Court Beavers, said: “So far I’ve enjoyed making a boat at the Orangutan Sub Camp, and I’m planning to do lots more, it’s really fun!”
by Sophie Williams It seems the competitive streak between Sub Camps doesn’t go away at any time, as they all want to raise the most money from the Penny Fayre. The idea is simple; lay on a stall and charge a few pence for a go and hopefully raise plenty of money for Colchester Zoo’s private nature reserve. The most popular of all the stalls in the Humboldt Penguin Sub Camp is the penguin shy. Here participants attempt to knock the penguins off their perches. “It’s great, I’m going to come back and play again later,” said Harry, a day visitor with his Beaver group. Another attention grabber is the marble racer. A quick payment of 20p means that you have four attempts to put a marble through the correct hole. “We came up with the idea when we noticed our Scout group had the game. We’re happy to be raising money for a good cause and helping our animal - the penguin,” explained stall holder Robert.
Red Panda Sub Camp have put a huge amount of effort into their stalls. The Sub Camp was brimming with participants and day visitors spending their spare pennies having a go at events such as ‘Soak The Guide’. The event was invented by Daisy, a 3rd Great Baddow Guide who is also the star of the stall, having wet sponges thrown at her.
Visitors reminded of need to save endangered animals Briony, aged 6, of 4th Dover Court Beavers, said: “We did something with balloons earlier, and we played football with the other people here. It’s cool!”
Jasmine, aged 6, of 1st Pitsea Rainbows, said: “I like the animals of the Sub Camps; Pygmy Hippo is my favourite, because it’s pink!” Kate, aged 8, of 1st Brightlingsea Brownies, said: “Its fun, fun, fun! I liked eating my lunch in front of the musicians on stage.”
Ellen, aged 6, 5th Hoddesdon Beavers: said: “We were in the activities field - I liked making a bracelet in the craft tent and playing on the inflatable castles.” Victoria, 12, 1st Chelmsford Guides: “We toured all the Sub Camps and met up with my brother – I tried out all the Penny Fayre games.” Katherine, 6, 1st Warley Beavers, said: “I really wanted one of the milkshakes from the Soft Rock Café, I asked my Mum for a whole hour. It was really tasty!”
Roll up for lots of fun and games at Penny Fayre
EVER wondered how big an Orangutan’s hand is? Or what leopard skin feels like? At the Open Day, Colchester Zoo came to give everyone the chance to find out. Based in the International Plaza, the zoo provided a stand which highlighted the issues facing endangered animals. The opportunity to explore replica animal skulls, including one of a lion was also on offer. Participants and visitors could pick these up and discover what they actually look like from many different angles, including touching the sharp teeth. Placing their hands in a replica Orangutan hand showed the participants exactly how big the primate is. Also on the stand was a tailored Leopard skin coat that was seized by Customs and Excise. The coat, made from nine different cats, stood as a reminder that wild animals are still being unnecessarily hunted and killed for no obvious reason. The looks of shock on visitors faces show that they truly care about the Jamboree’s pledge to help endangered animals. The staff were excited to be sharing in the Jamboree experience: “It’s great to know that both the visitors and guests are interested in the conservation of the world.” The endangered animals of the Sub Camps here at the Jamboree, are all named after species that reside at Colchester Zoo. As part of the pledge to help save these species from extinction, the Jamboree has
She said: “We thought it would be inventive. It’s something different! And I’m freezing, the water is ice cold!” The Jamboree website has promised to update everyone on how much money has been raised from the day.
A taste of the world Everyone had an opportunity to share a little bit of home on Wednesday night as the Sub Camps came alive with the sights and smells of all the different nations here at the Jamboree. The idea was that each UK group would produce a food or drink from their region while the international contingents would provide a flavour of their homes in their favourite dishes. Some tried things they had never tasted before, even if the flavours were not that far from home. 1st Halstead Scout, 13-year-old Josh, tried Orkney Cheese on oatcakes “I didn’t like it; I didn’t like the blend of the textures and the taste of them both”. Daniel, 12, South Bradford Scouts tried curry made to a traditional recipe: “It’s a lot nicer than take-aways. The taste is a lot better” Remember, if you tried some of the new flavours on offer you get to collect the stamp for your Global Explorer Award.
adopted one of each of the animals. Next to each enclosure a plaque has been placed to commemorate the event. The money raised at the Penny Fayre and throughout the Jamboree will also go towards Colchester Zoo’s private nature reserve. The UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, is this year’s main project for the zoo. The 20,000-acre private nature park already houses several species of wild animal. Our money will go towards bringing Black Rhino’s to the park from an over populated area, where these animals are in danger.
Recycle your cans for worthy cause Humboldt Penguin Sub Camp have been making an extra effort with their recycling; collecting tin cans so they can help a fellow scout. Scouts from 8th Colchester are trying to raise £5,000 for a specially-adapted wheelchair for one of their Cubs. Each can they collect is worth a penny and they hope they’ll reach the target soon, after receiving help from the Jamboree. Eight-year-old Martin suffers from Spinal Muscular Dystrophy and has recently moved up to Cubs after being a Beaver. This is his
first visit to a Jamboree but he’s been active in Scouting and having seen the “fantastic site”, is hopeful he’ll be on the next Jamboree in 2012. Despite having limited movement, Martin’s been abseiling as well as a host of other activities and backs the Scouts fundraising drive: “You probably wouldn’t want the cans, would you? But we do.” If you would like to add your can recycling to the effort, then there is a special collection point by the gate of Humboldt Penguin Sub Camp, and they’d welcome any donations.
souvenirs, novelties, sweets & drinks.
Open 09.00 - 14.00 and 16.00 - 22.00.
Meet the team feeding 1,000 hungry staff by Kirstie Wright AFTER a long hard day as staff, all they want is food and who is there to serve them? The Catering team. Behind the serving counters is another story of the small, dedicated team that organises every meal for the staff on the Game Reserve Sub Camp. Preparing and cooking the food is a 24-hour process with people working through the night to prepare meals for the following day. Each day there are more than 1,000 people to cater for and as a result there are plenty of ingredients needed. Since the start of the build over a quarter of a ton of cheese has been grated while it took 100 large cans to provide rice pudding for the hungry. Making lasagne for 1,000 - well that needs 320 litres of tomato sauce. To be able to cook and store all the food, there are two portable kitchens, all with industrial-sized cookers, saucepans and ovens. The saucepans hold 80 litres each. The giant fridges and freezers are each stuffed full of meat, salad and baguettes. Timing is everything for a chef. Ensuring that everyone’s meal is delivered hot is no mean feat. It takes up to six hours to cook the evening meals alone and the catering team have a simple request.
From trash to dash at scrapheap activity Beyond the piles of crates and wheels, a go kart is beginning to appear, constructed by a well-organised team who have worked together to create the perfect racing machine. Groups of Scouts and Guides are pulling out wheels, tugging pieces of wood, and taping together chunks of metal in the pursuit of making the ultimate racing machine. Everyone is working together as a team and sharing ideas to solve their problems. “We’ve been so busy here that sometimes we’ve had to turn people away. It’s really interesting, the different ways each team constructs their go kart,” said Jerry Foster, organiser of the challenge. Groups are allowed pallets, wheels, axels and tools to help them make a kart to compete against the others at the end of the session. Winning times are recorded on a leaderboard and at the end of the week, the best group, with the fastest go kart, will win a mystery prize. All of the teams are taking it seriously, although there is a huge amount of joking and laughing coming from everyone taking part. “My team are of a bunch of boy racers! For them, we have to win the race otherwise we’re in trouble,” said a member of the Genesis Explorer Scout Unit, staying in Lemur Sub Camp. Chris, Ben and Charlie, Scouts from Komodo Dragon Sub Camp, said they were really enjoying the activity, even though they weren’t sure how well they were going to do once it got to race time. Organiser Jerry said the challenge had brought out the best in people so far this week, and there was hardly any disagreement among teams while they were building their karts. It’s an activity that gives people the chance to learn valuable skills such as team work and confidence, which they can take away and put into practice once they get back home.
“Don’t waste food. We spend a lot of time cooking it with love, so please don’t take more than what you can eat,” requests Head of Catering, Bill Marshall. The team do need more support helping to wash up at the end of a long day and leading by example, the Heads of Department lent a hand on Tuesday evening to see for themselves what’s needed to deliver the food. Between them they had a variety of jobs ranging from serving through to making the cake for pudding. Rob Lyon, Head of Welfare, said: “It’s hot, it’s messy but it’s a laugh.” Others felt that showing their support to all of the teams was the most important aspect of the evening. Graham Chandler, Head of Safety, said: “It’s all about being prepared to do what is necessary and be a part of the Jamboree team as a whole.” And one final request from the Catering Team - can all those mischievous teddies that belong in the Catering tent come back from their adventure around the site. Your owners are missing you and would like your help in the kitchen. If you see these animals around can you please help them back to the Catering tent on Game Reserve Sub Camp.
Red Panda Scout is first to finish Global Explorer Award The first participant to gain the Global Explorer Award was so eager to get to the end in pole position that he ran all the way to the officials on duty in the International Plaza. Dean Norfolk, from 6th Rochford Scouts, had to learn about fair-trade and international food, as well as the importance of our ecofootprint, world culture and faith in order to win the award. “The most exciting part of the Global Explorer Award was receiving the badge,” said the 11-year-old after getting his hands on one on Tuesday. The Global Explorer Award gives everyone the opportunity to make the most of the international experiences available to them on the Jamboree. It requires involvement in a variety of events, such as swapping food with a participant from another country and discovering your individual eco-footprint. The Jamboree has the theme of the world’s endangered animals and saving the environment. “We can all do small things to try and make the world a better place” said Darren Bretton, Head of International. The final test is to write their own ‘Pledge for the Planet’, one small promise that they will try to fulfil in order to do their bit towards improving our world. Dean said he joined others in leaving a message on the friendship wall at the international plaza; a makeshift colourful gateway where hundreds of messages of peace and international awareness have been left. The international element of the award had particular resonance to Dean, who had
the chance to take down the Republic of Ireland’s flag at the daily ‘flag down’ ceremony on Monday evening. This is where all the countries’ flag are ceremonially lowered and put away for the night. Dean intends to sew the badge on his camp blanket when he gets home.
From the Youth Media team... We arrived on Friday 25th July and were amazed at the scale and size of the camp. Whilst we struggled to put up our tents we were helped by very friendly members of staff from Elephant Sub Camp and we have been very pleased by their help and their friendliness ever since. On Monday we were asked to go to a meeting and give our views on the good and bad points of the camp so far. We found that the atmosphere was very friendly and that you can talk to anybody. We said that we were also impressed with the opening ceremony as we thought the way that they had brought everybody together and included all the countries was effective. What we didn’t like were the showers and the toilets, however the staff have been trying their hardest to improve them to the best that they can manage with the equipment that they have. The activities, although we have not done many, have been well structured and fun but could maybe be a little longer on some. We also found that the ‘It’s a Knockout’ challenge could have done with a little break for a drink as the weather is so hot. Overall we have found camping here a great experience and have enjoyed it more than the other Jamborees we’ve been to. Kathryn Bash and Roberta Enright 1st Coggeshall Rangers This Jamboree has offered us a number of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. These are some of the things that we’ve done and will never forget. We have had a game of friendly, lighthearted football... with Norwegians! We had an excellent time but in the end got thrashed 26-6. Although the score sounds more like a rugby match, we loved the hour and discovered that they were a lot better than us! Also, we met a Nigerian boy called Milo, we’ve ‘high-fived’ people from many different nationalities and the Jamboree has opened our minds to other cultures. One of us has been canoeing, whereas the other two have been to Alton Water. The canoeing was very fun as we did different activities including swapping canoes in the water. The instructors were helpful, while having fun at the same time. The sailing at Alton Water was more than good. Even though the boat swayed a bit at the start we soon came to enjoy it and didn’t want to come off in the end. The instructor, Neil, was great at sailing and could tip the boat to the point of near capsizing! Soon we wanted to get as wet as we could and sat right on the edge of the boat while Neil tipped it, getting us soaked! We believe that for us this Jamboree is all about making new friends, learning other cultures and, obviously, enjoying ourselves. Thank you to all who contributed to make this Jamboree a HUGE success. Thomas Powell, John Milik and George Harris Lemur 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.