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GDAŃSK – THE CITY OF JAMBOREE / BEFORE THE JAMBOREE / WHY DO I LOVE INTERCAMP?

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EDITORIAL IN MAGAZINE! The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) is working assiduously and it is gaining all the necessary experience to become ready and well prepared for the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Poland. We were able to complete a lot of tasks connected with the preparations of our candidacy, but we know that it is only the beginning of this great adventure. The next, big step that we have to handle is the selection of the host city where about 40 thousand scouts may arrive in 2023 We are aware that this decision determines the future of this project.

That’s why, it was detailed and well-

thought-out process. We want to make sure that we have made the best possible decision. We have received great support from local governments, that were more than willing to help us with the location issue.

Over past months, our architects, logisticians and technicians analysed the tonnes of documents, traverse our country, talked with local governments to be sure that the chosen place will be perfect.

InterCamp or Central European Jamboree. During preparations for these events we will be able to try, practice and check our innovative solutions and ideas. All scouts who will be willing to visit us on these events may experience the power, joy, energy and what is even more important they may see the spark – the Polish spark.

See you in 2023!

Poles are people who love to be sure that they do things as good as it is only possible. Therefore, before Jamboree 2023, we are organising some other important scout events such as

With best wishes!

Editor-in-chief Agnieszka Podhajska

POLAND

THE PART OF THE BIG FAMILY

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WHY DO I LOVE INTERCAMP?

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HOW CAN YOU RECOGNISE US?

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THE EXTRAORDINARIES

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GDAŃSK – THE CITY OF JAMBOREE

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UNUSUAL NORTH

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THE BEST PLACES IN TRÓJMIASTO

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SPARK OF DYNAMIC

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Copyright © 2014 The Polish Scouting & Guiding Association Publisher: Główna Kwatera ZHP ul. M. Konopnickiej 6 00-491 Warszawa Poland

Editor-in-chief: Agnieszka Podhajska Authors of the texts: Anna Omiecińska, Grzegorz Zieliński, Adam Niepokój, Marta Bednarska

JAMOREE

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IN MAGAZINE! BEFORE THE JAMBOREE

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NEXT YEAR IN WROCLAW

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A WAY TO GREAT ADVENTURE

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THE THIRD MEETING OF THE JAMBOREE PROJECT TEAM

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Proofreading: Filip Stanisławski, members of ICG working group Design: Michał Kacprowicz, Jan Simson

Graphics: Freepik. com, Alphacoders.com (miroha), Shutterstock. com (Konstantin Tronin)

Nightman1965 / Shutterstock.com, Patryk Kosmider / Shutterstock. com

Photos: Piotr Rodzoch, Agnieszka MadetkoKurczab, Kamil Jasiński, Pawel Pawłowski, Project is co-financed by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Poland the Ministry of Foreign Affairs grant “Cooperation in the field of public and diplomacy.”

National and by program cultural

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JAMBOREE SCOUTING

THE PART OF THE BIG FAMILY

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POLES ARE ENORMOUSLY OPEN, CHEERFUL AND ENTHUSIASTIC PEOPLE. WE, THE POLES, LIKE PROVING THAT IMPOSSIBLE THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, THAT DREAMS COME TRUE, THAT FOR ACHIEVING SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY WE NEED ONLY ONE, SMALL SPARK! WE LIKE MEETING NEW PEOPLE AND PASSING THEM OUR ENERGY - THIS IS THE REASON WE OFTEN TAKE PART IN DIFFERENT EVENTS OR WE ORGANISE THEM ON OUR OWN! Agnieszka Podhajska

POLISH-UKRAINIAN VOYAGE In October 2014 an extraordinary voyage took place. Poles and Ukrainians met on the board of the ship! For 7 exciting days Polish and Ukrainian scouts were looking for what they have in common and they were trying to get to know their cultures, languages and customs.

WOSM CONFERENCE IN LJUBLJANA 20 people represented The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association at the WOSM World Scout Conference. At our stand which we designed and organised on our own, one could find something interesting. We had a professional DJ, healthy snacks, chillout and activity zone.

ON THE POLISH-GEORGIAN WAY Blue and Green Expedition to Georgia is a form of rewarding the best scout leaders of our organisation. During this expedition Poles got to know Georgian scouts, trekked with them and had great time together.

JAMBOREE ON BIKES More than 70 participants, nearly 12 thousand kilometres, 7 months on the way and one goal: Yamaguchi in Japan.

Jamboree on bikes is a project of Polish scouts who want to get to the Jamboree 2015... on bikes! The expedition began in January 2015.

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UNIAMO LE GENERAZIONI/CONNECTING THE GENERATIONS In May 2014, during the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino, where many Polish soldiers fought during the Second World War, more than 1 400 Polish scouts went to Italy. The trip was organised together with the Italian scouts.

TIME FOR AFRICA This is a programme proposition for the Polish scouts. Thanks to the proposed activities Polish scouts have the opportunity to learn more about this unique continent and scouts who live there.

MESSENGERS OF PEACE This is an initiative launched in 2011 thanks to the World Scout Committee, where Polish scouts participate actively.

The project aims to encourage scouts to undertake activities that are beneficial for the local community.

COOPERATION WITH GEORGIA AND AZERBAIJAN Since 2011, Polish scouts and scouts from those countries have been organising a lot of projects to train scout leaders, develop scout system of training and exchange experiences and the best practices.

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES In 2014 the first scout pilgrimage to Lourdes (France) was held. Scouts served there on all official ceremonies.

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POLES ON THE INTERCAMP During Intercamp 2014, 2500 scouts from 10 different countries were gathered in Germany. They spoke 8 different languages. Among them there were 500 Polish scouts and 52 IST from Poland!

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MEETING OF SPOKESMEN IN PRAGUE In the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, 51 young spokespersons from all over Europe have met to improve their skills jointly. Among all the participant, there have been four leaders from ZHP.

ROVERWAY 2016 Representatives of ZHP have participated in the preparatory workshops to event which will be held in 2016. The meeting has taken place in France and the representatives of 16 countries have participated in it.

WE ARE GOING TO JAPAN! Large group of Polish scouts are going to Japan to take part in such an extraordinary event which is Jamboree. They have been preparing for this event since 2013.

FREE BEING ME Two leaders from ZHP have taken part in the program for WAGGGS trainers „Free Being Me” in London. The course has been attended by representatives of 25 countries from all regions of WAGGGS.

POLES IN THE PHILIPPINES In 2015 there was a seminar on youth entrepreneurship, organised along the YELL project – Youth Enterpreneurship and Leadership Laboratory. The project took place in the Philippines and it was co-organised by the Polish scouts.

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WHY DO I LOVE INTERCAMP? Anna Omiecińska

LET’S READ THE INTERVIEW WITH AGNIESZKA POSPISZYL – THE CHIEF OF INTERCAMP 2015 You are now a chief of Intercamp 2015. How did your adventure with this Jamboree begin?

In 2006, I was on the Central Europe Jamboree as a chief of Polish contingent. I lived there close to the tent of the subcamp chief - Piet Deckers. At the end of the CEJ, he gave me a sheet of paper where the website adres www.intercamp.info was written. He said that it had been a great event and we could come the next year too.

When Polish representation took part in this event for the first time, our team consisted of one group (30 participants) and 2 people as IST. In 2008, there were 70 participants from Poland on the Intercamp.

Since that you are more and more engaged in Intercamp. How did it happen?

It is difficult to say, how did it happen.

I was responsible for Polish contingent 3 times and Intercamp Committee saw that every year we have bigger representation. So, they offered us a constant cooperation. Intercamp is organised by different country every year, so now it’ s time for Poland. Because preparing Intercamps combine German precision, American splendour and Dutch optimism we knew that we will be organising this event few years earlier. The information that in 2015 we are meeting in Poland was announced in 2011. The committee was favourable toward our proposition. It happened because Polish IST is seen as solid, hard-working, energetic and positive one.

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How do the preparations of such event as Intercamp look like? What are Polish scouts responsible for and what are Intercamp Committee’s responsibilities ?

We started our preparations 3 years ago. At first we had to choose the area of Interamp taking into consideration such aspects as: size, access to the water, electricity and how easy you can get there etc. Key Intercamp Staff consists of Polish scouts – they are responsible for technical issues like documentation, permits, security, medical security, toilets etc.

Every year Intercamp has the same scheme and we couldn’t change it.

But of course we are able to fulfil program with various activities on our own. This year for example, hike looks a little bit different than in the previous years – we decided to make a city game instead of traditional hike. Groups will be able to choose the track and the stations with the quests and tasks.

The Intercamp Committee gave us the all know-how and they helped us with all aspects – they have been making Intercamp for almost half a century so they exactly know how it should look like. A lot of different committee members helped us eg.

Piet from Germany collected entry fees from participants, Peter from USA prepared a plan of the campsite (he is an architect), Filip from Belgium will be the IST cook chef (he even learned how to prepare dumplings, the Polish traditional meal).

Were the scouts eager to come to Intercamp in Poland?

Honestly, we were slightly afraid whether they would like to visit such a “wild” country. As it turned, totally unnecessarily. During the past years we have gained good reputation. So others thought that if Poles are so cool people, Poland also must be an interesting and worth seeing place.

Despite the countries which normally take part in Intercamp (the Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, USA, Canada, UK, France and Switzerland) this year we also have participants and IST from Slovakia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovenia, Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, Palestine, Kenya, Ghana, Algeria, Austria and Japan.

Is it difficult to be the chief of such a big event?

Sure, it’s hard. The biggest problem for me was time because the day is often too short. Another problem that we came across was Polish bureaucracy but this job gave me a lot of fun and it was worth organising this event.

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HOW CAN YOU RECOGNISE US?

WE, AS POLISH SCOUTS PERCEIVE OURSELVES AS EASILY RECOGNISABLE. WE HAVE OUR OWN, UNIQUE UNIFORMS WHICH ARE OUR FLAGSHIP AND MOREOVER THEY ARE A PART OF OUR SCOUT IDENTITY. OUR UNIFORMS SHOW OUR ABILITIES, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE. FOR THAT REASON WE WILL REVEAL SOME OF ITS SECRETS IN THIS ARTICLE.

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EPAULETTES

SCOUT LEG WARMERS

WAGGGS/WOSM BADGE

They symbolise our scout affiliation and show that we are members of the particular scout group. Membership is usually represented by colours or numbers placed on them.

They usually have the same colour as epaulettes and scarf so they also inform about scout’s affiliation to the particular group of scouts.

It’s a symbol of ZHP’s membership in these international scout organisations. It’s worn on the left pocket of our uniforms.

THE SCOUT CROSS

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SCOUT LANYARDS

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SCOUT SCARF

This is the most important badge for all Polish scouts. You get it after making a scout pledge. This badge confirms all abilities and knowledge that young scout has gained. It was designed in 1911. There are symbols of bravery and victory on it. It’s made of metal.

They may have different colours (brown, green, navy, silver, golden) and patterns of weaving or they may be made of leather. They represent the position and the responsibilities that the scout, who wars it, must serve in.

All Polish scouts have it. Just like warmers and epaulettes it shows the group you belong to. It may have different colour or pattern. Polish scouts wear them either on their uniforms or on t-shirts.

THE LEFT SIDE OF UNIFORM

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THE ROVER EPAULETTE

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THE RIGHT SIDE OF UNIFORM

That is the part of our uniform where we wear the most important badges and symbols such as: Scout Cross, WAGGGS/WOSM badges, group badges or scout lanyard.

It is the symbol of older scouts. It is made of green cloth and a bonfire embroidered on it.

The right side is devoted to all activity and occasional badges

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THE EXTRAORDINARIES THE SPARKS OF THE POLISH SCOUTING AND GUIDING ASSOCIATION

WE ARE TALKING WITH AGATA PIETRYSZYK, THE PRESIDENT OF BIAŁYSTOK SCOUT DISTRICT WHICH HAS 2000 MEMBERS. AGATA WAS AWARDED WITH THE „THE EXTRAORDINARIES” FOR HER WORK WITH LEADERS IN BIAŁYSTOK. DURING HER SERVICE AS THE PRESIDENT IN BIAŁYSTOK THE AMOUNT OF SCOUTS HAS NEARLY DOUBLED. Marta Bednarska

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WE ARE TALKING WITH AGATA PIETRYSZYK, THE PRESIDENT OF BIAŁYSTOK SCOUT DISTRICT WHICH HAS 2000 MEMBERS. AGATA WAS AWARDED WITH THE „THE EXTRAORDINARIES” FOR HER WORK WITH LEADERS IN BIAŁYSTOK. DURING HER SERVICE AS THE PRESIDENT IN BIAŁYSTOK THE AMOUNT OF SCOUTS HAS NEARLY DOUBLED. who want to work together for others.

I hope that you can feel the good atmosphere when you look closer to our scout troops.

The increase of scouts is primarily the result of troops leaders work. It’s their success, their creative and effective recruitment workshops for children, their ability to conduct the troop in such way that scouts want to be the part of it, and then – they are encouraging their friends to come to the meetings. Although my term is about to end, I still see many challenges to face.

Dear Agata, for me – President of Sopot District with nearly 200 members your Białystok District, ten times bigger than Sopot, is nearly like a Region.

What have led your region to such growth of scouts in Białystok?

I do not want to assign the merits of such a significant increase to myself, because in fact, in 2007 there were 1226 scouts in Białystok, and now we have almost 2000 of them. I would like to note, that my knowledge on the number of scouts I lean primarily on the Register of ZHP, which is my primary source of knowledge about how much Scouts I have.

I am convinced that many factors have contributed to this growth. The time of my leadership is also the time of implementation and introducing mechanisms of the Register of ZHP in a Białystok District. Scout Leaders began to approach to this subject more responsibly and systematically, so probably this growth is the result of authentication the actual number of scouts with the numbers in the Register of ZHP. However, I believe that it is not only because of this. In fulfilling my duties I pay much attention to the atmosphere of service and cooperation between instructors. My goal and dream is to create a community of people F

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Troops outside of Bialystok, if they are not concentrated in Groups which supports them, they require support of both – on the stage of formation and further functioning. Not always, the Troops can count on support of the instructors – sometimes they don’t want to work with such teams.

Moreover, there are still a lot of places on the area of Białystok Scout District where children haven’t got a chance to participate in scouting.

Was a nomination for “The Extraordinaries” a surprise for you? Do you know who nominated you? Were you afraid of the competition? Did someone, or maybe you, run a promotional campaign encouraging to vote in the plebiscite on your candidature?

First of all, the time of the campaign was very enjoyable for me, it was something special. I felt an enormous support from all instructors in Białystok District. The plebiscite is constructed in such way, that you are told about your nomination, its content and their authors form organisers. I didn’t think about my application, because I focused on people who I wanted to nominate to “The Extraordinaries”. I had a list of people whom I wanted to say “thank you” and highlight their engagement and successes in scouting. I even have to admit that I have been slightly worried because

of nomination – I thought it will be the only nomination form Białystok District and the thing is I counted on nomination for other people who were nominated by me and the Board of Białystok Scout District. The campaign passed my wildest conjectures.

I remember the atmosphere of that time as a manifestation of specific District’s community, which is very important for me. Certainly I could not say my thanks to everyone who voted for me and who engaged in the campaign, so I let myself, and one more time I want to say thank you to all of you!

How does it feel to be “The Extraordinary”, the person awarded among 100 000 members of the Polish Scouting And Guiding Association?

The time of voting was full of events that I recall very positively. The Gala in Gdańsk was stunning! I don’t belong to this group of people who feel comfortable in the situation of presenting themselves to a big auditory (though, being the Head of District should accustom me with it). That’s why I was happy that the moments of announcing the awarded person, fleshes and interviews didn’t last long. The event triggers many reflections, definitely that positive ones, because such distinction cause that you want to give more and more from you, that you want to be better and do grater things.

How did you get to Polish Scouting and Guiding Association? What were you first steps and functions?

I have got a classic story. One day some scouts came to my primary school, I went for a first meeting and was impressed by adventure. Then, I went for the first camp and run the first Patrol called „Edelweiss”. After that, I became a Scout Leader, later on we created a Group of Troops, and then I became a member of the training team in Białystok District, then

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vice President of the Białystok District and at the end - a Head of it. I believe that many scouts have a very similar beginnings. In my scout life, I don’t know why, but I always forget about the time (2 years) when I was a cub. When I count my years spent in scouting movement I forget about that time. Anything traumatic happened that time, maybe besides misinterpretation a Smurfette outfit with a cook during cub scout fancy dress party, so I haven’t got any serious reason to omit this part of my life in my scout CV.When did it begin to be serious? What was your way in becoming the Head of Białystok District?

It started to be serious about five month before the District Congress, when I was offered this function.

Until that time I had been absorbed with trainings for scout leaders and on my previous function as vice President responsible for trainings and workshops. It was my world, where I felt best and which I miss now. I didn’t accept the offer straight away, it required time for reflection. I think I agreed, even without realisation of challenges that stood in front of me.

First of all, I saw the potential for cooperation among instructors.

With whom do you work every day?

What kind of „Extraordinary” instructors support the development of Białystok Districts?

The instructors are a huge potential.

Both – in the District Executive Committee and in the structure of District teams: office, in Groups and Troops there are many people without whom the development of the Białystok District wouldn’t be possible. There are plenty of us, only our instructors could create a separate District- there are 220 instructors in Białystok District.

The new ideas for news solutions and improvements came from my instructors and are very valuable for me.

Many changes and improvements which were made during my term are their ideas. Working with this people, which is the element of my work as a Head of District, will be probably the thing I will miss the most. I learned a lot, both – from younger and more experienced instructors. From one I was

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inspired to training and program activities or to new organisational solutions, from others I’ve learned new functions in Microsoft Word. My vice President responsible for program inspired me to be more systematic, others – are helping me to see things more rationally (I am an optimistic by nature and I see in people mainly positive features).

What are the current biggest challenges in working with the leaders?

It’s good that this question is connected with the work with the leaders, the domain which is the closest for me. Asking about the District will probably forced me to tell more about sphere related to property and finances, what is important but less pleasant.

Despite the large number of instructors, the demand for instruction functions in the District is inexhaustible. We have a complex structure of teams. Many of our instructors have several functions. The teams are still looking for co-workers. I feel the incessant need to work on building a community. I pay great attention to creating a dialogue between communities, groups and instructors. The challenge, which I treat as a continuous, is to carry out effective personnel policy in District, such policy in which each instructor will feel that there is a place for him/her in our organisation. I always say that Polish Scouting and Guiding Association develops people in terms of performing the function. It is an action based on reciprocity effects. In my opinion the implementation of this solution is a major challenge.

Whether and, if so, how the The Białystok District is cooperating with the City of Bialystok? Are scouts noticed in the local community? In what way?

I can say, that I feel that the City of Bialystok is an ally of scouting. Scouts appear on the local celebrations, but also on a variety of initiatives co-organized with the city. We are taking part in open competitions for funds from the city and we often receive a support for trainings, activities associated with summer and winter recreation as well as program initiatives.

Do you, as the The Bialystok District, conduct some activities abroad?

From Białystok it is very close to our eastern neighbors. Have you carried out some common actions, trips with the Scouts from Belarus, Lithuania or Ukraine?

We cooperated with Belarus, now this cooperation takes place on the county level. Last year we helped to create scout environments in Lithuania in Soleczniki. We organised a joint camp, which took place in Lithuania, where we organised the Patrol Leaders course. We are pleased to observe now how the troops are growing and developing.

How and where do you see the Białystok District in 2023, the year of the Jamboree? Who is the President of Białystok scouts? Are you going to attend the Jamboree in 2023?

I can see even a few potential candidates for a President of Białystok District in 2023. I hope that the District will be strong and it will create the community, which I consider is the most important. Certainly we will take part in Jamboree in Poland!

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POLAND

GDAŃSK – THE CITY OF JAMBOREE AFTER MORE THAN TWO YEARS OF ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS, CONVERSATIONS, EXTENSIVE ANALYSIS, SKIMMING OVER TONES OF DOCUMENTS, VISITING 19 PLACES AND AFTER COVERING MORE THAN 9 000 KM WE HAVE CHOSEN THE BEST PLACE FOR THE 25TH WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE! Agnieszka Podhajska

With the support of local governments which were eager to host our event we had a huge possibility to chose place which will be the most suitable and will fulfil our and our guests’ expectations. We studied all the proposed areas precisely. Location, water access, communication, tourist aspects were taken into account. After long hours of meetings with specialist the host city of 25th World Scot Jamboree was chosen. If Poland is the organiser of Jamboree 2023 we will invite you to a very special city!

THIS PLACE IS GDAŃSK! IT IS AN IDEAL PLACE IN TERMS OF LOCATION AND ITS REMARKABLY HISTORY AND LEGACY.

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dańsk is a metropolis which border directly on the Baltic Sea. Is is constantly changing. Not so long ago, the Baltic Sea economic region was the fastest growing region in Europe. It was the birth place of „Solidarity” which changed the history of both Poland and Europe. Nowadays, Gdańsk is the city of tourism, new technologies and astonishing architecture.

Not without a reason Gdańsk gained the status of the organiser of the UEFA European Football Championship EURO 2012.

Gdańsk

Gdańsk is called the City of Liberty – courage, justice, freshness and freedom built this place. The Old Town, shipyard cranes, sandy beaches and post-industrial halls, a great scenes, galleries, concert halls but also street performers and music create the unique atmosphere of the city.

It is a city with a beautiful but difficult history which began over 1000 years ago. People of different nationalities, religions, cultures and professions built this city. But not just this history and beautiful location make this city expressive and characteristic. It has a lot of secrets which make that a stay in Gdansk will be remembered for a long, long time.

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UNUSUAL NORTH POLAND IS AN INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, WHICH GIVES YOUNG EUROPEAN’S GENERATION VARIED POSSIBILITIES. EXCEPT FAST DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUSINESS, IT DELIGHTS BY ITS NATURE, AND TO BE MORE PRECISE – BY ITS MANY FACES. POLAND IS ONE OF FEW COUNTRIES, WHICH HAS BOTH MOUNTAINS AND SEA. I WISH TO TAKE YOU, DEAR READER, ON A JOURNEY THROUGH PICTURESQUE, NORTHERN REGION OF POLAND. READY FOR A TRIP? Agnieszka Podhajska

the fortress or admire the monument lit up at night with colourful illuminations. Malbork is a city that is not only worth the experience. You have to feel its magic!

MALBORK I will start from a place, which from the very beginning I associate with the Middle Ages.

It’s Malbork and the castle built by the Teutonic Knights who fought against king Jagiełło’s army on The Battle of Grunwald. While travelling to Malbork by any means of transport it is easy to see the castle, towering over the city. Visiting Malbork is exciting for young children and causes wistful glances for older Poles. Why? It may recall childhood years when men, as a little boys, wanted to be courageous and strong knights, ride on horses and wield a copy. For little girls it may recall dreams about putting on a long dress and going to the ball held in the largest hall – this one on the second floor. In Malbork those dreams come true! Each year, this city is being visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world who are willing to feel the magic of the medieval castle, participate in night castle tour, see the world competition in knightly battles, explore the castle food in the refectory, cheer during the siege of

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Hel, which became not only a shelter for fishing boats, but also a tourists’ destination. Today, Hel is famous for its many tourist attractions that allure many people. First of all, Hel captivates for its location, since it is surrounded by water on three sides.

There is no shortage of sandy beaches and places to take sea bathing. Those who get bored lying on beaches can enjoy a fascinating tour through Hel and discover the history of the city.

One of the most attractive place on Hel is the seal centre. It includes three pools, where you can observe the life of the Baltic seals.

HEL The next point of our journey will be Hel. It is a well known tourist resort and also a large seaside resort, which attracts tourists mainly during the holiday season. The city is located on the Hel Peninsula. Hel’s history dates back to the 12th century, when it was a small Kashubian village and a herring trade centre. Soon, after this small settlement began to grow rapidly, it became incredibly important centre of the coastal region.

Initially, its centre was located in a different place than it is today, but as a result of the erosion of the peninsula it had to change. It was decided to move the city centre to the more safe place. Next centuries brought the development of the fishing port. At the end of the nineteenth century the status of a spa was given to the city. At the same time, a seaport was built in

MASURIA This is undoubtedly one of the most interesting parts of Poland. I’m talking, of course, about Masuria. Why is it one of the most interesting part of our country? The reason is quite obvious. This is the area covered with the biggest and the deepest lakes in Poland. Geographically, Masuria belongs to Masuria Lake P

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District which is characterised by varied terrain with numerous glacial lakes. The common name: Land of Thousand Lakes, perfectly reflects the character of this region.

In the region of Warmia and Mazury there are 1003 lakes – each of those lakes has over 1 ha of surface.

Masuria has the largest network of water among all Polish regions.

There are also smaller lakes – approx. 4000. The biggest one is Sniardwy (113.8 km2) and Mamry (104.5 km2). Masuria is a paradise for sailors and kayakers. This region is overgrown by wilderness called Piska, which is covered with trails for pedestrian, bikes and even horses. In the neighbourhood of it you can visit many Gothic castles and churches built by Teutonic Knights.

Masuria is a very popular holiday destination among Poles, so accommodation, catering and boating base is very well developed and equipped. Larger tourist resorts (Mikolajki, Mragowo, Gizycko) in summer host numerous sport and cultural events in which the most famous Polish (and not only Polish) celebrities and sportsmen take part in.

large number of forests ideal for long walks. You will be able to see the beauty of villages and small towns that form specific, local climate, integrating its community. Small churches, chapels, well-preserved buildings of markets, places where you can feel as if the time’s stopped.

Kashubs are exceptional as a community: they have their own distinct language – it is called Kashubian language.

Visiting Kashubian region certainly will stay in your memory for a long time - this is area, where the past affects the present, and the community jointly create a better future

CAMPING BASES As a scout I could not skip mentioning the huge number of camping bases in the northern part of the Poland.

In the Pomeranian province, which capital city is Gdańsk, scouts have an opportunity to choose from 23 scout centres. All of them are open to Scouts from abroad. Scouting recreation centres also allow to enrich camp’s programmes with kayaks or boats. The largest camp bases in Pomeranian province are: Czernica, Leśna Huta, Siemiany, Orkusz, Papiernia.

KASHUBIAN REGION Let’s move now into one of the most unique regions in Poland. Direction: Kashubian region! Clean lakes where you’ll be able to relax after a long hike or spend more reflective moments staring at the expanses of water. If you desire more active forms of recreation, this region offers a F

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We are able to reach all those places very easily and quickly thanks to well developed road network and communication. Also from further Polish regions we can get there much faster, thanks to new connections enriched by a new generation of high-speed trains.

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Northern region is a place that you must visit when you go to Poland.

There is a city, which I haven’t mentioned yet, and this place, perhaps, may play a very important role for scouts. I’m talking about Gdansk, which we hope will become the capital of the Scout family in 2023.

It is a city like no other – a city of young and brave people. City that fought for democracy, the international symbol of Europe that began a revolutionary change in the eastern part of our continent. It is here, among cranes towering over the horizon and picturesque houses inspired by the variety of styles that traders moved to Gdansk from different parts of the world, workers’ fight for a free Poland took part.

The movement of 1980 began its nationwide and pan-European breakthrough, which spirit is still hovering over Gdansk. The Gdansk shipyard strike led by honoured with the Nobel, Lech Walesa, the creation of “Solidarity” movement - the great social movement that captured the imagination of millions of people – that make Gdansk a city that leads millions of people around the world to action and it allows them to believe that impossible can be possible.

The eternal spirit of traditional sense of freedom is accompanied by a young spirit of freedom – freedom of choice. Gdansk is a city of opportunities – great universities, innovations, ideas, sports, passions, culture and young, creative and open-minded people, just like their ancestors who welcomed foreign visitors on their doorsteps.

There’s also the European Solidarity Centre – a modern cultural institution that perpetuates the memory of our greatest civil success – Solidarity’s victory – in a modern and attractive for every young person way.

CITY OF FREEDOM

To sum up – if you want to feel the breeze of freedom – be sure to visit Gdansk!

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THE BEST PLACES IN TRÓJMIASTO GDAŃSK – PROBABLY THE HOST CITY OF THE 25TH WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE – ISN’T A LONELY AND ISOLATED TOWN. IT IS PART OF THE METROPOLIS WHICH INCLUDES THREE POLISH CITIES: GDAŃSK, GDYNIA AND SOPOT. IN THIS PLACE YOU CAN DO ALMOST EVERYTHING. WHAT ABOUT ITS PEOPLE? – PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THIS PLACE ARE VERY OPTIMISTIC SO YOU WILL QUICKLY FEEL LIKE AT HOME HERE. WHAT AMAZING THINGS CAN YOU DO IN THESE CITIES? CHECK IT OUT!

GDAŃSK SHIPYARD CRADLE OF LIBERTY

MONUMENTAL PAINTING COLLECTION IN ZASPA Zaspa is one of the biggest centers of the block of flats. Huge surfaces, block walls and open spaces are great environment for large-format paintings. These factors made murals prominent symbol of Zaspa. For example, in Zaspa there is a portrait of Lech Wałęsa (the Nobel Peace Prize winner) made by Peter Szwabe.

What is even more important, this portrait is located on the block of flats in which our former president actually lived. This is the only one place in Poland, where collection of 49 murals can be seen. In July, the next 5 murals will be painted. If you want to see them while visiting this city just ask a guide

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Gdańsk Shipyard used to be one of the biggest factories in Pomorze.

There were more than 17.000 people employed. This place is very important for Poles because “Solidarity” was born there. Both „Solidarity” and Gdańsk had a great impact on democratic transformations in Middle East Europe. The events that took place in these very special places finally led us to the collapse of communism in 1989.

One of the greatest initiatives of Gdańsk is a stroll through this place designed from women’s perspective.

Shipyard is usually associated with men, their devotion and sacrifice.

Women who worked there are sometimes passed over. That is why “Metropolitanka” project tries to bring back the memories of the near-forgotten stories of those women who worked there and supported the heroic battle in the name of freedom and justice. http://metropolitanka.ikm.gda.pl/category/aktualnosci/

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THE CHARMING BEACHES

EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CENTRE IN GDAŃSK

Gdańsk is located near the Baltic Sea so it must be the city of beaches. This town is famous for its 23 kilometres clear, gritty and astonishing beaches. If you are a person who love lying and resting near sea you will be amazed. People who like an active rest can also find something suitable for them. If we talk about Polish sea we must mention amber. This ore occurring in different forms is the most popular souvenir from the Baltic Sea. You can buy jewellery, paintings, figures and other things made of it but you can also find this magic stone on your own. You only must be patient and have good eye!

This place makes that the essence of “Solidarity” which are: democracy, candour and dialogue – are retaining their attractiveness and timelessness. The main goal of the ESC is to be a source of inspiration and hope for those who don’t live in democratic countries. This institution builds European identity and commemorates our greatest success – the victory the “Solidarity”. The ECS organises educational and public projects, conferences, lectures, films projections.

Moreover, this institution publishes books and collects documents.

GDAŃSK – CITY OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND START-UP

SOPOT PIER

EMIGRATION MUSEUM IN GDYNIA

Sopot is one of the cities that belongs to the metropolis. Its flagship is the Sopot pier. It is wooden construction unique in the Europe. Since 200 years walking on the pier is an obligatory element during the stay in Sopot. The distance between the coast and the end of the platform is 0.5 kilometre – Sopot seems to be even more beautiful from that place.

http://muzeumemigracji.pl/vision

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It is the only one place in Poland, which presents the history of emigration from the Polish territories.

Institution of this kind is unique worldwide. In such place, the story of migration can be told adequately.

Now, it is a modern cultural institution which teaches, entertains and marvels young generations of Poles.

Gdańsk is a modern and developing town – perfect for young, creative and resourceful people. In this place, there are a lot of technological ventures or events. One of them is “Business Incubator” project. Its main goal is to support entrepreneurship and young, ambitious entrepreneurs who has just started their business adventure. The development of Gdańsk is also supported by Park of Science and Technology which is a place for collaboration between companies which create information space, promote new technological solutions and build Polish economy.

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SPARK OF DYNAMIC DEVELOPMENT IN POMORSKIE

POMORSKIE ISN’T ONLY A REGION OF RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE, TRADITIONS AND BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS. BESIDE THE GREAT, INSPIRING HISTORY THE REGION ALSO HAS A GREAT INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL WHICH ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO TAKE ACTION AND IMPLEMENT THEIR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN THE WORKPLACE. WHAT MAKES THAT POMORSKIE IS WORTH THE ATTENTION? Grzegorz Zieliński

Pomorskie is one of the fastest growing regions in the field of Information and Communication Technologies. This region is significantly more developed than the national average, what makes the region one of the leaders in this sector in Poland. In conjunction with specialized staff, extensive research facilities, the availability of modern office space and manufacturing, the fastest growing airport in Poland and access to the two largest ports in the country it creates a comfortable environment for the development of the business both in terms of research, development and IT services, as the electronic production.

Pomorskie has exceptional potential in logistics resulting from the excellent geographic situation. The region is an integral part of the Trans-European Transport Network. In the port of Gdansk deepwater container terminal operates, considered to be the most modern one in the Baltic Sea. Also the main center for the development of service centres in Pomorskie F

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are three, located close to each other cities (Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia), commonly known as Tricity (Trójmiasto).

There are over 30 business service centers, employing more than 10 000 employees.

These are just some of the advantages of the region, which Pomorskie has. Thanks to its diligent preparation Gdańsk did well in the role of one of the host cities during EURO 2012, providing great entertainment for football fans and also tourists who can visit the great places, try traditional Polish cuisine and feel the magical atmosphere of Gdańsk.

Pomorskie is also a very good place for the activities of NGOs. Every year in February, to celebrate the World Thinking Day/Founder’s Day, ZHP organises the annual gala during which The Extraordinary awards are given. This year the gala was held in the city of Gdańsk, in the venue of the European Solidarity Centre. The main theme of the gala was connected with Solidarity’s heritage and 25 years of Polish freedom after the fall

of communism – the gala was entitled: The Generation of Freedom.

The show was produced by about 120 scout volunteers, with 30 artists among them whose performances were a metaphor for scouting activities and achievements of young Poles.

The annual gala is not only a great way to thank the volunteers, but also to promote scouting in Polish society. The gala always attracts many VIPs: politicians (on local and governmental level), most influential people of Polish business, media, donors, partners and many other personages.

Pomorskie is a great place to carry out industrial and business investments. It has a large potential worth using, even in our scouting activities.

That’s why we have chosen Pomerania as a region in which we want to organise the 25th World Scout Jamboree. This very special event needs a special place. This place is Pomorskie!

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JAMBOREE

JAMBOREE

BEFORE THE JAMBOREE BEFORE JAMBOREE 2023 WE, AS A POLISH SCOUTS WOULD LIKE TO ORGANISE SOME OTHER BIG EVENTS IN OUR COUNTRY. IF WE MEET ON THEM WE WILL HAVE OCCASION TO INVITE YOU FOR OUR POLISH JAMBOREE 2023.

Grzegorz Zieliński

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CENTRAL EUROPE JAMBOREE 2016

Central Europe Jamboree is a periodic event organised for the scouts from Visehrad Group countries. The CEJ is a continuation of Slavic Scouts Jamboree which was organised first time in 1932. Every two years we can meet and spend time together on this event.

In 2016 this jamboree will be organised in Wroclaw. The claim of the CEJ is “The art of scouting”. 15 000 scouts are going to come to Poland to take part in artistic workshops, hikes in Lower Silesia, concerts, festivals etc.

CENTENARY JAMBOREE 2018

In July/August 2018 we will celebrate centenary of our organisation. This is an excellent occasion to meet with others scouts on national jamboree.

During this jamboree, about 15 000 scouts from Poland and guests from other scouts organisations will be gathered to celebrate this anniversary. Polish scouts will prepare themselves for this event by doing tasks that help them become more active, socially involved, brotherly and curious about the world. Centenary Jamboree will be the first such an event in Gdansk – the place where World Scout Jamboree may be organised.

One can call it a test.

Last such a big national Jamboree took place in Poland in 2010. We met in Cracow to celebrate centenary of scouting on the Polish territories.

EUROJAM 2021

If we get the possibility to organise Eurojam in 2021, 15 000 scouts will come to Poland for this event. All scouts from European countries are always invited. It lasts 8 days during which scouts will take part in activities connected with service and integration. Last time, Eurojam was organised in Great Britain before Jamboree 2007.

Today we would like to invite you for all these events. We hope we will be able to meet many times here, in Poland.

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NEXT YEAR IN WROCLAW IN 2015 IN POLAND, THERE WILL BE ANOTHER OCCASION TO MEET SCOUTS ON THE INTERNATIONAL JAMBOREE. POLISH SCOUT ASSOCIATION IS ORGANISING CENTRAL EUROPEAN JAMBOREE. 32

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THE MAGIC PLACE The CEJ will take place in one of the most beautiful cities in Poland – Wroclaw. This located in Lower Silesia city is a great compilation of history and modernity. Wroclaw is important cultural, tourist, academic and economic centre.

The city is filled with world-class historic monuments and cultural objects. Worth mentioning is the fact, that Wroclaw was chosen as the European Capital of Culture of 2016.

During the CEJ you will be able to see the most interesting places in Wroclaw and the whole Silesia region. For example during the hike you are going to visit the Tower in Klodzko from 17th century, The Skull Chapel in Krynica or Museum of Papermaking in Duszniki.

NEW FRIENDSHIPS

What’s waiting for you at this event:

During whole CEJ scouts will work in the teams created by four groups from four countries. We hope that this 10 days spent together will be only the beginning for friendships and future projects. Another attractions, like The Day of National Cultures or evenings in scout café for sure will make relations with people present in the CEJ easier. We believe that the Last day of the CEJ will be the beginning not the end of our scout adventure.

INTERESTING PROGRAM The ctitle of the CEJ 2016 is “The art of scouting”. We think that art is something which can merge the scouts, give possibility to express their own thoughts and develop the numerous skills.

»»artistic workshops prepared by professionals – you can learn how to make a film, you will know interesting art forms, you will create your own sculpture or master the basic of performances;

Of course these are not all the attractions which the CEJ Team has prepared. We promise that you will be surprised with number of additional activities. But if you like to know what we have prepared, you must visit us on the CEJ 2016 in Wroclaw.

»»sightseeing of Lower Silesia – hiking with a lot of attractions (biking, kayaking, mountain trekking); we will show you various, interesting places like palaces, castles, towers or museums; scout service to the local community, »»city games – during whole day spent in Wroclaw you will better know the city, its most important places and cultural institutions; festivals and concerts, »»plaza centre with a lot of activities (circus, sport, cooking, crafts etc.);

BASIC INFO

4-14 AUGUST 2016 F

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JAMBOREE

A WAY TO GREAT ADVENTURE THE WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE IS INDEED A CHANCE TO TAKE PART IN AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE, MAKE FRIENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD AND ALSO GAIN EXPERIENCE, WHAT IS GUARANTEED

BY A CONTACT WITH MANY CULTURES. HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE THIS JAMBOREE FULLY AND DRAW FROM IT WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT, YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED PROPERLY. Adam Niepok贸j

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The idea of the Kielce-Południe District’s participation in Jamboree in Japan was born in the Autumn 2013.

Then, three Patrol Leaders were chosen – the representatives of the District, who declared the willingness of participating in Jamboree. For our District such an event is definitely not something new (Netherlands 1995, Chile 1998/9, UK 2007, Sweden 2011). Our people have already participated in previous editions of Jamboree. Hence, we want to participate also in Japanese Jamboree too.

Thanks to previous editions we have vast experience and practice which we could use to map out a plan of preparation so that our scouts would remember their Jamboree for a long time. Here’s how this plan roughly looks like...

TEAM We started our preparations from collecting our team. Initially we didn’t expect that we would be able to collect the whole team (36 participants and 4 patrol leaders) but well-organised promotional campaign resulted even in too many willing people.

We held two kinds of meeting. The first one, directed to potentially interested group of scouts (who would be in right age in the moment when the Jamboree begins) where we’ve shown an essence of previous jamborees to them – unusual activities, scale of the event and the atmosphere held during the WSJ among scouts from all over the world. The second one: for a narrower group (but also very important one!) of parents.

On that meeting (besides the content we have presented to scouts) we’ve also shown our plan of substantive and financial preparations, what made parents sure that we know what we were taking on and that we F

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were ready for it. Effect? We have a representation consisting of 40 people from one District.

STAFF When it turned out that we were able to collect the complete team, we had to choose another Patrol Leader. Besides the four leaders, there is another scout instructor (who was a participant and even a member of staff on previous Jamborees) looking after us from the very beginning. With this group of five people we could move further with our plan. Together, we were working on proposals for our partners, events for participants and other information. The key to the success of our activities is the fact that we are quite harmonious team.

In addition to our internal meetings we also have an opportunity to participate in the preparatory process of the whole Polish Contingent’s staff.

Thanks to this we can deepen our cooperation, and we’re always updated with the information flowing from Japan till the trip’s very beginning.

FINANCES The biggest problem that we had to stand up to was the question of finances. Unfortunately a trip to Japan is quite expensive, so we decided to do everything what we can to make it cheaper for our scouts and their parents. First of our ideas to solve the

problem was making smaller instalments of entry fee. Thanks to this, there were no problems with meeting the deadlines of payment. The second idea was connected with gainful actions. Two editions of “Snitch Action” (scouts sell snitches on the occasion of “All Saints Day”) and Christmas Packing Action allowed each participant to earn money for the trip on his or her own. The last step in raising funds was searching for partners. After analysing our local market, we selected a group of entrepreneurs who could give us necessary support. It was also important what we, as scouts, are able to offer them in return. Also participants’ parents’ and District’s friends’ help turned out as a really valuable. They were advertising us in Kielce companies, firms and offices.

PARTICIPANT’S KIT During previous Jamborees, we realised, that uniform kit for the whole representation is something very good. Thanks to this we were more recognisable, participants were more visible and also they had something they could exchange with other scouts to have a souvenir. Also this year we decided to prepare such kind of kits for our scouts.

T-shirts for every one, blouses and jackets are only some of our ideas waiting for realisation. Each item is made on the basis of our own project of course. A place for logo on participants’ kits is something we can offer to our partners as a promotion.

At least we’re going to meet people from all over the world, and our pictures will appear in many local media. Who wouldn’t like such an ad?

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PROMOTION A trip such as Jamboree is a great opportunity to show how amazing things you can do while being a scout. Therefore, we are trying to tell everyone about our preparations – starting with the website, through the Facebook and ending on the local media. The last one is the way through which we can reach out to the older generation. It must be said - it’s a big group of people who can help us, and we are trying to fight for it. To make our efforts stronger, we always (before each Jamboree) try to get a patronage of local authorities – thanks to this, our other partners know that we are trustworthy and it’s worth to support us.

camp life and overcoming cultural differences. Those two topics have been already raised on several hours of activities during the Team’s meeting and camp. Our scouts, for example had the opportunity to learn how the youth share their work, what is permitted and what is not acceptable in Japan, what cultural differences exist between Poland and the rest of the world... There were many subjects, and it’s going to be more of them, because there is a last lap before the Jamboree and we want to use it as good as it’s possible.

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CONCLUSION Two years are on the one hand long but on the other short period for preparation. If you, Dear Reader, are thinking of taking part in the World Scout Jamboree you should remember that the preparation time is never enough. It is worth spending the time before your trip starts, to experience the adventure of your life with your scouts. Because that’s what it is said about the Jamboree – that this is a great adventure.

PROGRAMME Jamboree is a challenge not only in terms of organisation. It is also the world’s biggest scout camp and it would be a sin not to reap the full from it. To provide scouts with the best experiences during the Jamboree, we need to prepare them properly. All preparations started in Autumn last year from the meeting of the whole representation. Since we are a team we also want members of patrols to integrate with each other. Thanks to this, camp life will be much easier. The most important aspects of preparations are the rules of

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THE THIRD MEETING OF THE JAMBOREE PROJECT TEAM ON 13TH-15TH MARCH 2015, THE THIRD MEETING OF THE JAMBOREE PROJECT TEAM WAS HELD. THIS TIME, THE VOLUNTEERS MET IN WROCŁAW, WHERE THEY CONTINUED TO WORK TOGETHER ON THE POLISH CANDIDACY TO HOST THE 25TH WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE. Grzegorz Zieliński Quarterly team meeting began with an evening city game, during which participants were able to integrate and explore Wrocław. They had the opportunity to visit the most beautiful places in Wrocław and feel the unique atmosphere of this place. After the game, volunteers went to old town market where they spent the rest of the day on eating dinner and chatting. Wrocław as meeting place wasn’t chosen by accident. In 2016, it is going to be the city hosting the Central European Jamboree (CEJ).

Saturday started with a trip to the area, where CEJ 2016 is going to take place. Walking around the grounds

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of CEJ let volunteers know its natural beauty and learn about the key ground benefits which will be crucial in planning the deployment of CEJ’s sectors. The afternoon and evening passed on the plenary sessions, during which working groups were evaluated in terms of their work. Participants have also developed conceptual plans for the forthcoming weeks.

June we are going to see each other in a place which is a Polish proposal for the city hosting the 25th World Scout Jamboree!

ITE! WEBS R U O .PL VISIT A2023 POLSK

The last day of the meeting ended with a presentation about the results of the general forum and a timetable for the next meeting was presented.

We would also like to mention that the place of the next June meeting will be unusual. Why? Because in P

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