International Jamborees: 2005 Report USA
2005 - USA National Jamboree
25 July 2005 to 3 August 2005/ Participants 45000 / Countries 23 / South Africans 8
SA scouts make 'friends for life' at US jamboree
Ack: The Argus 10 August 2005
South African Scouts have made their mark at the National Scout Jamboree in the United States.
The contingent of eight Capetonians, aged between 15 and 17, and their leader Peter Niddrie returned from the nine-day annual camp yesterday.
This year's jamboree hosted 45 000 participants from 23 countries at the Fort Virginia US army base.
Niddrie said he had "a great time" with the boys.: "We definitely left our mark," he said.
He said the South African contingent was well received and had been complimented on their good behaviour. They had made "friends for a lifetime".
Comparing the two scouting countries, Mujahied Carlie, 16, of the First Wetton Scout Troop, said scouting was more of a challenge in South Africa.
"They do more community service, while we do more challenging stuff such as hikes, outdoor cooking and survival skills to achieve badges," said Mujahied.
Jonathan Mokoena of the First Khayelitsha Scout Troop said the highlight of his trip was seeing President George Bush, who delivered a speech on scouting mid-way through the Jamboree.
Jonathan said he was "not certain" what Bush had spoken about, but was awed by having had the opportunity to see him.
The contingent said they were happy to be back on "South African soil" and received a warm welcome from fellow scout troop members and their families on their arrival at Cape Town International Airport yesterday.