Western Cape Jamborees: 1971 Gilcape Report
Gilcape: Capeoree
The Cape-oree, or mini-Jamboree, held over the weekend of 18th/19th September 1971 was the Division's major event in the J-I-J programme. The purpose was to provide the Scouts, on a small scale, with some idea of the atmosphere and activities of a World Jamboree.
Patrols of eight Scouts each, one from each Group, were formed into District Contingents, each presenting a Scouting Country. District Contingents were grouped into Sub-camps named after previous World Jamborees.
At the Opening March Past, over 700 Scouts and Scouters representing 13 Countries paraded past Mr. A. H. Maspero, Emeritus S.A.H.Q. Commissioner, who took the salute. Items of note included 30 National Flags on flagpoles around the arena; a "Flame of Understanding" burning throughout the camp; pigeons released with messages of goodwill; International Tea Parties to which Scouts from other Jamboree Troops were invited; International Campfire with participants each with a lighted candle; Scouts Own; Olympic Games with pig-sticking, swimming, running, Battle of Waterloo, etc. and the winners honoured by standing on a rostrum wearing National sashes to the sounds of the appropriate National Anthem; International pavilions selling National dishes run by Local Associations and Groups; and, of course, the badge swopping typical of a Jamboree.
On Sunday afternoon the Cape-oree was climaxed with displays for the public in the arena. 2,000 people enjoyed authentic Red Indian dancing by the 1st Green and Sea Point Troop, country dancing by the Netherlands Community, the item "I see Red" by the Scout Show '71 cast; and bagpipe music by the Christian Brothers Caledonian Band; and group singing by members of the 1st Somerset West Troop. For the final March Past the boys linked arms, Jamboree-style, as they marched around the arena to the tune of the Japanese Jamboree Song. The National Flags were lowered, and the Flame of Understanding, which had burned brightly throughout the weekend, was finally extinguished to mark the end of an outstanding event.
Organiser: C. J. Inglis.
Scout Heritage 2018