World Jamborees: 2011 Report
2011 - 22nd World Jamboree, Rinkaby, Sweden
27 July - 7 August / Participants 40 061 / Countries 143 / South Africans 134
Theme: Simply Scouting
Report by: South African Contingent via web-blog
The Scouts met for their 'shakedown camp' in Gilbanken near Pretoria on 16th July 2011 for three days so that they could get to know one another. The Jamboree Troops then formed a good bond and created a functioning Troop with the Contingent coming together as a whole.
The Contingent spent the weekend preparing for the journey which would take them on a brief tour through Germany, followed by three days home hospitality with Danish Scouting hosts in Denmark, and then on to the Jamboree in Sweden.
With bags packed and ready to represent the South African Scout Association and their country, 105 South African Scouts and 29 Adult Leaders, set off to join 38 000 Scouts from around the world who were gathering to participate in the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. It was held in Sweden from the 27th July to 7th August and proclaimed their commitment to World Peace and to creating a better World.
The theme of the Jamboree was "Simply Scouting" and it promised a myriad of exciting activities for the Scouts. It would demonstrate that Scouting is not only relevant to today's society, but is also a leader in youth development. It was an experience of a lifetime and something that will live forever in their minds".
The official photographs were taken of the entire South African Contingent of 134; the three Jamboree Troops, Drakensberg, Magaliesberg and Witzenberg; the 11 member International Service Team (IST) and the 5 members of the SA Contingent Headquarters Team.
On Monday 18th July 2011 the contingent boarded Lufthansa Flight LH573, a very impressive A380 Airbus and they were soon on their way to Frankfurt Airport and the 22nd World Scout Jamboree.
The Pre Jamboree Tour
Frankfurt sightseeing and on to Bonn
Upon landing in Frankfurt they were met by their German host Lothar Goetz. Then with all the gear loaded into the hold of three luxury coaches, the Contingent prepared to see the sights of Germany. The coaches departed from the airport and traveled through the picturesque Rheingau landscape along the romantic Rhine to Rüdesheim, am Rhein. The Scouts had about an hour to explore the old part of the town and, whilst doing some window shopping, were immediately aware of the difference in prices from South Africa to Europe with a quick ten-to-one Rand-to-Euro conversion.
The Scouts spent the morning cruising down the mighty Rhine River looking at a variety of ancient castles and picturesque hamlets and villages from Rüdesheim to St Goarshausen, which is located not far from the legendary Loreley Rock.
The Contingent then boarded the busses for a short trip further up the Rhine River to Braubach, where they visited Marksburg Castle, virtually unchanged from Medieval Times. Before the Castle tour a transit lunch laid on by the Nangu Thina Service Team was eaten under the shade of the trees. The impressive Marksberg Castle presented a host of fascinating artifacts that brought the Middle Ages to life for the Scouts, including some very interesting suits of armour as well as items used for torture in the Middle Ages.
After a fascinating tour of the Castle, it was on the busses again and continue along on the journey to Bonn, (the birthplace of world-famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven), where they checked in to their youth hostels, Magaliesberg Troop in Haus Venusberg and the rest of the Contingent in Jugendherberge, both very modern facilities offering excellent accommodation for the Scouts.
Bonn sightseeing and a trip to Cologne
Scouts enjoyed the breakfast of brotchens, cheese, cold meats, fruits, yoghurts and cereals which may have seemed foreign to them, but was a typical European breakfast. It is probably a good thing that things seem foreign to the Scouts as that is why we are here after all, to experience all things foreign including the different cultures.
The buses took the Contingent to the historical and very beautiful city of Köln, aka Cologne, which is dominated by the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). It was time for some daily exercise for the Contingent, as when the Scouts disembarked the first order of the day was to climb the 533 steps to the top of the South Spire, towering 157m high above Köln. The view from the top, although somewhat restricted by the low cloud cover, was magnificent! It took 632 years to build the Kölner Dom (completed in 1880) and one of the Scouts asked whether it was still being built, as the North tower was covered in scaffolding whilst being cleaned.
The German hosts from Nangu Thina took small groups of Scouts on a quick orientation tour of the city and then the Scouts were let loose to explore, shop, and take in the ancient city.
The Scouts all returned to the steps of the cathedral on time at noon and after a quick 'stock take' the Scouters were relieved to find that all their charges had returned safely. The Nanga Thina team appeared on cue and gave everybody sugar coated Berliners (doughnuts) filled with sticky jam. Yummy!
A short bus trip to the outskirts of Cologne found the Contingent in Brühl, where they were served a hot lunch of goulash, potato, fruit and juice.
It was back to the youth hostels to clean up quickly before attending a German barbeque with hosts from Nanga Thina and Scouts from DPSG at the Youth Hostel, Haus Venusberg, where the Magaliesberg Troop was staying. After a brief welcome to all by host Uwe Bothur of Nanga Thina and CM Theo Rijs the Scouts tucked in to a variety of German sausage meats, sauerkraut and a variety of salads. A game of touch rugby by the boys followed, and on closer inspection one of the Drakensberg girls, Anja Mühr, was seen to be holding her own among the boys on the field as well.
Bonn to Berlin via Autostadt
Today it was a tour of the Volkswagen Factory in Wolfsburg and then some time exploring Autostadt, a visitor attraction adjacent to the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, the prime focus being, you guessed it, cars. Cars from the very first 1899 Benz and Ford Model T and of course the ubiquitous VW Beetle to the Bugatti Veyron which comes at a price of a mere 2mil Euro – that's a tidy R20mil !!
The journey continued on to Berlin and the buses were filled with song, laughter and very happy Scouts as they headed from the West to the former East Germany and the Generator Hostel.
Berlin Museums and a visit to the S A Ambassador to Germany
The light drizzle did nothing to dampen the spirits of the Contingent as they left the youth hostel after another breakfast of bread, brochens and cheese – although the chocolate spread seems to be a hot favourite among the Scouts as well.
Looking very smart dressed in their full 'number ones' the Scouts arrived at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa a little early for their appointment with the Ambassador. As the 5th Law dictates that Scouts be courteous, it was preferred that the Scouts wait a few minutes for their scheduled appointment with the Ambassador as opposed to he wait for them.
The South African Ambassador to Germany, Reverend Doctor Makhenkesi Stofile, met the Contingent at the Embassy, was presented with a South African Scarf and Woggle and was made an Honorary Scout by the Chief Scouts Commissioner, Brian February. Rev. Dr. Stofile was also presented with a tie and SA Contingent Badge and later some of the Scouts also gave him a beaded flag and other Scout pins to place on his lapel, as they spent time chatting to him. The Scouts sang a lively rendition of Shosholoza, which is fast becoming the anthem of the Contingent, before singing the South African national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika (God Bless Africa) and posing for a photo.
The German support team played the role of tour guide as the three buses took the Contingent on a brief tour of the city en route to Museum Island, so called for the complex of five internationally significant museums that occupy the island's northern part. The Contingent was split into two, and one half visited the The Bode Museum and the other The Pergamon Museum. Both extremely interesting, however, feedback from the Scouts was that they would have preferred to see the Holocast Museum or Checkpoint Charlie Museum as opposed to Roman ruins, as these are more pertinent to the history of Berlin and Germany.
Thereafter the Scouts climbed aboard one of the boats of Reederei Bruno Winkler for a one-hour City-Tour along the Spree River from the Bahnhof Friedrichstraße, under the bridges through the historical and modern Berlin, a great way to explore the city, from the water.
This was followed by a guided bus tour, that included a visit to the Berlin wall and Brandenburg gate which gave the Scouts an overview of this great city of Berlin and a chance to discover the top highlights, some insight as to how to move around in the city and discover it for themselves which they will be doing the following day.
A night of merriment, laughter, good food and song was had as the Contingent experienced a medieval feast in one of Europe's most significant and best-preserved Renaissance fortresses, Zitadelle Fortress in Spandau. The three Troops were split and divided among all the tables in the mighty basement of the Zitadellenschaenke, which created a great atmosphere as they had the opportunity to socialize with some others in the Contingent. The balladeer, dressed in his medieval finery, was singing to the strains of his guitar, and it did not take much, or any, persuasion to get the Scouts to sing along. He even sang the song Ging Gang Goolie, a nonsensical song in a made up language which.
The Sights of Berlin
After more brotchens and cheese, the contingent met their Berlin hosts from DPSG who were to accompany them on their Berlin experience, discovering the city by means of public transport in Patrols. Each Patrol was given a ticket to use on the public transport which operates extremely efficiently with the expected Germanic precision, and the Scouts had the opportunity to use the U-Bahn and S-Bahn, underground, and over-ground trains, trams and busses and of course Shanks's Pony, as they walked and navigated around this fascinating city taking in the sights and sites.
For the Scouters it was a day-off, free from one hundred and five Scouts as they had been put into the care of their German hosts! However, even though Berlin is such a vast city, it was impossible not to get around the city without bumping into a South African Scout Patrol at Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie or Alexanderplatz!
Each Scout had been given €5 for their lunch and it had been suggested that they use this to purchase a döner or currywurst (kebab or curry sausage), both local specialties and eat like a true local Berliner.
For some it was a great day to explore the city and experience the history with a visit to the Jewish Museum, the Mauermuseum or the Topography of Terror among others. For others, a trip to Reichstag or Potsdam Plaz to admire the amazing architecture within the city of the ultra old and the ultra modern. A photograph at the Berlin Wall, remains of which are found dotted around the city, was a must, or a trip to the Holocaust Memorial just to reflect on the atrocities of mankind.
Then there we those who chose to shop and re-stock their entire wardrobe, purchase Swatch watches or i-pods and a host of other souvenir items – some rather strange.
All returned to the Generator youth hostel at 16h30 and checked in with their Scouters, and then prepared to go out again for the evening using the public transport. This time it proved a bit more challenging to get 140 people onto the trams and underground without managing to leave anybody behind.
The mission was accomplished as all Scouts were accounted for at the destination, Maximillian's Restaurant, and on return to the youth hostel.
The Contingent experienced a traditional Bavarian evening at Maximilian's restaurant with a meal of vegetable soup, schnitzel and a desert of apple strudel, after which the Contingent presented a vote of thanks and gifts to their German hosts who had accompanied them on their pre-Jamboree tour.
Denmark and Home Hospitality
The road trip from Berlin to Rostock was a very quiet one as the majority Scouts saw the northern route through Germany through their closed eyelids.
The contingent made themselves comfortable in the bow of the ferry in one of several lounges on board, and the packed lunch was next on the agenda. The Scouts then spent the crossing exploring the ferry, browsing the duty-free shops and spending time on deck.
The three buses then drove across Jutland and went in different directions as they dropped off their passengers in and around Copenhagen.
The Scouts have the opportunity to experience Home Hospitality in Denmark in Roskilde, Espergærde, Helsingør, Fredriksberg, Fredriksværk or Fredensborg and during their stay in the home of a local Scout family or be accommodated you in a local Scout Troop House.
They will experience the country and culture together with the local Scouts. Their hosts have arranged a host of activities such as bush walking, canoeing, sailing, a trip to the beach and/or local sights, etc. They will also be able to taste the local Danish food together at a dinner with a local Scout Troop and take a tour around the area where they stay to experience the local culture.
The Jamboree
Report from Scouting About Spring 2011
On the evening of 6 August 2011 the 22nd World Scout Jamboree – the biggest world scout jamboree ever, came to a spectacular end with a fireworks display that many have not witnessed before. The wet and stormy conditions did not dampen the spirits of most of the participants who stayed right to the end to say their farewells to the many friends that they made during the jamboree.
40061 Scout s from 146 scouting countries lived together in harmony for two weeks at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree under the theme, "Simply Scouting." The Jamboree creates strong impressions and insights that change the lives of many participants and that many bring home to make the world a better place.
The host for the Jamboree, the Guide and Scout Council of Sweden, selected a theme of "Simply Scouting." Participants experienced traditional scouting activities in a 10 day program such as pioneering (building with logs and rope) as well as experiencing the Jamboree with new media such as social networking. The camp program was based on three main concepts: meetings, nature and solidarity.
Up to 1500 of the volunteers had taken more than a month to build the camp while the remainder of the 10,000 volunteers necessary to make the camp work arrived on 25 July, 2011. With the arrival of the participants 27 July, the Jamboree took on the character of a sizeable city with all the facilities in place. However, the best way to describe the event is a massive celebration for two weeks enjoying the fun and the values of Scouting.
Setting the tone for the event was the opening show on 28 July which was a celebration of the gathering and a chance for the scouts of the world to experience the solidarity, friendship and fun that has been the hallmark of the scouting movement for over 100 years.
The South African Contingent of 105 participants and 29 leaders first enjoyed a wonderful tour of Germany before spending three days of Home Hospitality in Denmark, before arriving at the jamboree.
The Scouts lived in a space spread over 580 hectares (1433 acres) where they had the opportunity to participate in many activities based on three elements: meetings, nature and solidarity. The programme helped scouts to understand the diversity of their world as well as to understand each other.
A global campaign, "Messengers of Peace" was launched at the Jamboree. Scouts have learned of the contributions of Scouts worldwide to global peace and are trained to expand their own local impact. Prince Faisal bin Abdullahibn Saud of Saudi Arabia discussed the effect of Messengers of Peace during his visit to the World Scout Jamboree 29 July. King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden, both visitors to the Jamboree, have been strong supporters of this campaign.
New friends have been made over the most unlikely cultural gaps, proving that Scouting is a real force for peace and harmony between peoples. Countries having difficulty coming together can learn from their Scouts. A feature of this Jamboree that brought scouts together was 'Camp In Camp`, a module allowing the young people to experience a traditional Swedish camp and to camp with different patrols and meet with other Swedish Scouts. This cultural exchange experience made a strong positive impression on all the participating Scouts that built greater understanding of each other's cultures.
Over the course of the Jamboree, more than 20,000 tents were pitched making the Jamboree the fourth biggest city in southern Sweden. In addition, over 1,500,000 meals were prepared and over 2,400,000 hours were volunteered to make the Jamboree happen.
Several thousand Scouts have each committed to provide over 100 hours of community service when they return home, and a total of over 250,000 hours have been committed.
The South African Contingent had a great time and were good ambassadors for the country. They will carry the memories of their experience for a long time and many will have made a lot of new friends who will be friends for life.