What we know...
We already know plenty about the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011. Here are just a few of the facts and figures:
What is it?
The World Scout Jamboree happens every 4 years in a different country of the world, and is a worldwide gathering of Scouts from nearly 200 countries, more countries than the Olympics! The participants will live in tents on sub-camps with Units from all over the world, and for 2 weeks they will take part in a wide variety of activities with Scouts from other countries and cultures. The young people wil have the time of their life and come back different people.
There will be around 32,000 young people and adults at the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011.
When?
For the Units making up the UK Contingent the dates of the Jamboree are likely to be the 24th or 25th July 2011 to the 11th or 12th August 2011. Which dates apply to you will depend on which Unit you are in, you'll find this out nearer the time. For IST the dates will be slightly different: Those people taking up the UK Contingent Travel option will be likely to leave on the 23rd July 2011 and return on the 8th August 2011.
The actual dates of the Jamboree are 27th July to 7th August 2011.
Where?
The Jamboree site is in southern Sweden. The nearest town is Rinkaby and the nearest city is Kristianstad. The site itself is a sandy military base, although the military won't be there during the Jamboree!
Who?
Young people aged between 14 and 17 will attend the Jamboree in Units of 36 young people and 4 leaders.
As well as the young people and leaders, the camp is staffed by an International Service Team which is adult volunteers who attend the Jamboree to run activities, perform service duties like working in shops and cleaning toilets!
Sweden 2011
This is how the hosts describe the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011:
The theme for the Jamboree is Simply Scouting. In fact, the 22nd World Scout Jamboree Sweden 2011 is Simply Scouting!
... So what does this mean??
It is the answer to every question: What will the Jamboree experience be like? How will I make friends with Scouts from all over the world? How can we learn about global development? How is this all possible? Answer: Simply Scouting!!
We like to think that this is the feeling you will get onsite, wherever you are. This is the experience of Scouting in all its variety. This is a fantastic quality programme of activities for all. This is a modern approach to tackling today's issues in society. This is our Scout Method, our values, our way of working. Simply Scouting - throughout the camp and in every moment of daily life, Scouts will develop new skills and share their knowledge and experiences whilst working towards greater international understanding.
Doing what we love best: Simply Scouting!
Within the theme of "Simply Scouting", there are 3 important concepts that will be present in every aspect of the Jamboree:
Meetings
22WSJ Sweden will encourage meetings between those from different cultures, religions, countries and contingents. Participants will get to know those who live outside of their own local community and find that strangers can become friends. Meetings will take place everywhere, from module activities to subcamp life, from small camp fires to huge arena events. All aspects of the camp will encourage meetings: the schedule, the programme and even the site design!!
Nature
22WSJ Sweden will be close to nature, in fact we will live in the middle of nature for 2 weeks, in an immense field surrounded by trees and woodlands. The Jamboree Programme will use the natural environment as a learning tool, demonstrating both its vulnerability and what individuals can do to better protect the world we live in.
Solidarity
22WSJ Sweden will encourage solidarity between Scouts of all ages, and promote the unity between Scout Organisations from around the world. It will also help us see that we share a common responsibility to our world and to each other. The Jamboree will promote respect for other people, emphasising equal rights and peace and at the Jamboree itself, all are equal, independent of any personal characteristics or background.