The Isle of Wight Scouts Contingent, comprising 50 young people and 14 adult volunteers, departed from East Cowes on Saturday morning (27th July) on their way to the Essex International Jamboree. The contingent reached the jamboree site at Boynton Wood at 15:30 and were met by the advance party of 6 adult volunteers who had driven to the site the day before. The 120-acre green field site at Boynton Wood is transformed by 1,500 volunteers into a fully operational tented village. It has all the facilities you’d expect – water, showers, toilets, electrics, communications, food distribution, health and welfare services and even a beach! The event was opened on the evening of Saturday 27th July with a big ceremony attended by all participants at which the Isle of Wight’s new Scout Contingent flag was paraded. The event closes on Friday 2 August with the Isle of Wight Contingent returning home on Saturday 3 August. With 8,000 Scouts and Guides from all over the world in camp together it will be a week of fun, discovery and adventure, embracing the spirit of Girlguiding and Scouting. There is a varied and exciting selection of activities for participants including a range of adventurous, creative and cultural activities following the Scout and Guide programme, as well as opportunities to meet new friends from around the world. In the evening, the Jamboree becomes even more vibrant with lots of different entertainment venues and activities. A particular feature of the event will be a food festival showcasing regional food. Ali Burt, Contingent Leader for Isle of Wight Scouts, said:
“After many years (due to COVID-19 preventing the attempt in 2020) of planning and fundraising Essex International Jamboree promises to be an unforgettable experience for our young Islanders, providing skills for life, building new friendships, and memories to last a lifetime. I want to thank everyone who has helped us and these young people along the way, particularly all the companies who supplied products for the food festival.”
Scouting is the largest voluntary sector provider of activities for young people on the Isle of Wight but without the support of adult volunteers none of this would be possible. Both uniformed and non-uniformed volunteer roles in Scout Groups and Units across the Island and welcome enquiries via www.scouts.org.uk/join.
