Notes from the Contingent at WSJ 2007

On Monday 30th July the anticipation of preparing for Brownsea Island was in the air for me, as I met up with the other campers of our Subcamp. After walking to the main gate, we were put into four groups which were named Bull, Ravens, Curlews and Wolves. We were then put on the buses and start on our drive. After two hours I awoke to find that we were at a gas station and we were told to sit on the bus. After 15 minutes we started to drive to Brownsea Island again and when we got to the dock, I boarded a boat call “Lady Princess”.

On arrival at Brownsea Island, we was met by the Leaders of the Subcamp. While I walked I saw the flags of the country that were represented on the island. At the opening ceremony we was given the Brownsea scarf and we had to tie a friendship knot in the scarf of one of the other persons. After the ceremony we had lunch, and then we went to the Rhythm centre were we made instruments out of cups, paper, tubes and buttons. We also paid a visit to the memorial stone of the first camp and then we collected our bags and went to our Subcamp.

On awaking to the sounds of voices on the 31st July, we was told that we had some actives for us to do. I did a reaction course on which you use a bamboo, rope and pipe and try and get a golf ball to the end of it. I then had lunch and then I went around to the tent where there were displays from the Inter-American and African Regions. We also went to the place were the first 20-boy camp was held. I helped build a bridge which brought enjoyment to me and then we had a party for the night.

On 1st August, I awoke to the sounds of happiness of the Subcamp Leaders. After eating breakfast we had to do some tai-chi and then we took our flag and walked to the bridge. While renewing the Scout Promise a tear came to my eye, as I saw the Scouts from the different countries of the world renewing the Promise - it was cool. Afterwards we said goodbye to the Subcamp Leaders and returned to the Jamboree.

We had breakfast around 6:30am on 30th July at the main entrance to the Jamboree with those we were about to enjoy two of our most enjoyable days. There were four Subcamps into which we were placed: bulls, ravens, curlews and wolves, wolves being mine. Coaches took us to Poole, a harbour where we boarded a ferry for Brownsea Island. The tension that existed on the bus started to abate, thanks to our exuberant Leaders. On Brownsea Island there was a short opening ceremony, followed by lunch and a visit to the Rhythm Center, a place where we made makeshift instruments for that night’s carnival. Dinner at the marquee where we had previously opened the camp was more relaxed than lunch as we all started to warm up to one another. The carnival and concert in the Marquee that night was a time of noise and jubilation.

On 31st July I did archery, coracle building (a traditional welsh boat) and visited the health global development center and the European scouting region tent with a group of ten from my subcamp. After lunch around 12:30 I visited the amateur radio station and the replica of the first Scout camp on Brownsea Island. At 2:30 I, along with some others from my subcamp, was taken on a nature walk. We then participated in a conservation project where we cleared part of the forest of a poisonous weed. That evening I took out some time with my friends to visit the Asia and Pacific and the Inter-American Scouting Regions’ Tents. Scouting’s Birthday Party was held at the marquee that night, complete with bands, juggling acts and biscuit eating competitions.

On 1st August we all attended Scouting’s Sunrise Ceremony. It was preceded at 7:35am by a carnival. The ceremony was an emotional affair, with a promise renewal and a point when everyone crossed the “Peace Bridge” to shake one another’s hand. The short closing ceremony was at 10:35am. We were all given a parting gift of a scarf and a badge commemorating the camp. The ferry ride back to Poole was a far cry from the first ride, chatting now with all my new friends. The uneventful ride back to Hyland’s Park seemed almost an unnatural ending to such an exciting two days.