The World Scout Jamboree is an adventure like no other. It’s a chance to connect with Scouts from around the world, experience new cultures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. But with so much to see and do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of top tips to help you make the most of your Jamboree experience.
Before You Go:
- Double Pack: Create two packing lists. One for your initial pack as you collect items and put them in/near your bag, and another for your final pack. This helps you optimise space, work out how best to pack your stuff, and ensures you don’t forget anything.
- Swap Savvy: Pack a variety of swaps – don’t put all your eggs in one basket! A diverse selection increases your trading opportunities.
- Uniform Twin: Bring two identical uniform shirts. One for travel and ceremonies, and one for swapping or everyday use. This is especially useful in hot climates where you’ll need to wear your uniform to/from the Jamboree and at ceremonies. Plus, you can trade one if you want to!
- Stay Connected: Get a travel SIM card with a data plan to stay connected with friends and family, share your location, and document your journey online. Avoid relying solely on Wi-Fi units, as they’re just another device to keep charged.
Travel Tips:
- Carry-on Essentials: Pack a spare pair of clothes in your hand luggage for the plane. This can be useful if you have a stopover or if your hold luggage gets lost or delayed.
- Hydration Station: Take an empty bottle in your hand luggage. You can fill it up after security and avoid buying expensive drinks at the airport.
- In-Flight Entertainment: Pack headphones and other entertainment for long flights, as the in-flight entertainment system may not always work or have decent headphones.
- Identifiable Luggage: Make your holdall easily identifiable with strapping, doodles (appropriate drawings), your name, etc. With thousands of bags that all look the same, this will make it easier to find yours.
At the Jamboree:
- Pace Yourself: Jamboree burnout is real! Get enough sleep and take downtime when needed, even if it means slipping away for a quick siesta. Don’t feel pressured to stay up late chatting with your unit mates, as you might miss out on activities and meeting new friends.
- Fuel Up: You’ll be burning a lot of energy walking around the Jamboree site, participating in activities, and dealing with the heat. Make sure to eat every meal, and if you’re struggling with the local cuisine, head to an onsite store for a snack or visit a food house.
- Be Social: Don’t be shy! A Jamboree is a fantastic opportunity to meet people from around the world. Make the most of it and don’t hide away.
- Show Respect: Be kind, considerate, and respectful of different cultures and religions. Everyone is tired, and it’s easy for frayed nerves to lead to misunderstandings. Support each other and keep it positive!
- Queue Conversations: Use unavoidable queues for activities as an opportunity to strike up conversations and make new friends.
- Capture the Moment: Take lots of photos and videos to share on social media and keep for yourself. It’s easy to forget the small things over time, and photos help you tell the story to future generations of participants and reminisce about your experiences.
- Seize Every Opportunity: A Jamboree is what you make it! Participate actively in the wide range of activities, workshops, and challenges. Go beyond your scheduled activities and embrace every opportunity, however small, from joining in a game someone is teaching to having a sing and dance.
- Culture Vulture: Immerse yourself in Culture Day. Even if you’re running an activity at your unit campsite, do it in shifts so you can experience the amazing cultural displays, games, and food from around the world. Be prepared to walk and taste a lot of things you’ve never heard of before. If you do not want to try something, be polite, and don’t make a big deal of it, otherwise you may offend.
- Diary Time: Keep a written diary to help you remember what you did each day, as it can all start to merge together in your memory.
- Hydration Hero: Drink plenty of water, especially in hot and humid weather. You’ll be sweating a lot and need to replace the water and electrolytes you’re losing. Consider adding rehydration salts to your drinks.
- Hygiene Habits: Shower regularly, and not just before you leave home for your flight. It’s easy to get caught up in the Jamboree and forget basic hygiene. Be honest with your tent mates and give them a nudge if needed.
- Happy Feet: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so look after your feet! Change your socks regularly with clean ones, and let a leader know if you’re starting to get any foot discomfort. Deal with it before it gets too bad.
- Power Up Smart: While solar chargers can be useful, don’t rely on them solely. Leaving a solar charger and battery bank at your camp can attract unwanted attention, and carrying it on your rucksack means you’ll be moving in and out of direct sunlight, affecting its efficiency.
- Bug Off: Pack plenty of insect repellent, bite cream, and antihistamines to deal with bug bites.
- Weather Wise: Be prepared for rain with waterproofs. Even in hot climates, sudden downpours can occur, and it may take a while for the water to drain offsite. Protect your kit and yourself.
- Pack Ahead: Pack your day bag the night before or first thing in the morning for the whole day. You may not return to your tent until dinner time, and it could be a long trek across the site from your activity. Plus, tents can get unbearably hot in the mornings, making it uncomfortable to go back inside.
- Charging Champ: Carry your charging gear and an extension lead with you. You never know when you’ll get a chance to charge, and an extension lead allows you to share with others and make new friends.
- Swap Ready: Carry some of your swaps with you throughout the day, as you never know when a swapping opportunity might arise.
- Toilet Trouble: Carry toilet roll with you, both at the Jamboree and when exploring the host country. You may encounter toilets without any, either deliberately or because they’ve run out.
- Phone Finder: Take a photo of your Jamboree ID card when you get it, and save it as your phone’s lock screen background. This will help your phone get back to you if you lose it.
- Sun Safety: The risk of sunburn and heatstroke is high. Regularly use sunscreen, cover up as much as possible, and remember that you can get sunburn on your head through your hair!
- Gift Giving: Bring small gifts or extra badges on top of your swaps. There may be circumstances where giving a small token of appreciation is appropriate. Small items from your home country can also be good gifts.
- Buddy Up: Look after your buddy and encourage them to look after you too. Make sure everyone is staying healthy and happy, and give each other a nudge to go out and try new things.
- Speak Up: If you have a problem, don’t let it fester. Talk to your unit leader if you’re a participant, or another IST member if you’re an adult. Remember that those back home can’t do much to help, so speak to those around you.
- Shower Savvy: Wear shower shoes! You don’t know what’s on the floor of the showers, and sometimes cultural differences mean you might encounter something unexpected. Also, bring strong clips or magnets to secure shower curtains, as they can sometimes be flimsy or get blown open by the wind.
- Security Smarts: Lock your tent with a combination padlock (not a key, in case you lose it) and hide your valuables. While a padlock won’t stop a determined thief, it will make them think twice. Hide valuables in unexpected places, like inside your sleeping bag. Some people even bury things under the tent in a dry bag!
- Money Matters: Get a travel money card or bank account with fee-free transactions and withdrawals. This often offers a better exchange rate than travel money exchanges, and you can freeze the card if you lose it. Plus, your family can send you money if you run out.
- Shower Strategy: Shower in the evenings just before bed when it’s cooler and quieter. This way, you’ll go to bed fresh, avoid sweating right away, and won’t miss out on activities.
- Organisation Ace: Keep your belongings organised using packing cubes or similar to avoid wasting time searching for things in a hot and stuffy tent.
- Mark Your Territory: Label everything that is yours to avoid mix-ups with your tent mates and other people in your contingent or unit who may have similar items.
- Laundry Day: Do laundry before you run out of clean clothes to give it time to dry. Use a dry bag or Scrubba bag and some paracord as a washing line.
- Inflatable Alert: Undo the valve on any inflatable roll mats or pillows each morning to prevent them from popping in the heat of the day.
Extra Tips:
- Learn Basic First Aid: Knowing basic first aid can be invaluable in a large gathering.
- Download Offline Maps: Download offline maps of the Jamboree site and surrounding area to navigate without relying on Wi-Fi or data.
- Pack a Small Daypack: A small daypack is perfect for carrying essentials during activities and excursions. This will likely be your Jamboree included day bag.
- Bring Earplugs: Earplugs can be a lifesaver for light sleepers in a noisy campsite.
- Stay Informed: Pay attention to the Jamboree app or announcements for updates and important information.
- Respect Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels during designated quiet hours.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Be flexible and adaptable, as things don’t always go according to plan at a Jamboree.
- Explore the Host Country: The Jamboree is held in a foreign country, so take some time to learn about its history, culture, and customs. Explore local attractions, try traditional foods, and appreciate the unique aspects of the host nation.
- Be Open-Minded and Inclusive: Embrace the diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives represented at the Jamboree. Engage in conversations, make friends from around the world, and respect everyone’s values and beliefs.
- Respect the Environment: The Jamboree often takes place in natural surroundings. Be mindful of the environment, follow waste disposal rules, and leave the area as you found it. Promote sustainability and be an advocate for responsible behaviour.
- Embrace the Spirit of Scouting: Engage in scouting traditions, such as campfires, flag ceremonies, and service projects. Embody the Scout values of honesty, integrity, respect, and helpfulness throughout the event.
- Learn Basic Phrases: Learn a few key phrases in the local language. Simple greetings, thank-yous, and phrases for asking for help can go a long way in building connections with locals.
Most Importantly: Have fun, embrace the spirit of Scouting, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to have an amazing and unforgettable World Scout Jamboree experience!