A Gift From Above

Today we received the greatest gift we could have asked for, sun! Just about dinner time, the sky cleared and the sun shone. As its brays penetrated the clouds and reached the ground, a cheer erupted from the camp and spirits were immediately lifted. Things are being dried out, and some things even washed and dried. The feel here in Sweden is much better now. There appears to be more clouds moving in, but the sunny break was much appreciated.

Once again I am at a loss for words to describe the amazing experience we are having. Today's activity was "Earth", where we participated in four activities; Water, Soil, Wind and Oxygen. They were all more or less simple do-it-yourself-at-home experiments to watch how our earth works, and it poured rain, but the experience of doing it with Scouts from all around the world made it worth it.

The norm here at WSJ'11 is for various people to pop their heads into your tent throughout the day to say hi and trade items. Some of us have been going trade crazy, collecting for example neckers from 13 different countries, or collecting countless foreign contingent badges. The experience of interacting with all these different cultures and languages in amazing, and although it is sometimes difficult, is always rewarding in the end.

Tomorow is our Camp in Camp experience, so we are busy preparing our gear and food, and doing no-rain dances. There is so much to explore and learn here, and so little time! It is now our 4th day of 12 here in Sweden (Day 3 of the Jamboree), so we are all trying to soak up as much as possible (I'm not refering to rain).

I am just getting things sorted out to upload videos, so hopefully there will be some up soon. Its time to go and rejoin the fun!

Sunshine & Puddles

Hej (Swedish for hello),

Well the biggest roar was hear across the camp this evening. It was not due to any special guests nor banana splits being served. It was due to the sun coming out. After three days of rain the sun finally came out this evening to every one's delight. The entire Jamboree site is alive!

Despite the rain, all have been having a great time. Smiles are everywhere! The youth are in constant motion and always having fun. Youth from many nations are breaking the language and cultural barriers, playing games, singing or sharing spontaneous hugs. It is an amazing experience to watch as a leader and parent. If only the UN could see the smiles and good will many of our global problems could disappear. I am proud to be part of the experience.

Wish to peek in on our action? Webcam #3 is pointed right at one of the groups in the Canadian Contingent: http://webcam.worldscoutjamboree.se/#webcam3 Look for the yellow tents!

Quest Event

Ok so yesterday we had an event called Quest. It was a Norse event where you had to do things that the Vikings would have to do. These included: Hammer throwing, Obstacle course, a maze, Rescue the Norse God, Blindfolded Horseshoes throwing, Giant marble maze and many others. When the event was over there was music and lots of dancing. We walked back to our site and started supper with the other patrols from around the world.

Day 3

Today was the third day at the Scout Jamboree in Sweden. We have been doing many interesting things so far here. Everything from the activities we do at camp to just walking around and seeing all the diffrent people around are amazing and fun.

The activites we have done were exciting and fun. Yesterday's were based off of the past and they called it Quest. It was a bunch of activites that were all about the Norse mythology and the past of countries. And today's were all based around the earth and how it works.

But the best part of the whole Jamboree is meeting new people from different countries. Last night we had three patrols from different countries come to our site and have a traditional Canadian meal; it was french toast and maple syrup. It was very good and everyone there seemed to enjoy it and they got a taste of Canada out of it. It was great to see that everyone was having fun with us and trying new things that they have never done before.

I'm looking forward to doing the same on the coming days of the Jamboree!!!!!

This Is It!

Well... we are finally here! The World Scout Jamboree 2011 in Sweden has officially begun. After two flights, countless bus and tram rides, and a nice stay in Germany, the Jamboree opened last night with an amazing opening ceremony.

The three most significant aspects of the Jamboree so far are the size, the weather, and the people. There are 39,000 people here, from over 150 countries. The camp area stretches on forever, and has everything from cafes to climbing walls to x-ray machines.
The day we arrived it was gloriously sunny, which gave a good day to set up. Since then, it has barely stopped raining. It did stop for the Opening Ceremony, and does stop occasionly, but only long enough to get your hopes up.
The people here are amazing. We have played games and talked and traded and interacted with people from all across the world. Tonight we will share a Canadian meal (French toast with maple syrup) with three patrols from other countries, then tour around the camp playing traditional games from other countries.

I cannot even begin to explain the sheer size and power of this many people from around the world interacting in such a productive way. WSJ'11 is the most amazing experience on the planet!

Scouts in Frankfurt

Well parents, you would be amazed and impressed with your youth. Your kids have been embracing and exploring the German culture and countryside. I have had the pleasure of seeing their maturity and willingness to embrace new things. Here are just a few of the things they have accomplished:

• They have explored ancient churches and sat quietly in a chapel soaking in the ambiance.
  




• They have ably navigated their way around the transit system of a foreign city not knowing the language.




• They have order authentic German food in restaurants including bratwurst, sauerkraut, schnitzel and strudel (think strudel was their favourite)
  




• They have even sang songs while walking through a German market with all eyes examining these strangers from abroad.

All in all it has been a great few days and I am proud of their accomplishments. These Scouts are representing Canada very well.

On to Sweden!

Southern Skies Patrol WJ Prep

Ryan Borho shares a Southern Skies Patrol World Jamboree Prep session:

Welcome to the Scouts Canada World Jamboree 2011 Blog

About the World Jamboree and the Canadian Contingent 

Every four years tens of thousands of youth gather in a tented city for two weeks of activities and adventure. This year more than 38,000 Scouts, Scouters and volunteers from 150 countries will meet at Rinkaby Field in Sweden to meet new friends, get to know each other’s cultures and participate in exciting camp activities.