This summer – the whole World will come to Sweden. After years of preparation it is only 100 days until the world’s largest international scout camp takes place in southern Sweden, near Kristianstad. Approximately 38,000 scouts from about 150 countries are expected to attend.
The large Rinkaby field outside Kristianstad is usually populated by few cows and the occasional military practice. At the end of July, the field will be taken over by scouts and guides from all around the world to experience nature and culture together at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree.
The attendees come to meet new friends, get to know each other’s cultures and participate in the camp’s many activities – everything from environmental experiments to an amusement park. Participants will also introduce their cultures in a special cultural festival. Many of the activities are creative and experimental, and allow participants to think and reflect on how the world works.
Simply scouting
The World Scout Jamboree is the largest experience for a Scout between 14 and 17 years old. It is organized by different country every four years. The main theme of the Swedish jamboree is “Simply scouting”. Scouts will be living in tents and cooking on an open fire. Outdoor activities and recreation will also be important parts of the programme. Key theme components of the event are nature, meetings and solidarity.
While the event promotes the simple way of life, which scouting is, organizing the event that creates the equivalent of a medium-sized Swedish town on an empty field is a major effort.
Five wells will supply the camp with water. The facility is connected to the municipal sewage system and wiring for telephone, broadband and fibre optics have been put in place in 2007, when there was another scout camp on the Rinkaby field. There will also be shops, medical centers and a spiritual area with a church, mosque and synagogue. In addition, there will be lookout towers up in the treetops.
For many international participants the nature experiences, that will be offered at the Jamboree, will be something new and exotic. But the camp is not only about nature and activities. An important part of the experience is to get a greater understanding for other cultures and other ways of life.
Experience of a lifetime
“At the World Scout Jamboree young people pass geographical, cultural and religious boundaries. We hope that scouts will feel inspired when they go home,” said Marie Reinicke, the head of the entire event. “The biggest experience is to meet scouts from other countries and cultures. I hope that the scouts will feel comfortable and at the same time be encouraged by their leaders to meet new people in both organized and spontaneous ways.”
The mission of scouting is to provide children, adolescents and adults throughout the community the opportunity for a stimulating and enjoyable time, to experience adventure with others in a large international community and also develop as humans.
Facts: World Scout Jamboree 2011
Location: Rinkaby field outside Kristianstad, Sweden
Time: July 27-August 7, 2011
Number of participants: Approximately 38 000
Number of participating countries: Approximately 150
Facts / Scouting
- There are around 40 million scouts worldwide.
- In Sweden there are approximately 85 000 scouts.
- Scouting is available in 161 countries.
- Scouting gets young people ready for life through adventure and challenges that makes them grow as individuals. Scouting values permeate all scout activities.
