What is a Jamboree?
A Jamboree is a large Scout Camp held every three years at different sites in New Zealand and attended by around 4000 or more Scouts, Leaders and staff.
It runs for about seven days, plus travel to and from the site. In effect, it’s a week-long Scout Camp extended by a couple of days but with an extra trip.
The Jamboree is usually rotated around the three different sites, one in the central or northern North Island, one in the lower North Island, and one in the South Island.
Most Scouts will only get one chance to attend a Jamboree as a Scout but may return in three years as a Venturer and serve as a member of the Jamboree Support Team, formally
known as the Venturer Service Team.
Why Attend?
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For Scouts, it's a life-changing experience.
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Showcase everything that the Scout section has to offer.
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Scout's self-reliance and self-confidence increase hugely through
being away from home for at least seven days or longer.
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Scouts learn to look after others by taking turns as the duty patrol
responsible for cooking and cleaning for the rest of their troop at least
once during the Jamboree.
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The Patrol focus allows more leadership and training opportunities for Patrol Leaders and all Scouts in the Patrol.
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Scouts meet many new Scouts and learn to interact with them freely and confidently.
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Scouts can meet Scouts from other countries and have the chance to share meals with them, providing opportunities for a greater understanding of different cultures.
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Camping together for seven days or longer creates friendships that often last a lifetime.
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Scouts learn that working hard at fundraising throughout the year brings rewards in terms of adventurous activities and many new friends gained at the Jamboree.
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Leaders make new friends and pick up on various techniques utilised by others.
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Leaders (through informal training) have the pleasure of seeing the Scouts grow
in stature and self-confidence day by day.