Scouting is an educational movement that encourages young people to take part in activities that promote character building, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Among the many events designed to facilitate these goals, the World Scout Jamboree stands as a flagship global celebration of youth and scouting. These gatherings, held every four years by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), bring together tens of thousands of scouts from around the globe for a truly multicultural experience steeped in camaraderie, adventure, diversity, and mutual respect. In 2023, The 25th World Scout Jamboree takes place from August 1-12, in SaeManGeum, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea.
Let’s delve deeper into this fascinating tradition as we uncover 25 interesting facts about the World Scout Jamboree.
1. First Jamboree: The first World Scout Jamboree took place in 1920 in London, England. It was held at the Olympia, and attracted around 8,000 Scouts from 34 nations.
2. Founder’s Participation: Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of scouting, personally attended the first World Scout Jamboree.
3. Jamboree Traditions: A tradition was established at the first jamboree for each Scout to receive a brass badge as a memento of the occasion, a tradition that continues to this day.
4. World Wars Interruption: The World Scout Jamboree was not held between 1937 and 1947 due to World War II.
5. Jamboree Symbols: The World Scout Emblem, a purple Scout badge on a white trefoil with a cardinal point, is a well-recognized symbol of the Jamboree.
6. Largest Jamboree: The largest Jamboree to date was the 23rd World Scout Jamboree held in Japan in 2015, with over 33,000 participants from 155 countries.
7. Age Limit: Scouts between the ages of 14 and 17 are eligible to attend the World Scout Jamboree as participants.
8. Jamboree Name: The term “jamboree” is derived from a Swahili word meaning “celebration” or “noisy assembly.”
9. Longest Running Jamboree: The longest running jamboree was the 3rd World Scout Jamboree in Hungary in 1933, lasting for 15 days.
10. Postage Stamps: Many countries have issued commemorative postage stamps to mark the occasion of the World Scout Jamboree.
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11. Astronaut’s Visit: At the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, USA in 2019, Astronaut Drew Feustel held a live video call from the International Space Station with the Scouts.
12. Hosting Diversity: The jamboree has been hosted in every inhabited continent, showing the global nature of the scout movement.
13. Environmental Focus: Each Jamboree emphasizes environmental responsibility and sustainable living. Scouts are encouraged to participate in conservation projects.
14. Unique Theme: Each Jamboree has a unique theme to symbolize its goals and location. For instance, the 2011 Jamboree in Sweden was themed “Simply Scouting.”
15. Jamboree on the Air (JOTA): Alongside the Jamboree, the JOTA is held where scouts from all over the world connect via amateur radio networks.
16. Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI): Similarly, JOTI is held where scouts can connect over the internet, using any technologies locally available.
17. Peace Message: In 1955, at the 8th World Scout Jamboree in Canada, Scouts released 10,000 balloons with peace messages attached.
18. Scout Brotherhood Torch: A torch lit from a flame kindled by Baden-Powell at the 3rd World Scout Jamboree has been carried to every subsequent World Scout Jamboree.
19. Pandemic Impact: The 25th World Scout Jamboree, originally scheduled for 2023 in South Korea, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
20. Adventure Activities: Activities at Jamborees often include hiking, camping, canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and water sports.
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21. Cultural Exchange: Each Jamboree facilitates cultural exchange programs where scouts can learn about different cultures, languages, and traditions.
22. International Friendship: At the end of every Jamboree, there’s a friendship ceremony where Scouts exchange their neckerchiefs and badges as a sign of international brotherhood.
23. Scouting’s Fundamentals: The Jamboree offers a platform to develop and understand the scouting fundamentals – Duty to God and country, Duty to other people, and Duty to self.
24. Global Development Village (GDV): The GDV is a central part of the Jamboree program that allows scouts to learn about global issues such as peace, environment, development, and health.
25. Adult Participation: Adults can also participate in the World Scout Jamboree as leaders, International Service Team (IST) members, or as part of the contingent management team.
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The World Scout Jamboree is more than just an event; it’s a multicultural fiesta where young people can learn, grow, share, and become better citizens of the world. These fascinating facts provide a glimpse into the rich history and the incredible experiences that make the Jamboree a key feature of the scouting movement. The next event, 26th World Scout Jamboree will take place between July 27 – August 6, 2027 in Gdańsk, Poland.
