100 years of scouting

At 8 a.m. Worldwide, August 1 a message beamed around the globe '“ 28 million members, 216 countries stood to attention and renewed their Promise as a declaration that aside from politics conflict, war, power greed and terror, peace, respect for individual faiths, fellowship, laughter, tolerance, understanding and fun were to be symbols and guidelines to strive for a better world and positive leadership.

In Scouting there is a space for every country and person, no matter what class or creed, guided through development and adult guidance.

The East Sussex Martlets Jamboree, held at Laughton showgrounds was a central point for 2,500 Scouting members to witness an extravaganza of activity, possibly to never be seen again.

A stupendous opening ceremony was for each sub-camp to march as a designated country, led by Groups parading a national banner (e.g., Norway), dressed in national costume, with horns, drums banging, music and chanting, finally arriving in arena for ceremonial flag raising - Holland, Canada, Scotland, Chailey Heritage, East Sussex, Scout Association International Flag and finally Union Flag - a very emotional and impressive gathering.

Sub-camps consisted of America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Australasia. Activity Zones offered adventure, discovery and culture. Throughout the week Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts could participate in more than 100 listed activities, highlights including abseiling, assault course, birds of prey demonstration, bouncy castle, canoeing, sailing, climbing wall, face painting, fairground rides, flight simulator, mountain biking, water slide, pioneering, circus skills, raft building, rifle shooting, scuba diving, sumo wrestling, team building, windsurfing, power boating, kite flying, hiking, faiths and beliefs, dog club, arts workshops, Arabic caligraphy, gliding, dance and music, competitions etc.

In full uniform, on Celebration Day the story of Scouting from 1907 unfolded, Jamboree song echoed around, followed by Scout Hymn, Now As I Start Upon My Chosen Way. Alertness and silence followed and was the keynote to engage all present in renewing their Promise - a moment of reflection was realisation 100 years had witnessed the spreading of a major youth movement - personally 50 years had passed since the last World Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield, in 1957.

Evening activities for young people included line dancing, bingo, beetle drive, film night, talent contest and discos. Community projects took place in Laughton Village. The closing ceremony with 'flag down' moved to a gigantic parade, stretching nearly three-quarters of a mile - Beavers with self-made transparent lanterns (small candles within), held high, Cubs and Scouts with larger lanterns (battery controlled), Explorers riding tricycles, with standards and transparent global lanterns (map of world images), raised high.

Entering an arena, the tricycles encircled the planet earth which rose from the ground, followed by rising torches of fire and beacons brightly burning on peripheral area. Such amazement concluded with a firework display of such magnitude that joyous happy faces were projected as silhouettes and exclaiming soft dulcet tones of joyous approval of a week gone by to remember and cherish. Oh, yes, Scouting's spirit and message through dedicated leadership and commitment had been secured. I was indeed privileged to be a member of staff.

The 21st World Scout Jamboree at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, was for me a revisited Jamboree experience first witnessed in 1957. Entry into a world of vast international dimension viewed tents as far as the eye could see; flags flying, singing in every corner, handshakes by hundreds, smiles, fellowship and global cultural exchange told me I was amongst a gathering of 40,000 members consisting of 32 spoken languages, representing 180 countries.

To be one minute with a Norwegian, followed by a Russian, followed by a Croatian was bewildering (all speaking perfect English). The walking routes witnessed leadership current and and hopefully for the future. The atmosphere was electric - culture, cuisine, badge exchanges, signing scarves visitors books and cards nearly meant one pen was not enough. Some facts are breathtaking - 32 lorry-loads of food per night; toilet rolls to cover over 50 football pitches will be used; 16 sub-camps operating with 2,000 participants; 400 coaches available to move participants; 384,000 staff meals to be served; 12,000 adults volunteering their services.

A full programme of activities, similar to East Sussex were available throughout duration of camp. One could talk for hours about the complexities of organisation, planning and accommodation for a jamboree event, being the largest human gathering in the World. Even knowledge that 900 participants reported to the site hospital per day conjours visions of a general community hospital.

Oh yes, Scouting is a large force of fellowship, cultural understanding, learning, friendship and hopefully making the planet a better place to encourage environmental awareness, international awareness, development of World leaders, friendship and a pronounced influence among all nations to work for the good of each other.

I had travelled the World in a day! From 32,000 at Sutton Coldfield in 1957, 40,000 in 2007 started with a few young boys at Brownsea Island 100 years ago, means the greatest World youth camp continues to grow. From sunrise ceremony to closing sunset celebrations hundreds, thousands and millions had seen a glistening mirage of a 21st Century World. How many in Sweden in four years' time?