Eurojam 2005, a fantastic experience!
By Chris Ward - 16th August 2005
Scouts and Explorer Scouts from Cambridge, Fenstanton and Godmanchester enjoyed the Eurojam experience this Summer. The European Scout Jamboree took place in the UK from 29th July to 10th August 2005.
EuroJam was the biggest Scouting & Guiding Event in Europe for 10 years and in the UK for 50 years. It was twelve action packed days of new challenges and new friends at Hylands Park, Chelmsford.
There were participants from 57 countries and with over 10,000 people on-site, the event lived up to it's promise as the experience of a lifetime for the Scouts from Cambridge, Fensanton and Godmanchester.
During the 12 days of the camp, Cambridgeshire Scouts learnt about other countries and cultures across Europe, took part in adventurous activities, and an environmental education programme.
Scouts and Explorer Scouts also participated in a project called Starburst which is a series of community based projects within one hours drive of Chelmsford.
The Scouts and Explorer Scouts in the Cambridge, Fenstanton and Godmanchester contingents were aged between 12 and 16 years from the 5th, 16th, 28th and 32nd Cambridge Scout Groups, the 1st Fenstanton, 1st Godmanchester Scout Group and the Phoenix Explorer Scout Unit.
The contingents were led by adult volunteers, Alistair Easterfield, Josie Ratcliffe and Graham Steed all experienced Explorer Scout, Scout and Cub Scout leaders respectively.
In addition Asa Hedge from the 16th Cambridge attended as a member of the Eurojam cast and will be performing as part of the evening entertainment throughout the Jamboree on the 'V-Festival' stage at Hylands Park.
Scouts Alex Negus and Adam Miller talk about their first experiences of the Jamboree:
"We have met loads of new friends from Malta. We've been playing games and football whilst we set up camp. We're really looking forward to the adevntures we'll have and the fun exploring the huge site. There's even a supermarket in the field. The best thing so far was the huge opening ceremony where strangers gathered together from across Europe to take part in a singing and dancing spectacular."
The aim of the event was to show that young people can share experiences and friendships together - regardless of their background. Eurojam clearly demonstrated to the world they can live and work together in peace.
