Prince marks Scouting's Centenary
By Chris Ward, 29th July 2007
Prince William has opened the 21st World Scout Jamboree, marking the 100th anniversary of the movement's founding. The Prince was cheered by hundreds of children as he arrived by helicopter. He was presented with a traditional neckerchief commemorating the jamboree, which he hooked over his neck.
Around 44,000 young people from around the world are at the 12-day event at Hylands Park near Chelmsford, Essex and 36 Scouts and Guides are representing Cambridgeshire. A "tent town" is housing boys and girls from more than 160 countries on the 300-hectare site.
The Prince launched the festival with the Duke of Kent, who is president of the Scout Association, before being taken on a tour of the site. During the tour he met Scouts from around the world who discussed issues including sustainable housing and HIV, before joining a drum band.
The Scouts will take part in traditional activities such as adventure training and community service, and meet scouts from other countries. According to the Scout Association, this year's Jamboree will be the biggest event in the history of the movement.
Richard Claridge from the Wildcat Explorers in Hardwick, Cambridge explained what he wanted to get out of the event.
"Just meeting people from all across the world. There are Scouts from nearly every part of the world here. Making friends and taking part in loads of adventurous activities with them, it's going to be a load of fun!"
The Duke of Kent and Prince William observed first hand how scouting has evolved and saw how scouting creates a better world through providing challenge and adventure to both young people and adult volunteers. The Prince was invited to open the event despite never having been a Scout himself.
