Salvation Army World Jamboree round up
Salvation Army World Jamboree, Almere, Netherlands 2006.
Over 800 people gathered from all over the world in one of the Dutch National Parks at Kotterbos near Almere in the Netherlands fro the Salvation Army World jamboree 2006. Scouts and Guides from all over the UK were represented in that number.
The theme of the camp was very simple and synonymous with Scouting and Guiding, “Be prepared” and ran throughout every aspect of the camp. Be prepared to make friends, be prepared to challenge yourself, be prepared to do new things, be prepared to meet God.
The Camp was put up quickly and everyone got settled in. The Opening Ceremony was held on the Saturday evening with all members of the camp taking part. There was a real sense of celebration of the Internationalism of Scouting and the Salvation Army at this opening. In welcoming delegates to the camp Commissioner Wim van der Harst (TC Netherlands) said “Although we have different backgrounds and languages we are united in Christ”. Commissioner Janet Street represented IHQ.
This was followed by a welcome meeting in the big tent with lots of singing and each country giving a short presentation about where they come from. Long into the evening everyone was meeting new friends and getting to know their new neighbours.
The tone for the week was set early on, on the Sunday morning in a lively and challenging worship time Led by Nik and Emma Pears and the band. Lt. Colonel Peter Dalziel (CS Netherlands) spoke to delegates and urged the young people to “Use the talents God has given you the best way you can”and reminded everyone that its not enough just to be prepared but “you have to be ready and wiling to do what God asks of you”.
There was a strong spiritual dimension to the camp and once again Salvation Army Scouting and Guiding proved its worth as a front line evangelism tool. Reinforcing the work that goes on in Scout and guide units all over the world in Salvation Army Centres week in, week out.
Each night Praise and Worship times were available followed by Bible studies. There was an entire clearing set aside for delegates to use the Texel venue (prayer tent) which was available 24/7 and use the quiet area for prayer and reflection. During the week many young people and leaders asked lots of questions about God; made and renewed commitments to follow Jesus (Be prepared to experience Faith)
There were many activities on offer for the delegates. Throughout the week the Lombiedom (Loop Mar Binnen EN Doe Mee) literally translated as “walk in and participate” was available to everyone and featured groups putting together music and drama items, aircraft construction, games, photography, a wishing well, crafts and street dancing.
On Monday, it was scouting activities. Everyone choose an activity they would like to do for the day and joined with Scouts and Guides from other groups and joined in. The Raft Builders spent the morning building several rafts and in the afternoon sailed them on a nearby Canal. The Radio and Electronics group built a computer, learnt how to solder and took part in lots of activities with radios including talking to Amateur radio users back in the UK.
The Pioneering group built a Chinese swing. The Souvenir makers made items from wood and an old cow bell. Another group took part in challenged to “Save the Dutch”
Tuesday saw a day out to the Zuiderzee museum at Enkhuizen, about an hours coach ride North from Almere. This open air museum has houses, shops and workshops representing much of the Netherlands history. It was a bit wet but everyone had a good time looking at the exhibits and enjoying the food in the restaurants.
In the evening was the first Jamboree Campfire. Unfortunately, there is a ban on fires and even candles in Holland at the moment so there was no chance of an actual fire. Some special effects were used instead and the singing was as good as ever.
Wednesday saw one of the wettest days of the week. However this was Market day where delegates had an opportunity to find out more about the cultures and customs of their fellow campers. Stalls selling typically national products and food were set up and raised over €800 in aid of Salvation Army Scouting in developing territories. There were also video, dance, vocal and dram items presented during the market time from each of the nations represented.
The camp was visited by Commissioner Helen Clifton as guest of honour on this day. She came well prepared with her raincoat and wellies. Commissioner Clifton mingled with the Scouts and Guides and also tasted the famous Dutch “Poffertjes”. During the evening’s praise party she challenged the delegates with these words “God wants you to be a flame for him. Let people see the sparkle in your eyesâ€Â.
Thursday’s activities were entitled “Be prepared to be Dutch”. The delegates had great fun learning about Dutch culture and food and tiring out some activities for themselves such as, Cheese market and races, Penalty shooting, Tilt at the ring, canoeing, clog making and many others
Sports and games were the order of the day for Friday and included crossing several rope bridges strung across a canal with some very green slimy water underneath as an incentive to stay on the bridge! Unfortunately not everyone was lucky enough to stay dry!
Despite the trying weather the spirit of the camp was fantastic, there was a real sense that God was there and using Scouting to reach the hearts of many people. The closing ceremony came all too quickly, followed by a final Gang show and Praise party where the name of Jesus was lifted to the roof tops and beyond. What sums up the fun and friendship of the week and the message taken back home to all corners of the world was and what in essence sums up Salvation Army Scouting? It’s the words of the friendship yell used at the camp.
Be prepared to serve your local community
Be prepared to open your heart to friendship
Be prepared to show the world love and peace
Be prepared to seek and serve our Great God
Amen!
If you would like to see some more details and pictures have a look at the official jamboree web site www.beprepared2006.com
Graham Phillips
Group Scout Leader