 Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden- Powell, an Englishman, was the founder of the World Scouts Movement in 1907 and was first brought to Hong Kong in 1911. It was brought by British merchants and military personnel. Their tasks were to operate the education movement for young people to promote physical, intelligence, social, spiritual and aesthetic developments. Year 2006 was marked as the 95th anniversary for Hong Kong Scouting while year 2007 is having the Centenary of World Scouting. Metropolitan Jamboree is one of the Hong Kong association’s celebrations, which was held in the West Kowloon Cultural District on December 27, 2006 and ended on January 1, 2007.
Throughout these 6 days in the Jamboree, many good and bad situations happened. We needed to apply our knowledge and experience to solve these problems. On the first day, many of us from the Canadian Scouts group were eager to go to the jamboree. However, on the other hand we thought we wouldn’t survive from this, since it was a 6 days 5 nights camp. The campsite was so dusty and stuffy. When the cold breezes blew past the campsite, the dust would rise and tornado right through us. Our black shoes turned out to be brown after the first few hours at camp.
In this camp, there were activity badges that could be earned from the participation of campers in activities during the Jamboree, a set of five specially – designed “Village Badges” would be awarded to campers. There were five different activity villages and badges, which include Outdoor Challenge Village, Conservation Village, Cultural Village, Science and Technology Village and Global Development Village. We needed to complete any 2 items in Category A and any items in Category B or C. To get the “Gifts for Peace” involvement award, we needed to have the five different village badges, participated in the Scout’s Own, done at least one “Good Turn” and met at least five new friends in this camp.
 Everyday and night in this camp, there were events running like the Opening Ceremony, Hip Hop Piazza, Campfire, Scout’s Own, International Night and Bands Day Count Down Party. Also, there were some outings for every Sub-Camp to join. On the fifth day, the Canadian Scouts were invited to an outing called the “Eco-Tour”. Our group was divided into 3 patrols. Each patrol went to different places like the Environmental Recourses Center, Scouts Farm, Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail, Sheung Yiu Family Walk, Lions Nature Education Centre, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
Although it was a challenge for all of us to survive in this camp, yet many of us got sick. On the other hand, we experienced and had the opportunity to learn more and met many new friends. Before the 1st Hong Kong Canadian Scouts and the Vancouver Canadian Scouts were strangers to each other but after the six days of living, surviving and working together, strong friendships started among us. Before, many of us may did not know how to tie knots, build a gate, cook, build a table, build the tents and etc. After the jamboree, we all got through the problems and gained splendid experiences that we will never forget. We didn’t regret going to this camp but we regretted that we had to leave early. We still missed the camp and most importantly we missed all our new friends. Even though we were really sick at the end, we still wanted to stay no matter what. Besides that, it was a very wonderful experience and something that you can only get once in a lifetime. More over, it is the historical moment of celebration of Hong Kong’s 95th anniversary of scouting plus 100th years of World Scouting. Opportunities like this won’t come twice! When it comes, take it and grab your chance, don’t let it run away! We all learned something new and something memorable! We are all looking forward to another Jamboree. May all our friendship stay forever! |
