Jamboree facts for kids
A jamboree is a really big get-together for Scouts and Girl Guides! These huge events happen at a national (just in one country) or international (all over the world) level. It's a chance for thousands of young people to meet, learn, and have fun together.
Contents
The History of Jamborees
The very first World Scout Jamboree happened in 1920. It was held in the United Kingdom. Since then, there have been many more World Jamborees. They are usually held every four years in different countries around the globe. For example, the 26th World Jamboree is planned for Poland in 2027.
Robert Baden-Powell, who started Scouting, believed these big gatherings were very important. He said they help Scouts feel like they belong to a huge family. It also lets them meet other Scouts from different places and countries.
Besides the World Jamborees, there are also national and continental jamborees. These happen all over the world. Many Scouts from other countries are often invited to these events too.
Other Scout Gatherings
Besides the main jamborees, other large events are organized for different groups of Scouts. Here are some examples:
- Moot - This is a special camp or gathering just for older Scouts called Rovers.
- Venture - This is a big get-together for young people in the Venture (Senior Scout) section.
- Indaba - This is a camp or meeting for adult Scout leaders.
- Agoonoree - This is a camp specifically for Scouts with special needs.
- COMDECA - This stands for Community Development Camp. It's a large gathering where young people work on projects to help local communities.
What Does "Jamboree" Mean?
The exact origin of the word "jamboree" is not fully known. Many dictionaries say its origin is unknown. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary says it came from American slang in the 1800s.
Many people in Scouting think that Robert Baden-Powell made up the word. However, there is no written proof that he did. The word was actually used decades before Scouting began.
How "Jamboree" Was Used Before Scouting
Someone once asked Baden-Powell why he chose the word "jamboree." He simply replied, "What else would you call it?" This might mean the word already had a special meaning.
Before Scouting, other writers used "jamboree" to mean "a big, lively party or celebration." For instance, in 1912, a poet named Robert W. Service used the term in a poem. Also, Lucy Maud Montgomery used the word three times in her 1915 book Anne of the Island. She used it to describe a series of fun events like drives, dances, and picnics.
Other Ideas About the Word
There are several ideas about where the word "jamboree" came from. Some think it might come from Hindi, Swahili, or even Native American languages. This makes its true meaning even more of a mystery.
One popular guess is that "jamboree" comes from the Swahili word "Jambo!" which means "hello!" Baden-Powell spent a lot of time in East Africa in the 1880s and 1890s.
"Jamboree" in Scouting
The word "jamboree" became widely used in the Scouting program after the first big Scout gathering in 1920. Baden-Powell chose this name to show that everyone attending this first rally was warmly welcomed.
At the first World Jamboree in London in 1920, Baden-Powell explained its new meaning. He said that from that year on, "jamboree" would mean the largest gathering of young people ever.
Olave Baden-Powell, Baden-Powell's wife, created the term jamborese. This refers to the special way Scouts from different countries communicate. It's like a mix of languages and gestures that helps them make friends and understand each other. Sometimes, a smaller gathering is called a "jamborette."
Another similar word is "camporee." This is a local or regional gathering of Scout groups. They camp together and do activities. A jamboree is much bigger and happens less often. It brings together Scouts from an entire nation or even the whole world.
International Jamborees
- World Scout Jamboree - This is a huge gathering of Scouts from all over the world. It is organized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement. About 30,000 to 40,000 Scouts attend.
- World Scout Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) - This is an event where Scouts use amateur radio to talk to other Scouts around the world.
- World Scout Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) - This event connects Scouts globally using the internet.
- Jamboree on the Trail (JOTT) - This is an international day where Scouts go hiking.
- Africa Scout Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts in Africa.
- Arab Scout Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts in the Arab region.
- Asia-Pacific Scout Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Caribbean Scout Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts from the Caribbean.
- Central European Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts from Central Europe.
- European Scout Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts from all over Europe.
- Interamerican Scout Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts from the Interamerican Scout Region.
- Baltic Jamboree - A gathering of Scouts and Guides from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Guests from other countries also attend.
- Essex International Jamboree - This event brings together 7,000 to 9,000 Scouts and Guides from around the world. It has been held since 1927.
- World Federation of Independent Scouts World Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts who are part of the World Federation of Independent Scouts.
- Homenetmen General Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts of the Homenetmen organization.
- International Cultural Jamboree - A gathering focused on cultural exchange.
National Jamborees
- National Scout jamboree - Held by the Boy Scouts of America.
- Canadian Scout Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts from Canada.
- Lithuanian National Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts from Lithuania, held every five years.
- Australian Scout Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts from Australia and the Asia-Pacific Region.
- Australian Girl Guide Jamboree - A gathering for Girl Guides from Australia and around the world.
- Nippon Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts from Japan.
- Nawaka - A gathering of Sea Scouts in the Netherlands.
- Irish Scout Jamborees - Jamborees held in Ireland.
- New Zealand Scout Jamboree - A gathering for Scouts in New Zealand.
- Girl Scout Senior Roundup - A large event for older Girl Scouts.
See also
In Spanish: Jamboree para niños
- Agoonoree
- Camporee
- Indaba
- World Camp (Guiding)
