Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Forty thousand Scouts from all over the world will gather for the 21st World Jamboree in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, England 27 July 8 August to mark the centenary of the foundation of the Scout Movement. Ten days of international brotherhood to celebrate the 100 years which have passed since the first Summer Camp organised by Robert Baden-Powell. Today in the world there are almost 40 million Scouts, boys and girls, men and women. Some 40,000 will take part in the Jamboree representing 161 nations. The 40,000 include 32,000 boys and girls aged 14 to 17, accompanied by their leaders and chief scouts. The Italian contingent comprises over 2000 the largest which has ever to set out from Italy.
The first meeting for the 40,000 participants will be on 28 July at Hylands Park, with a welcome from the host country, the presentation of the contingents and activities proposed during the Jamboree. August 1 2007 will be Sunrise day, the birth of Scouting: at 8am on the Island of Brownsea in Dorset where Baden-Powell organised the first camp there will be the sounding of the South African Kudu bell, then those present will renew their Promise. Hylands Park will be linked live with the Island for this moment. An 'ambassador' of each country at the Jamboree will be present on the island. On this day Scouts all over the world will renew their Promise: so the Centenary Motto “One World, One Promise”, will no longer be a dream but a wonderful reality . (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/7/2007; righe 24, parole 327)
