I was accepted as an International Service Team (IST) member for the World Jamboree celebrating 100 years at Hyland Park, Essex. I arrived on site with another Northamptonshire leader 2 days earlier than the British Contingents, the rest of the World followed the day after them.
After setting up camp on the adult hub which was the site for all IST members we spent the rest of the day getting our bearings and finding out where we were to eat, drink and play! (Most important!)
Over 8,000 IST members were on the adult hub and our purpose was to work to ensure the contingent participants from around the world experienced an event unequalled for the two weeks they were there. In return we were fed in the enormous restaurant on the hub, we had our own entertainment, bar, coffee shop, newspaper keeping us up to date with all that was going on within the campsite and many friends were made through social activities and work. The whole campsite took almost fifty minutes to walk from one end to the other and housed 4 hubs each containing 4 sub camps, main arena, plaza, hospital with x-ray dept, dental surgery, clinics, activity areas and visitors area.
Very few of us knew exactly what job we were to be given until the following day during a meeting of sub divisions. I was very fortunate to be put in the English Tea Shop which we had to help set up and decorate ready for service the next day. We served cream teas, cakes and baguettes during the day and in the evenings we served the young people with marshmallows and chocolate dip.
How I wish I had the same business in everyday life, the turnover was enormous and what fun we had although I would give the washing up a miss. The work was hard and we worked an eight hour day but we weren't too tired to enjoy our free time except when we were on the late shift and by the time we had walked back to the adult hub it sometimes was getting on for midnight, too bad if you were on the early shift next day and had to be up by 6.30am to be showered, breakfasted and then walk 30 minutes carrying everything you needed for the day including packed lunch, wet weather gear etc. to be at work for 8.30am.
How can anyone describe the amazing ceremonies, the atmosphere, the friendships formed between scouts of all nationalities, the music, the fun, the new things learnt, the sense of expectation, the colourful national costumes, the smiles on everyones faces. It's in my memory and I'd like to experience it again.
|
