Colombo Centenary: Scout Jamboree next month

The Colombo Centenary International Scout Jamboree will be held in Sri Lanka from August 1-7 at the Ygro Camp site in Madampe.

The Jamboree is currently being organised under the patronage of the Chief Scout the president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Presidential Secretariat, Chief Minister of the North Western Province and the Tharunyata Hetak program.

The beautiful 38-acre camping site in Madampe with coconut palms has all the facilities for camping; it is surrounded by paddy fields, a stream and a lake; these resources will also be used for camping activities, says Janaprith Fernando, International Commissioner-Sri Lanka Scouts, Member-Asia Pacific Regional Scout Committee, Member-Human Rights Task Force, and Member-Global Support Group of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement.

"We expect about 3,500 participants from over 30 countries to participate at this jamboree. Besides 1,500 cub scouts will attend the Cub Program and more than 15,000 visitors from all over the world will visit the Jamboree on the five days it is open to the Public," says Fernando.

He adds that this international jamboree will also help build the country's image as a peaceful destination. "It will be an opportunity for us to show our talent and skills in the field of scouting and also to show them of our rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism attractions."

Speaking about the activities lined he says, the activities will be in the form of modules to achieve the Centenary Award. "Both male and female participants totalling to 3,500 and 600 staff will be involved in the activities planned for the Jamboree. Most of the outdoor activities will be carried out by the professionals of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force and the other activities will be carried out by the scout leaders and volunteers who are experts in their fields. The organisors have ensured that all precautions have been taken to prevent any accidents and risks.

A total of 200 cub scouts in four batches will spend two days at the Jamboree participating in the activities. Besides, cultural, musical, camp-fires, Arena display and a Scout Gang Shows have been planned as entertainment every evening at the main arena. Scouts in groups of nine with a Patrol Leader and an Assistant will form a Patrol, whilst four Patrols with one Adult Leader and three assistants will form a Unit of 40. The Participants will camp in units in the sub-camp and form five Sub Camps of 700 each, camping under tent, cooking and conducting their activities for six days.

The Three forces and Police Cultural program will also be held at the main Arena of the Jamboree grounds. During the International Night on August 4, all the countries will present cultural programs and traditional Sri Lankan games will be held at Sub Camp Level.

The 3,500 campers will be in six Sub Camps, which will include one sub camp for the Girl Guides and one for the female scouts. The Scouts and the Guides will camp in units either in their own school group or mixed in these sub camps and every Sub Camp will have its own office, a Sub Cap Chief and two deputies, Fernando said.

The Jamboree will have a fully stocked super market, mobile bank, trade stalls, cafeteria, scout shop and other entertainment including a daily news bulletin, ham radio station and media centre.

The Chairman of the World Scout Committee, the Chairman of the Regional Scout Committee and other officials from the APR (Asia Pacific Region) countries will attend the opening ceremony.

The Jamboree will be opened to the public from 2 pm from August 3 to 6. All visitors will be taken in groups on guided tours and given a real Jamboree experience for the first time in Sri Lanka.