This is an email we received from Ernie Froemel, a friend of the Troops who is on staff at Jambo.
Sorry for the delay. AT&T just got the public wifi working.
The weather has been hot and humid with occasionally rain. The Army has done a good job preparing the activity sites; and, tomorrow the bulk of the staff arrives to set things up. Everyone I’ve met is eager to provide a fun experience for the Scouts.
When Baden-Powell was first approached about a Jamboree, he was not enthusiastic. However, after the first one, he realized the value and importance of Scouts from diverse areas getting together for fun and fellowship. This is a time to meet Scouts from all over the country and from around the world. Take advantage of it.
Don’t get trapped into spending all your time patch trading. A trade should be the result of meeting someone new, and trading a patch as a remembrance. There is a lot to do at the Jamboree, and if you spend all your time trading patches, you’ll miss the action.
There are eleven events at the Action Center; there are opportunities for working on unique merit badges; there are boating and scuba activities. If you look at a map, the boating areas a quite a distance from your camp, so start early if you are interested.
The buses have been practicing their routes, but no matter how many buses, there are not enough for 40,000 scouts. Plan on walking, carry water, and refill your water bottles whenever you can, even if they aren’t empty.
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of drinking sufficient water. Too little water, and you’ll end up missing the fun.
Attending a Jamboree as a Scout is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity. Have fun, be safe.
Oh, tell your friends at home that the closing show will be streamed at http://www.ustream.tv/shininglight. Check the link in a few days – they’ll be publishing times and other information.
Ernie
