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Scouts and guides from 12 countries gathered at the Kotterbos campsite in Almere, The Netherlands, for The Salvation Army World Jamboree. Commissioner Janet Street, World President of Salvation Army scouts, guards and guides, raised the camp flag.
Scouts relax on and around structures they built in pioneering class. |
The heat wave that made Europe smile and suffer for several weeks was pushed away by wind, rain and thunderstorms. The temperature dropped dramatically, but that did not affect the fun, friendship and enthusiasm of the 550 delegates for the World Jamboree 2006.
Every day there were sports activities, such as penalty shooting, a bungee run and water fights. The games of “Be prepared to be Dutch” were based on the culture of The Netherlands, and each day a group visited the Zuiderzeemuseum to learn how the Dutch lived and worked in the past.
At night the boys and girls came together in the big tent for Bible study and an hour of worship.
Despite the weather many visitors came to taste the atmosphere on Market Day on Wednesday. All the participating countries were represented and offered their typical food and products. There were Dutch “poffertjes” (small pancakes), English tea, French crepes, Australian bread and American candy bars.
Commissioner Helen Clifton, World President of Women’s Ministries, was the guest of honor. She came well prepared with her raincoat and boots. Commissioner Clifton enjoyed mingling with the young people and visited them in their tents at the sub-camps. She was impressed by what they were able to build with wood and rope. “Scouting is good for the Army,” she said. “It is important to have good leaders who tell the children about Jesus and who teach them to be the leaders of the future.”
After Bible study, she thanked the organizers and volunteers for their hard work. She encouraged the scouts and guides to be an example of God’s love. “God wants you to be a flame for him. Let the people see the sparkle in your eyes.”
The World Jamboree has been a great experience for the 550 boys and girls. They were not only able to meet young people from different cultures, but they were also invited to meet Jesus and make him the center point of their lives.
From an IHQ news report
