Scouts and Guides camp together for 16th National Jamboree

More than 16,000 Scouts and Guides from 39 states of India and other countries like Bangladesh, France and Nepal, participated in the 16th National Jamboree from 3rd to 9th January 2011. Covering a vast area of 350 acres, it was like a mini-township that emerged in Shankarapally, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh is a state in the southeastern coast of India and the fourth largest state.

The Jamboree was divided into 24 subcamps named after the rivers of India. The entire campsite had 2500 tents, with 48 acres allocated for the arena with a seating capacity for 40,000 people.

H.E. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Governor of Madhya Pradesh and President of Bharat Scouts and Guides presided the inaugural function on 4th January and H.E. Shri E.S.L.Narasimhan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh as the Chief Guest. BS&G National Commissioner Shri LM Jain welcomed all the dignitaries and outlined the Jamboree objectives.

Since the Girl Guide Movement in India celebrates its 100 Years of Guiding this year, a launch of the Programme for the centenary Girl Guiding was held on 5th January.

The Jamboree was peppered with different cultural presentations performed by every state following the theme “Unity in Diversity” combined with a good mix of land and water activities bringing fun and learning to the participants.

Making it different from the previous jamborees, new features like “Building India,” a community service by Scouts and Guides to Shankarapally town and “Trash” where Scouts and Guides learned how to turn waste material into useful products.

A beautiful fireworks display ended the Jamboree with a blast creating a great attraction among Scouts and Guides.

-- Ms A. N. Siddiqui
APR Honorary Correspondent, Bharat Scouts & Guides India

Picture 1: © The Bharat Scouts & Guides India​