10,000+ Scouts Gather for 32nd Asia-Pacific and 11th National Scout Jamboree in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Scouts hosted the 32nd Asia-Pacific and 11th National Scout Jamboree, which took place from 19th to 27th January 2023 at the National Scout Training Centre, Mouchak, Gazipur.

"Sabash: the fountain of energy," the theme of the 32nd Asia-Pacific and 11th National Scout Jamboree, represents the enthusiasm and energy of young people. With a focus on youth involvement and engagement, the Jamboree was a successful event with support from the Asia-Pacific Support Centre and the leadership of Bangladesh Scouts.

For the first time in the history of Bangladesh Scouts, a night hike was enjoyed by Scouts wherein they were put into an unknown destination but are aided with hints, trail marks, clues, and a compass – a way to test a Scout’s ability to orienteering and hiking. A study trip which took Scouts to an industrial complex made the Jamboree unique as well. The Global Development Village (GDV) in the camp offered an international opportunity for Scouts to learn about the NSOs which participated in the Jamboree. Scouts also enjoyed some fun learning activities under the Better World Framework exposition within the GDV.

Divided into eight sub-camps on four different villages which were named after Bangladesh’s famous beaches, Scouts were able to connect with each other especially those who came from different National Scout Organizations (NSOs) within the Asia-Pacific Region (APR). Aside from that, ELANs or Jamboree Challenges were enjoyed by all participants. These ELANs are given according to their villages to ensure a diverse experience for each Scout that joined the Jamboree.

To keep Scouts healthy and confident, rhythmic aerobic exercises, yoga and jogging were held under the ELAN "Dawn". "Camp Craft" and "Neighbor" were two ELANs that allowed units to showcase their Scoutcraft skills and exchange cultural ideas among contingents. There was also a sprinkle of adventure and fun through obstacle courses, fun and games with an amusement trip to Fantasy Kingdom under the “Funtasy” ELAN.

A total of 10,602 participants successfully attended this mega event. 877 local units were actively present along with 877 adult leaders and 7893 Scouts. These units were distributed among 72 contingents, led by the contingent leader of each. There were 84 participants from ten overseas countries. ISTs were also actively present the entire time, with a total of 956 adult leaders and 710 rovers.