Wow, how fast did that week go? Did you blink and miss it? We certainly did but what a week it has been!
This jamboree was brought to you by an army of volunteers, almost every person who has helped you around the site, or looked after you in the evenings was doing so in their own time, often taking time off of work to do so. If you see an adult walking around the site wearing their red necker and working hard, make sure you thank them!
The closing ceremony was kicked off with the highly anticipated finale of EIJ Presents. A massive congratulations to Summer from the Nile subcamp for winning with an outstanding performance!
Following the talent show, we were lucky enough to watch a number of participants be presented with some of the most prestigious awards in our organisations, including Queen’s Guide Awards, Chief Scout Awards and President’s Awards. Many congratulations to all the recipients and very well done for all your hard work!
Following this, Karen and Paul came up to the stage and took a moment to honour the facilities team, some of whom have been on site for nearly a month now, tirelessly working to get the site ready for this incredible event. They have done everything from digging in pipes to erecting tents and so much more. Together, we created a vibrant village, one of the biggest in Essex, and the largest Scout and Guide event in Europe this summer!
Karen and Paul, our dedicated camp chiefs, are elated with the Jamboree's success. They extend their heartfelt thanks to every single person onsite. Each one of you played a part in creating a week filled with joy, adventure, and countless memories. Whether you travelled from afar or live just around the corner, we hope the experiences you gained here will stay with you long after you have collected your last tent peg.
We hope every person — staff, leaders, participants, and more — take back experiences they might never have had otherwise. Fast friends and memories to last a lifetime were made here for everyone from those here for the first time to the volunteers that come back year after year. It is a privilege to provide this experience for those that might not otherwise get the experience of trying new things and pushing themselves further than they ever thought they could. We hope you'll return in four years to this very same field to create even more unforgettable moments.
As the Jamboree draws to a close, there's only one thing left to say: goodbye and thank you. From Noa, Peggy, Paul, Karen, and all the leaders and staff onsite, EIJ would not exist without you, the participants. Your enthusiasm and spirit made this week truly special.
So as we pack up and reflect on this amazing week, let's carry forward the friendships, the laughter, and the adventures. Until we meet again, take care, and keep the spirit of Scouting and Guiding alive! See you in four years!