It’s official - there’s only 750 days left until Essex International Jamboree 2028!
It feels like only yesterday we were at 1000 days, yet in just over two years time, we’ll be back together in Essex for another incredible celebration of Girlguiding and Scouting! But we know 750 days can feel like a long time, so we’ve got another jam-packed newsletter for you, including our recent adventures at Ex+RaJam, welcoming back two of our favourite EIJ mascots, and all of the latest 2028 roles you can get involved with!
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get the hype building - we’re only two years and twenty days away from our next big adventure!
Peggy is a giant wooden tent peg engraved with our EIJ logo - no ordinary peg, I'm sure you'll agree!
In the lead up to the Jamboree, Peggy goes on many adventures representing EIJ by visiting other Jamborees, camps and events as well as Guide and Scout groups across the country.
Peggy will soon begin a grand tour to visit as many groups as possible before being the first peg in the ground in July 2028!
Stay tuned to follow Peggy’s adventures!
A familiar friend for all participants at the heart of Essex International Jamboree, Noa is back for 2028!
Noa represents everything the event stands for. Their name means “movement” which reflects the coming together of thousands of Scouts and Guides from across Essex, the UK and around the world to create a vibrant temporary community. The three arrows which accompany Noa in our Jamboree logo represent these three groups, united through friendship, adventure and shared experiences.
Noa has become a recognisable mascot and an important part of helping our participants feel welcome throughout the Jamboree. Across the site, young people find them engaging in all sorts of activities, as well as spotting Noa in the most unlikely of places. They’re brought to life in creative displays that make our site feel more familiar and accessible to all.
Noa provides participants with a brand new friend, helping to build confidence in navigating the site while reinforcing our values of teamwork, inclusion and international friendship. Whether appearing in activities, artwork or around the Main Hub, Noa reminds everyone that the Essex International Jamboree is about movement - not only across the site, but through new experiences, lasting friendships and unforgettable adventures.
We can’t wait to see Noa again onsite in 2028!
While EIJ2028 might feel like a way away, the Jamboree spirit was awoken for Ex+Ra Jam, a special event aimed at giving a taste of volunteering at EIJ to Explorers, Rangers and Young Leaders. The camp saw an array of exciting activities, new friends made, and an overall sense of excitement for 2028.
Friday kicked off with a campfire and accompanying campfire songs, getting everyone in the mood for the weekend; once everyone was warmed up, the camp officially began with Karen and Paul handing Peggy over to camp chief Amanda.
Spirits by no means dampened by the inclement weather, participants greeted new friends, with Explorers, Rangers and Young Leaders from across Essex and beyond meeting for the first time, before embarking on a taskmaster challenge across Belchamps, It’s a Knockout and a spot of football.
The second day saw a morning of two halves; one half of camp enjoyed a jobs fair showing all the possible Jamboree roles, while the other enjoyed an old-school sports day, before swapping over mid-morning. EIJ roles were showcased, along with accompanying challenges showing the kind of skills each required - we even renamed the 14-17 Retreat (stay tuned!).
Ex+Ra Jam was a new venture for EIJ, and ultimately it was a fantastic success, with both participants and volunteers enjoying their weekend at Belchamps. As one Ranger put it, “Ex+Ra Jam gave us the opportunity to bring each other together,” and another wrapped up the camp as “an exciting experience that helped give people a glimpse into what it is like to be staff at EIJ 2028.”
At EIJ, every day is packed with incredible activities, all made possible by our amazing Programme Team. To kick off our Volunteer Spotlight series, we’re introducing Amanda and Martin, our Joint Directors of Programme for Essex International Jamboree 2028.
Together, Amanda and Martin are responsible for designing, planning and delivering an exciting and varied programme for participants, leaders and staff. From coordinating activity teams and staff training to creating memorable events throughout the week, they’re working hard to make EIJ2028 an unforgettable experience.
For both Amanda and Martin, the greatest reward is seeing months of planning come to life. Whether it’s the excitement of the opening ceremony or watching participants and staff enjoying everything the Jamboree has to offer, those moments make all the hard work worthwhile.
Martin’s favourite part of Jamboree is the opening ceremony as well as seeing activity zones and evening entertainment come to life. For Amanda, nothing beats spending Jamboree week with friends, and one of her fondest memories is seeing her daughter experience her very first Jamboree as a participant and have the time of her life.
Do you want to be part of something truly memorable? Join the EIJ 2028 team! We're on the lookout for volunteers to deliver our best Jamboree yet!
To see the roles currently available, head to our EIJ2028 Roles page.
If you've already volunteered at EIJ before or seeking something new, you'll definitely find your place here!
Don't see the right role for you just yet? Keep checking back! New opportunities are being added regularly, and there's sure to be a role that’s perfect for you.
Join us, make a difference and be part of something unforgettable. Become a member of the EIJ 2028 team now!
There is so much going on at EIJ HQ as we prepare for 2028, and we’re so excited to welcome you all back to our home! But in order to get there, we need your help! Apply for our available roles and share them with leaders and volunteers in your area, and start preparing your local groups for our greatest jamboree yet - and don’t forget to remind them to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our latest updates and new roles!
In the meantime, have a fantastic summer!
Only ____ days, __ hours, and __ minutes to go until EIJ2028!
