-Pippa Allen

It’s CHRISTMAS TIME! On the 31st of July? 🎄🎅

Many of the Scout Troops and Guide Units have gone above and beyond with theming at Essex International Jamboree 2024. We’ve seen, Eiffel Towers on Seine Subcamp, Torii Gates on Shinano Subcamp, even a Galactic theme, and many other genius builds. 

The Basildon District brought their A-Game. Their entire site is decorated from top to bottom in Christmas themeing, with wreaths, tinsel, elves, and Christmas Trees at the entrance to their site.

6 Scout Troops from the Basildon area have joined us here at EIJ 2024. that’s 58 participants, 10 leaders, 2 other members on the Staff team, and a partridge in a pear tree.

But what really took this commitment to the next level was the Christmas Dinner that was lovingly prepared by their leaders. With the help of two ovens that work on top of their gas-hobs, the leaders were able to make roast chicken, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing, roast potatoes, veggies and all the fixings needed in a classic Christmas dinner. Home-made mince pies for dessert!

On the following day “Boxing day” everyone was given an opportunity to eat the left-overs and prevent any food being wasted. It was too hot for any Boxing Day soups, but Boxing Day Sandwiches with the chilled left-overs went down a treat. 

The leaders said, “All the Children had a lovely time, and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. We sang Christmas Carols, and the children are looking forward to receiving their Christmas Stocking on Saturday”.

Finally to answer the question from the dry waste team, this is why there were Christmas tree boxes in the recycling. Just a heads up from the Basildon Leaders, The Christmas Trees will be in the recycling on Saturday morning.