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The River Reader

It's Arrivals Day at EIJ

12:11 PM on Saturday 27th July 2024
By: Emile Faucon
A Scout wearing a backpack smiles for a photo.
Another Happy Camper! - Photo by Cat Cruikshank

It’s here! Arrivals Days at Essex International Jamboree 2024. Over 8,000 people have come together to celebrate Guiding and Scouting across the world.

With arrivals day in full swing, we spoke to a few groups from four of our Subcamps, who told us about their international and domestic travel experience, and what they are looking forward to in the coming week.  

Ganges Subcamp: Exciting Adventures with Friends from Sweden and Ukraine 

In Ganges Subcamp, we are super excited to have friends from Sweden and Ukraine! Both groups travelled a long way to get here. The Swedish Scouts cannot wait to learn about the UK and meet Scouts and Guides from all over the world. They are looking forward to all the fun surprises Essex International Jamboree 2024 has planned. 

Parents dropping off Scouts and Guides at the main Arena.
Ready to pitch! - Photo by Ian Guy

Our Ukrainian friends are here for their very first Jamboree! They flew in from Poland after a long bus ride from Ukraine. With ages ranging from 8 to 16, they are ready to try climbing and archery, and make lots of new friends! 

Seine Subcamp: Chelmsford Scouts Gear Up for an Exciting Week at EIJ 2024! 

In Seine subcamp, we have one of the many Essex groups attending the Jamboree. After Chelmsford group’s short drive to the Jamboree site, they have been busy pitching tents and getting ready for the Opening Ceremony.  They are eager to test their footballing skills on the sports field, and try out all the activities.

Mississippi Subcamp: Irish Energy and Lots of Fun 

In Mississippi Subcamp, we have a cheerful Irish group from Cork. They had a short and easy one-hour flight to the UK but were bursting with excitement to meet Scouts and Guides from different countries. They are eager to jump into the fun zones at EIJ 2024. They cannot wait to splash around in the Wet and Wild zone and test their skills in the Up and Under zone. Their excitement and energy are sure to make the Jamboree fun for everyone! 

 Shinano Subcamp: Dutch Fun and New Friends 

In Shinano Subcamp, we welcome a fantastic group from the Netherlands. After a 13-hour journey by bus and boat, they are here with big smiles, excited to meet Guides and Scouts from around the world. They cannot wait to join in all the cool activities at EIJ 2024. 

A group of Guides make their way on to the Jamboree site.
We're here! - Photo by Ian Guy

Alongside them, we have a group from Harlow in Essex who had a very short drive down to the Jamboree site this morning. They are looking forward to expanding their horizons and enjoying the opportunities that the Jamboree is providing along with the amazing stage and the shows being put on throughout the week! 

Both groups are looking forward to making new friends and having lots of fun with everyone. Their excitement shows just how special EIJ is, bringing everyone together for an exciting time. 

These awesome groups from the UK, Sweden, Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Ireland are just a few countries and groups attending, showing how EIJ 2024 brings together Guides and Scouts from all over the world for an unforgettable adventure. We will be talking to many more participants and leaders throughout the week!

We’re so happy to have everyone here and we cannot wait to see all the fun they will have!