From 7:00 pm the Subcamps began to make their way into the Main Arena to participate in tonight’s Opening Ceremony. The Essex International Jamboree opening ceremony started off with a rich tenor voice filling the crowd, accompanied by the song ‘We are EIJ’. 

The hosts kicked off the evening by introducing themselves and our Jamboree mascot Noa. The flags of all the nations processed through the audience. While the international flags paraded down to the middle of the stage, the UK group flags paraded down to the side of the stage. 

As the crowd fell silent, they welcomed to the stage the lead volunteer for Essex Scouts, Bob, the Assistant Region Commissioner for Girlguiding Anglia Region, Chris and the County Commissioner for Essex West, Sue.

The crowd welcomed 9 young people for their investiture into our global community of Guides and Scouts.:  1st Rayne Rangers, Brightlingsea District Guides and Rangers, 9th Colchester Guides. The crowd celebrated all of Guiding and Scouting, by renewing their promise.

Each Subcamp recited a poem and demonstrated their Subcamp dance, led by their Subcamp leaders and representatives. 

On the final stretch of the ceremony the Subcamp leaders were welcomed back on stage accompanied by EIJ’s very own ambassador Peggy. It was then time for the Chiefs - Karen and Paul to official open the Jamboree as a Celebration of Guiding and Scouting. They thanked everyone for coming. The Chiefs then close off the ceremony with pyrotechnics and the song “WE ARE EIJ” as the procession of flags exited the crowd.

One audience member said “it was the best opening ceremony I have ever attended”.

The fun continues with activities starting tomorrow morning.