How it all began. My journey started with my son, Daniel. He was selected for the 1991 Jamboree in Korea. Back then, the cost was £800, and with no help from the District, we had to “go it alone.” My late wife, Rosemary, and I felt it was a shame that only certain children could afford to go. We decided we needed to set up a fundraising group to help others, but first, we needed to find out more about how it all worked.
As the next Jamboree was in the Netherlands, and Rosemary was in a wheelchair, we planned to go together as part of the International Service Team (IST). Regrettably, Rosemary passed away before we could go. I decided to carry on, applied for a place, and the rest is history.
The Netherlands: Becoming “Mum and Dad”, I was put into the “East” IST group. We met several times before leaving, which is so important, as you need to know friendly faces before you go, so it doesn’t feel lonely. My role was in the staff restaurant. My advice? If you can’t accept the role you’re given with a smile, don’t go!
A lady in our group and I ended up looking after the younger members, who kept asking us for advice. One night, as we walked into the bar, someone shouted, “Here comes Mum and Dad!” That nickname has stuck with me ever since. I had discovered the Jamboree spirit; I was now a “Jambee.”
Chile: “Mañana” means never! Next was Chile. I helped set up a youth fundraising group and applied for the IST again. We flew out on Christmas Eve. When we arrived, the site was basic! We were given old blue plastic tents with holes in the roof. I had to use my washing line for guy-ropes and a tent bag to cover a hole in the groundsheet.
I worked in the games salon, playing darts and chess with Scouts from around the world. I remember an American guy trying to get new dartboards every day. The staff kept saying “Mañana.” I told him, “In Chile, Mañana doesn’t mean tomorrow—it means never!”
Thailand: The Dolly Peg Nativity By Thailand, I was a seasoned “Jambee.” I joined an Anglican Church group and, during a planning meeting, I suggested a “dolly peg nativity” base. I have no idea where the idea came from, but it was a hit! I spent the Jamboree helping Scouts make their own figures.
We also watched the sunrise on Christmas Day from the sea—only the Brits were brave enough to be in the water! It was hot and dusty, but we always met at the Austrian Coffee House at 9:00 pm to check in with each other.
UK 2007: Silence for the USA. For the Centenary Jamboree in the UK, I volunteered for the Guest Pavilion. I suggested I become the official Toastmaster. I wore white starched shirts and helped greet VIPs from all over the world. I even provided Toastmaster services for the USA Scout Association receptions. I’m proud to say I’m one of the few people who has ever brought every American Scouter on site to total silence!
Japan: The Final Frontier By the time Japan came around, I was 75. A friend asked if I was worried about the humidity, but I’d been in the Australian rainforests, so I knew I could “think on my feet.” I worked in Guest Services and Faiths & Beliefs.
Jamboree sites are huge, so my day started at 5:00 am to beat the heat. I’d grab breakfast, walk to the site, and fill my water bottle with salts. It was hard work, but the memories are worth it.
Looking Back I have a lifetime of stories and a “ton” of memories. If I could, I’d be off to the next one in Poland in a heartbeat—it’s only 1,113 miles away, maybe I could drive!
Peter Morrall – 1st Sywell Air Scout Group
