Tuesday, 31 July 2007

Radio Gaga

Okay - as promised, a quick update. We think that it's going to be BBC CWR - but will post another note if we get more definitive information...

Tuesday's Tales

Tuesday dawned - hot and sunny! Bugler, erm - that looks wrong - bloke with trumpet type thing now not sounding until 7am, so all much better first thing in the morning!

Today's morning programme was Rubbish. Garbage. Actually, it was neither of those things - it was Trash. Yup - that was the actual title of the thing - we live in a kind of US English / French hybrid world here... The Explorers seemed to enjoy it - they had to build something from rubbish (thought to be Not Bad), make lots of noise with rubbish things (Very Good), answer a general knowledge quiz about rubbish (gosh, is that the time? Gotta go...).

And the afternoon's programme was Choice. A whole variety of activities, on which, unfortunately, your Intrepid correspondent is only able to comment on one, Energise, 'cause it's the only one he got to... Apologies for news gathering capabilities being a bit limited...

Anyhow, Energise. This is designed as an outlet for the Vast Amount of Energy Kids Have, assuming that a. they've not been on a camp for six days and b. it's not bleedin' warm... However, despite a. and b. those that went all had a go on activities as diverse as circus skills ("look at me! I can balance on a.... Ow!") and scuba diving, with BMXes, skateboards, half pipes, football, basketball, and a whole lot more all making an appearence. Needless to say, the Explorers are sleeping soundly at night...

Apart from that, what else to report? Tomorrow's programme is Scouting Sunrise, which requires us to all be in place in the Main Arena before 8am. Ouch. Which means we have to meet at 6:35am. Ouch, squared. Which means that we have to get up at 5:30am... Which is going to be exceedingly painful for many people! However, we should, hopefully, get some news coverage, so keep an eye out for some more coverage from the Jamboree. In a similar vein, our Young Spokespeople, Peter H and Vickie H should be live on BBC Radio Something at 10:40am tomorrow. Unfortunately, the details were given to Peter, who managed to forget the specifics inbetween his meeting with the UK Contingent Media people and getting back to the campsite... He has been dispatched to try and get the useful bit of information about which BBC radio station it's going to be, and as soon as we know this we'll post a quick note here!

Also in the media, hopefully, will be a picture of SolJam at tomorrow's Scouting Sunrise! Admittedly, it's only (hopefully) going to be in the Solihull News, but keep an eye out for it. Unfortunately, we lost out in the draw for a representative from SolJam to join others from Wadi (our sub-camp) who are going to be talking live to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday...

That's about it, apart from to add that we have a visit from Phil. P's family today, and that the Leaders all had a very nice meal in the German beer tent! More later!

Monday, 30 July 2007

It's, erm, What Day is it?!

We just had to check - days seem to rush by whilst we're here! It's only a quick update I'm afraid, as there's a UK Contingent Leaders in about, well - now, actually!

So - what have we been up to? Today's programme was "Terraville" - with various activities provided by various countries. Some of the Explorers raced round in a few minutes - others took longer. All, agreed, however, that it was a Quite A Good Thing.

The other highlight of today for many of them has been exploring The Plaza. This has stands from many different countries offering highlights from their countries. So, for example, from the quite fabulous German Beer Tent it's possible to get a Stein of (non-alcholic) beer, or some quite unique Czech lemonade from the Czech stand. Andy and Giles have both bought Bush Hats - from guess where?!

So - a good day overall. We also played host to 2nd Balsall Common for some of the day, and, for the second day running, managed to avoid a prevelence of carbon in the food! The sun's out and the food's good!

Apologies for the lack of photo updates. The plan to update the Flickr page failed when it rained and Andy's tent leaked - he poured the water out of the laptop the following morning... We're working on a Plan B and will let you know if and when we can get some pictures up.

And a clarification from yesterday - the music was from DJ sets on the stages, rather than the actual bands. Allegedly Peter Andre wanted £12k to perform live - we seemed to have had a lucky escape...

Sunday, 29 July 2007

Evening All!

A quick update at 10:30. The Explorers are off all over the place, meeting up with kids from everywhere. There's the Klaxons booming out from one stage, and Artic Monkeys from another. It's fair to say that they're having a good evening...

More tomorrow. :o)

Washing Up Part Two

"HOW long does it take to do the washing up" was the question asked. Presumably, by someone who hasn't seen Explorer Scouts in action! We think we've invented a new compound of carbon and aluminium, impervious to all chemical cleaners and scourers!

So - what's been happening? Apologies for the delay since the last update, but there's been some problems setting up the Internet cafe, and it's very labourious updating this via my 'phone (it's also my excuse for some of the typos in the WE'RE HERE! update, too!).

We arrived and set up camp. We're in the Wadi sub-camp - on one side we have some Scouts from Argentina, the other Korean. Behind us are some Poles. However, none of them were here when we got here on Thursday. We arrived and dragged the stuff across the site, and then set up the tents (in the rain...). Our proto-typing at Kibblestone paid off, though, as the site layout works exceedingly well. Once the tents were up the rain stopped...

And then it was the UK Contingent Party with JK, Lamar, Liberty X (the Explorers) / an exceedingly exciting one hour talk (not) for the Leaders... It's fair to say that the Explorers seemed to have a good time!

And then Friday! Let's meet the foreign contingents! We're responsible for meeting and greeting five of them. As soon as they get here we're off! They'll be here soon...

Later that day, they still hadn't arrived... Then, mid-afternoon, the French arrive! Hurrah! Er - bonjour. Would you like a drink? Non, s'il vous plait. Oh. The French are more than capable of sorting themselves out. Then the Koreans arrive. Er - hello. Would you like a hand with your tents? Er - no thanks. The Koreans are more than capable of looking after themselves - donning particularly natty gloves for the process of putting up their very cool tents.

Eventually, about 11pm, we managed to feed the Argentines, which I think they appreciated... They certainly ate it all!

So - that was Day Two. Day Three was The Opening. We met up at the sub-camp around about 10:30, for some music and the sub-camp opening. Many many nationalities there, which was exceedingly cool. However, it is fair to say that the Macarana is not an international export! They found it all somewhat bemusing - and we're equally bemused by the Time Warp, too! And then the formal ceremony itself.

There's a vast stage set up, and it was an impressive sight with 48,000 people there. The opening part of it had the flags from the four constiuent countries of the UK represented, along with a little dance to represent each one. It's fair to say that, at home, I find all the pesky maypole dancers a pain, as they're all over the place! At least, they are according to the opening ceremony! Some of it was a bit cheesy, but the bit that brought home what the Jamboree is all about was the flags of all the participant countries being represented - over 150 of them. There are countries here that we haven't heard of. Most of the visitors were also suitably impressed by the heir to the throne (William) turning up, too. (He has a very nice helicopter!).

And now it's Sunday. We're off at 11am to Splash - the water activities day. Watch this space for more, and please do keeping adding comments - we're feeding them back to the Explorers!

Saturday, 28 July 2007

Washing Up!

Just washing up - hope to post an update in half an hour or so!

Thursday, 26 July 2007

WE'RE HERE!

An update at 5.30pm. We set off in the rain, which stopped around
Cambridge. Hurrah! We then registered at an airfield somewhere -
only to be delayed by some Government vehicle inspector type people
(it passed!). This delay was going to prove somewhat material later
on...).

We then arrived at Hylands Park - after 18 months hard work we're
here! Hurrah! It was then a 30 minute trek across to our site - and
we arrived just in time for the rain... Grrr. Annoying delay now
even more annoying...

So it rained. Until we put the tents up. Then it stopped. Tssk!
However it does now mean that the sun's out, and we're just off to
find the BBQ!

It's Begun!

I'm posting this at 6:30am (!), having dropped the "Welsh 3" off - Alice, Lizzie, and Vickie are on their way to Swansea. So - after all the fund raising, meetings, more fund raising, (lots!) more meetings - it's finally happening!

I received a few texts last night (I know when you pack!) about cutlery and plates - you don't need them, we took them down in May. So, that's a (little) bit more room in your bag, then.

Talking of packing, I'm off to do mine. See you at 10!

Cheers,

Andy

Wednesday, 25 July 2007

Weather to Pack Wellies

25 hours to go! Looking at the weather forecast, it looks like it could well be damp when we get there. Consequently:

- Do ensure that your walking boots are easily accessible. It won't be too useful if they're at the bottom of your bag when we get there.

- Remember that we have to travel in uniform. Consider wearing your uniform shorts tomorrow - usefully, legs are waterproof!

- Do ensure that your Jamboree coat's accessible - even if it's not raining when we actually get the coach.

- Do pack everything in your bag in plastic bags - ESPECIALLY YOUR SLEEPING BAG!

Tuesday, 24 July 2007

Picture This

If you've not yet looked at the pictures of the site so far, then they're available here!

** Update ** Having looked again at the pictures, the Main Stage is the Other Stage from Glastonbury! Wonder how the mud's going to compare..?

The Latest from the Site

Have a look at the BBC Web Site link - more information about how things are going. Including the fact that, so far, they've erected 500 out of the 1,000 tents gong up on the site (excluding all the contingent tents!).

Monday, 23 July 2007

Hungry for Information?

We had the last Leaders' Meeting tonight before the Jamboree, which was a combination of pointing out how knackered we all are and worrying over all the things we've forgotten. In terms of the Jamboree:

- Bring a packed lunch on Thursday. It's going to be a bit chaotic at some points as we get everyone registered and try to get the site set up and retrieve the kit that we took down in April... Consequently, there's only going to be one way to guarantee that you get lunch on Thursday, and that's to bring it with you!

- From the school of Muddy Camping in a Big Field - bring a packet of wet wipes with you to carry round with you on the site. If you decide you fancy some food or something, it's going to be a bit of a trek to the loos to wash your hands...

- We had medical forms off everyone back in April. However, there may have been changes since then - if so, please can you let us know on Thursday. If you need to bring medicine, please do let us know. AND REMEMBER YOUR INHALER (CHRISTOPHER...)!

Summertime, and the Living is...

... Damp. There's no suggestion that Chelmsford (and hence the Jamboree Site) is going to have any of the problems that have been encountered in Gloustershire / Worcestershire. However, it's fair to say that, a couple of days away from when we go (gulp!) - the weather's going to be mixed.

This won't stop us doing anything, rest assured. However, we do suggest that people do take decent walking boots / wellies with them, 'cause there might be some mud around in places!

Friday, 20 July 2007

Travel Arrangements

Hopefully everyone is aware of these now! However, just in case, here's a reminder...

Thursday 26 July
04:45 Andy will collect Alice, Lizzie, and Vicki from Vicki's house.
05:30 Meet Welsh Coach at Frankley Services

10:00 Meet Regency Hotel.
10:30 Depart for 21st World Scout Jamboree

A reminder - you'll need to meet in uniform, hang round services in uniform, arrive at the Jamboree in uniform. However, if you wish to change into your SolJam Polo Shirt for the bits on the coach you'll be able to.

Wednesday 08 August
We still don't have return details - and we probably won't get them until we're on the Jamboree itself (we're down the pecking order of importance behind those that have 'planes and trains to catch!). Once we get them we'll post them here!

Shopping

There are five trading areas available to participants at the Jamboree:

* The Plaza
* The Desert Hub (this is the one closest to us!)
* The Mountain Hub
* The Ocean Hub
* The Tropical Hub

(There's also an Island Hub for adults only). Each one is different, and outlets start opening from around 07:00, and all are closed by 22:30 (not all outlets are open all the time).

Sainsbury's
There are Sainsbury's Supermarkets in the Plaza, Desert Hub (near us!), Tropical Hub, and the Island Hub. All of them sell sweets, soft drinks, crisps and snacks, biscuits, and basic First Aid stuff. Additionally, the Desert and Tropical Hub Sainsbury's sell sauces, spices, herbs, toiletries, female hygiene products, cleaning materials and "other bits and pieces".

The Island Hub (open to adults only) also sells newspapers, cigarettes, and over the counter medicines.

Food Outlets
There are a number of food outlets around the place. In the Plaza the Scout Food Houses offer a range of foods from around the world. The Desert and Tropical Hubs have some catering facilities, with more comprehensive facilities at the Mountain and Ocean Hubs.

Costs
Typical costs will be:

Ice Cream £1 - £2
Canned Drink 60p - £1
Chocolate Bar 50p
Burger £2.50 - £3

Facilities

In addition to the Shopping Facilities there are a number of other facilities available:

Photographic
At the Facility Centres it will be possible to download digital photos to a CD and buy prints (we're assuming that there will be a charge to download to the CD, too!).

Internet Access
Internet Access from one of the 700 computers on site(*) is available at all of the Hubs. Credit needs to be purchased from one of the Facility Centres. The Internet Cafes are open from 06:30 to 22:30, except for the Island (adult) Hub, where it's open 24 x 7.

Telephones
Pay 'phones are available in all of the Internet Cafes. Prepaid cards will need to be bought from one of the Facility Centres.

Mobile 'Phone Top-ups
Top-up credit can be purchased from the Facility Centres.

Electricity
There will be power outlets in the Internet Cafes for charging mobile 'phones, cameras, etc. These take 3-pin plugs, and are chargeable.

Post
There is a Post Office in the Plaza, and items can also be posted in the Facility Centres. There will be special Scouting Centenary Stamps available.

Toilets
There are loos available in every Sub-camp and around the site. Be warned - this is an International Camp and some of the loos will be International loos!

Showers
Showers are available 24 hours a day.

Laundry
There will be a laundry service available from the Facility Centres.

Religious Services
There will be religious gatherings available for most religions.

Photos

Please tag any photos uploaded onto flickr "soljam" - this will enable people to search for them all!

Our Schedule

For those that haven't being paying attention, we've now got our programme of events:

Friday 27 July
International Contingents Arrival

Saturday 28 July
Sub Camp Activities
Opening Ceremony

Sunday 29 July
Splash!

Monday 30 July
TerraVille

Tuesday 31 July
Trash
Choice

Wednesday 01 August

Scouting Sunrise Day

Thursday 02 August
Gilwell Adventure

Friday 03 August
Choice
Elements
Saturday 04 August
AquaVille

Sunday 05 August
Starburst

Monday 06 August
GDV
Choice

Tuesday 07 August
Closing Ceremony

Wednesday 08 August
Return Home!

Wadi Sub-camp

We're on the Wadi Sub-camp. As well as us, there are going to be contingents from:
  • Argentina
Hola (pronounced without the H sound, ola)– Buenos Días (morning), Buenas Tardes (afternoon and early evening), Buenas Noches (late evening and night)
  • Australia
G'Day
  • Austria
Hallo (informal), Guten Tag (formal) pronounced Gu-ten (like goo)-ten Tag like Prague
  • Barbados
Hello!
  • Belgium
Salut (informal, silent "T"), Bonjour (formal, 'n' is a nasal vowel), Bonsoir (good evening, 'n' is a nasal vowel), Bonne Nuit (good night)
  • Canada
Hi!
  • Czech Republic
Dobré ráno (until about 8 or 9 a.m.), Dobrý den (formal), Ahoj (informal)
  • Denmark
Hej (informal) God dag (formal)
  • Egypt
As-salaam-aleykum (Peace be on you) or Marhabah (Hello)
  • Finland
Hyvää päivää (formal) - Moi / Hei (Informal)
  • France
Salut (informal, silent "T"), Bonjour (formal, 'n' is a nasal vowel), Bonsoir (good evening, 'n' is a nasal vowel), Bonne Nuit (good night)
  • Germany
Hallo (informal), Guten Tag (formal) pronounced Gu-ten (like goo)-ten Tag like Prague
  • Hungary
Jo napot [yoh (as in the word "oh") naput](Good-day, formal), Szervusz [Sairvoose] (informal)
  • India
Namaste (pronounced Na-mus-thei)
  • Indonesia
Selamat Pagi (Good Morning), Selamat Siang (Good Afternoon), Selamat Malam (Good Evening)
  • Italy
Ciao (informal), Salve, Buon giorno (Morning, formal), Buon pomeriggio (Afternoon, formal), Buona sera (Evening, formal)
  • Japan
Ohayou gozaimasu (O-HA-YOH GO-ZA-EE-MAS) (Morning); Konnichi wa (KOHN-NI-CHEE-wa) (Daytime or Afternoon); Konban Wa (KOHN-BAHN-Wa)(Evening)
  • Republic of Korea
Ahn nyeong ha se yo (formal), Ahn nyeong (informal. Can also be used as "Goodbye")
  • Malaysia
Namaskkaram
  • Mauritius
Hello
  • Mexico
Hola (pronounced without the H sound, ola)– Buenos Días (morning), Buenas Tardes (afternoon and early evening), Buenas Noches (late evening and night)
  • Netherlands
Hoi (very informal), Hallo (informal), Goedendag (formal)
  • Nigeria
Hello
  • Poland
Dzień dobry (formal), Cześć (informal)
  • Portugal
"Oi", "Boas", "Olá" or "Alô" (informal), Bom dia (good morning), Boa tarde (good afternoon), Boa Noite (good evening)
  • Romania
Salut; Buna dimineata/ziua/seara (respectful good morning/day/evning); Buna (usually for girls)
  • Russia
Pree-vyet (informal), Zdravstvuyte (formal, pronounce: ZDRA-stvooy-tyeh)
  • Serbia & Montenegro
Zdravo (informal), dobro jutro (Good morning), Dobar dan (Good afternoon, also used as a formal greeting), Dobro veče (pronounced as "dobro vetche", means Good evening), Laku Noć (Good Night)
  • Switzerland
French, German, or Italian
  • USA
Alright Duck! (Okay, don't. This would confuse...)