10 August 2006

A delegate has her hand stamped with the image of the Cross, showing that she chooses to follow Jesus (photo by Ruud Tinga)

Scouts and guides from 12 countries gathered at Kotterbos camp site in Almere, The Netherlands, for The Salvation Army World Jamboree 2006. The event was officially opened when Commissioner Janet Street, World President of Salvation Army Scouts, Guards and Guides, raised the camp flag (photo).

The 550 delegates marched from the sub-camps to the flag spot, where eleven national flags were raised by delegates from their respective countries. The 12th country represented was by virtue of a scout from Brazil who had joined the French delegation.

Commissioner Wim van der Harst, Territorial Commander of the Netherlands and Czech Republic Territory, told the scouts and guides: 'Although we come from various backgrounds and speak different languages, we are united in Christ.'

Commissioner Street spoke about how being a scout is good preparation for the future. 'The theme of this jamboree – Be Prepared – is not only for this week,' she said. 'We have to make choices every day of our lives and we must be prepared to make the right ones. The best way to be prepared is to invite Jesus to be the centre of your life.'

She asked the young people to remember the 200 delegates from four African countries who registered for the jamboree but were unable to get their visas.

During the opening meeting, in the big tent, delegates from the different countries taught others how to say 'Be Prepared' in their own language or dialect.

The two delegates from Indonesia, Daniel and Theo, explained: 'There is no Salvation Army scouting in our country. We were scouts at high school. It is a great opportunity to be here and to meet all these people.'

On Sunday morning Lieut-Colonel Peter Dalziel, Chief Secretary for the Netherlands and Czech Republic Territory, told his listeners that to ‘Be Prepared’ is more then just to get ready – 'It is to get ready and be willing.' At the end of the meeting the scouts were invited to go forward to show their willingness to follow Jesus. Those who chose to do so had a cross stamped on their hand.

Activities in the afternoon included the opportunity to take part in amateur radio broadcasting, learn how to street dance, perform, rehearse, play games, meet each other, shoot bottles and build small wooden aeroplanes.

Every day during the week there were sports activites, including penalty shooting, a bungee run and water fights. Games under the theme 'Be Prepared to be Dutch' were based on the culture of The Netherlands and each day a group visited the Zuiderzeemuseum to learn how the Dutch lived and worked in the past. Each evening the young people met in the big tent for Bible study and an hour of worship.

Wednesday was market day, and all the participating countries offered their typical food and products. These included Dutch poffertjes (small pancakes), English tea, French crepes, Australian bread and American candy bars.

Commissioner Helen Clifton, World President of Women's Ministries, was guest of honour for the day. The International Secretary for Europe, Commissioner Thorleif Gulliksen, and his wife, Commissioner Olaug Gulliksen, were also official guests. Commissioner Clifton mingled with the scouts and guides, and lived up to the theme of the camp by being well prepared for the weather with her raincoat and wellington boots. She enjoyed the company of the young people and visited them in their tents at the sub-camps. She was impressed by what the scouts had built with wood and rope.

'Scouting is good for the Army,' she said. 'It is important to have good leaders who tell the children about Jesus and who teach them to be the leaders of the future.'

After Bible Study she thanked the organisers and volunteers for their hard work. She encouraged the scouts and guides to be an example of God's love. 'God wants you to be a flame for him,' she said. 'Let the people see the sparkle in your eyes.'

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7	1. Commr Helen Clifton addresses the scouts and guides 2. Commr Helen Clifton talks with some young people 3. A painted wooded clog makes a great souvenir 4. Being Dutch means learning how to walk with cheese 5. Bible study is an important part of the Jamboree 6.. Studying the Bible in small groups 7. Be prepared... for fun and friendship (photos by Ruud Tinga)

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