The World Jamboree

 

The World Jamboree is an international camping event in which youths participate. The Jamboree is a compound word of ‘game’ and ‘camp’, and is hosted by the Scout Federation, and youths between the ages of 14 and 18 participate. In Korea, the 17th World Jamboree was held in Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do in 1991. Since then, it has been held every four years, and in August 2023, the 25th World Jamboree is scheduled to be held in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province. In this article, we will learn more about this World Jamboree.

What kind of event is the World Jamboree?

The World Jamboree was decided at the '1st World Scout General Assembly' held in London, England in 1920. It was first held for the purpose of creating a peaceful world without war to help children in devastated Europe after World War II. Currently, it has developed into a global festival where youths from various countries gather and exchange with each other to foster a sense of community and share friendship.

How did the World Jamboree get its name?

During the 4th World Jamboree held in Chicago, USA in 1921, it was decided to use the easy-to-call name 'World Jamboree' instead of the official name 'International Camp'. It was suggested by one of the attendees at the time, and it is said that it is still used today.

Where is the World Jamboree held?

The 25th World Jamboree to be held in 2023 will be held at the site of the campground in District 1 of the Saemangeum Tourism and Leisure Area in Jeollabuk-do. The total area is 9.9 km2 and about 50,000 people are expected to participate. In addition, about KRW 50 billion will be invested in infrastructure construction, such as demolition of existing facilities and installation of new facilities.

What does jamboree mean?

Jamboree is derived from Shivaree, a word spoken by North American Indians, which means ‘joyful feast’ or ‘joyful play’. It has been held since 1907 in Bengal, India, which was a British colony.

  Was it held in Korea?

yes that's right. In 1991, the '17th World Jamboree' was held in Jangsin-ri, Korea. More than 50,000 teenagers from 168 countries participated in the event.

  Why was it Saemangeum?

Saemangeum is 2/3 the size of Seoul and 140 times the size of Yeouido. In addition, the water depth is shallow and the reclaimed land is wide, so landfill costs are low and water supply is easy. Therefore, it was selected as the best place because it is adjacent to the international airport and port and has well-equipped social overhead capital facilities such as roads.

A large-scale World Jamboree is being held in Korea too! I also have vivid memories of going camping with my family when I was a kid. Please give us a lot of interest so that the youth, the future leaders, can enjoy safely!