More than 1000 Scouts in North Down for International Jamboree

By Amy Murray

Around 1,000 Scouts, Guides and Leaders are heading to Crawfordsburn Scout Centre today for the International Scout Jamboree.

Following the great success of 'NI jam 2013', the Northern Ireland Scout Council (Scouts NI) is once again hosting this week-long International Camp in North Down.

This year's theme, 'Skills for Life, Friends for Life', comes with an assurance that it will be an adventure for everyone involved.

Camp Chief Raymond Gillespie has said that one of the greatest adventures facing those involved will be "learning to live with each other" with such a wide range of campers expected, "all from different backgrounds and cultures".

Throughout the week, campers will take part in a wide range of activities, from Day Trips across Northern Ireland to various outdoor challenges, such as Canoeing, Caving and Climbing.

Gillespie stated that Scouts NI provides a great opportunity to "make friends for life" with the organisation connecting locals with Scouts and Guides from across Ireland and Great Britain. 

The camp is set to extend the connections even further this year, expecting scouts from as far as Canada.

The Jamboree's packed programme allows for an opportuinty for Scouts NI to celebrate a growth in numbers over the last 15 years, as well as the multimillion pound developments at the Crawfordsburn Scout Centre.

Tim Kidd, the UK Chief Commissioner, will officially open the camp at the opening ceremony in the new arena on the site.