So last Wednesday I went to my first Jamboree meeting. Unfortunately it wasn't my whole unit it was just the Buckinghamshire branch because the Kent lot haven't confirmed everything yet. I don't know all the details but yeah it was something to do with that. And for the record it was soooo good!!!
At first it was a bit awkward, but it always is when you meet a group of random people for the first time, when we were all waiting for the leaders to set up there equipment. Then after them setting the big projector up and the screen someone had forgotten the lead that connects the laptop to the projector.
So once introductions were said we watched the official 2015 Jamboree video. And like em you may be confused as how they have footage of the campsite with people dresses in Jamboree gear already. It turns out they had a pre-23WSJ. So the video is below:
So I hope you like the video that's the short 1 min version but you can watch the full one and read the bulletins at World Scout Jamboree Info Page Thingy I don't really know what to call it because it's not the main page so I don't know.
So after we found out some cool info about our leaders it was out turn... Dun... Dun... DUN!!! At first no one wanted to go first but then my friend Mathew offered to go first because we sat at the front of the group. As I said in my previous post we had to answer certain questions about ourselves so I went second and then everyone else did there. It was so nice everyone clapped when you got up and when you finished. It was just a really friendly atmosphere between everyone.
So we found out that our leader Ian works for McVities which is kinda cool. So maybe they'll sponsor us some biscuits for when we go to Japan as I know the food out there can be quite limited.
So one of the things we found out is what the weather is supposed to be like. Bearing in mind when my family and I go on holiday, lets say to Spain, I sit under a umbrella all day so I don't get heat stroke and the average there is mid twenties in July/August time. In Japan it is inbetween 30 and 40 degrees Celsius and the humidity is something like 80%. Basically I'm going to die of heat stroke. Yay. No I should be okay because were given like two hats and a towel you soak in water and put on your neck to keep you cool.
Once we had found out all the info that the leaders had I asked if I could get a picture with everyone so here is that amazing picture. Check out those flags our leaders were prepared.
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| Bucks Section Of Unit 75
So one of the other things that I've heard rumors about is something the Japanese do called public bathing. It's not as weird as it sounds but it will obviously be strange to us because we don't do it as a tradition.
So it's pretty self explanatory. The places you go to do so are called Onsens. You are separated into sexes and you bath with the people around you. It's just like going to the spa I guess. You take your clothes off and cover your privates with a small cloth. In the first room there will be a stool and a small shower on the wall. Here you clean yourself. Some Onsens provide towels and soap but some do not. You should always bring your own just in case. You must make sure all of the soap and suds are washed off your body before getting into the bath. The baths are not for washing they are for bathing only. Here is a diagram which breaks it down for those who are unfamiliar with the custom.
So all I'm going to say is when you go to Japan you need to be open minded. Just thought I'd let you know as well it is perfectly hygienic. I have done a bit of research into it to reassure myself about taking part in it as we were informed to expect to have to take part at least once. But like I said. I'm being open minded and will have a go.
So after a great evening everyone left feeling buzzed about the next meeting which is on the 31st of May. Again this is just the Bucks lot but hopefully we'll all be meeting up soon.
Thanks for reading this guys please leave a little message even if it's just saying hi. I know this has been a long post but I had a lot of info for you guys. See you soon.
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