PHILIPPINE BOY SCOUTS JOIN THE 21ST WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE

15 August 2007 – Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Edgardo B. Espiritu reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex became the world's largest residence from 27 July to 08 August 2007 as more than 40,000 young adults aged 14 - 18 from 158 countries, including the 154 young scouts from the Philippines headed by Mayor Jejomar Binay, gathered together for the 21st World Scout Jamboree.

The event, which also coincided with the 100 years of the Scout movement, introduced the scouts to new experiences and helped them understand the issues and challenges facing the world today. The boy scouts were given a wide range of activities in which they could participate from learning the fundamentals of camping, environmental awareness and protection, recycling, first aid, etc.

'This will be a good experience for our young scouts who will be mingling and living with their fellow scouts from other countries. The experience will teach them the true value of scouting; that it is more on the brotherhood and solidarity, making peace with one another, thereby creating a better world," said Ambassador Espiritu when he visited the campsite on 30 July.

The highlight of the twelve-day event for the Philippine boy scouts was the Philippine reception held on 06 August, where they became host to contingent heads from 158 countries. Guests were treated to a feast of Philippine songs, dances and delicacies.

"Our boys were trained in Manila to dance native Muslim dances and sing traditional scouting songs as well as popular and classic Filipino music specifically for this purpose," explained Scout Leader RJ Pangilinan.

Philippine Deputy Chief of Mission Reynaldo Catapang visited the campsite during the Philippine reception.  At the opening ceremony, Mr. Catapang said, "A tragedy of humankind today is that most people are trapped in jobs, lifestyles or social conditions in which they develop only a fraction of their potential. More people could be far more creative. This is where I believe the scouting movement can really make a difference in the 21st century."

At the World Village , Philippine scouts put up an exhibit of barong tagalog, held lectures on Filipino values, conducted demonstrations on making Muslim necklaces and bands, and taught traditional dances Tinikling and Maglalatik.

The Duke of Kent, who is President of the Scouts Association, formally opened the jamboree.

The first scout camp was opened at Brownsea Island on 01 August 1907 by a British army named Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell.  END

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