Scouts and Guides from around the world gather in Central Estonia for a Week of Camping at the Baltic Jamboree.
On July 14th, nearly 600 guides and scouts from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, as well as from Hong Kong, Austira, and Belgium will gather for six days in Tagametsa for a traditional Jamboree.
This is the third Baltic Jamboree. Previous jamborees were held in Lithuania (2010) and Latvia (2006). The theme this time is Ancient Olympic Games. Ancient Baltic traditions will be entwined with classical tests of both physical and mental strength and stamina. As always, scouts and guides will live in harmony with nature.
It is important to note that the Jamboree has been organised solely by volunteers. Almost 100 volunteers have assisted the organising team during the previous year. As a result of their hard work, youths ages 12 and over can take part in a program to introduce ancient traditions of the different Baltic peoples, enjoy a traditional scout fair, grill, campfires, and dances. An important part of International Jamborees is the opportunity to meet and get to know scouts and guides from other countries.
Guide and Scout traditional activities take place in regular meetings of patrols (small teams). Additionally camps, hikes and large events are organised. The programmes are based on international guiding and scouting programs, where youths are encouraged to develop and learn new skills and values through “learning by doing.”
The scouting and guiding method encompasses participation in a multi-faceted activity program, both as a participant as well as an organiser.
The scout/guide method consists of working in small groups (patrols), symbolism, a system of values, educational objectives and working in nature.
Through this method, the Estonian Guide Association and the Estonian Scout Association work towards achieving their missions – to develop fully rounded citizens for society, to help young people find and achieve their full potential.
