A Free Hug!

At the jamboree, you can see a lot of signs which say things such as “Free Hug,” or “Hug Me!” I am very surprised and a little bit shocked because I never see these things in Taiwan.

In most eastern countries, for example Taiwan and Japan, people are usually shy and introvert. Perhaps it is formal or just a kind of culture, but I believe that it makes us always be polite and we hardly hug the people who aren’t our relatives.

This is a new challenge for me, and also for other Taiwanese. Before I came here, I couldn’t have imagined it and I certainly would never have tried it. But after I saw a lot of people hugging, I saw them laugh and look happy, and I felt like having a go.

Finally, I went and hugged the person who was holding the sign. People around us all hugged together. I started to laugh and I understood the magic inside hugs, inside “Free Hug!”

This might be crazy in my country, but I believe they will like it after they try, so next time, perhaps I will be the one who is holding the sign in Taiwan!

A very modern Baden Powell

Amongst the many new faces at the Sunrise ceremony, one man with a familiar name came out to join the celebrations. Lord Robert Baden Powell, grandson of our founder was there to see the lasting legacy of his namesake.

It’s a difficult equation to think about, what would a man steeped in the past think of the legacy and modern fresh appeal of the movement now. He was clear: “Something like this, particularly this jamboree with its motto would have sent him round the bend, he would have been so excited so pleased, and here at this jamboree that people are mixing together and there just becoming friends as they have something in common, it’s lovely.”

The current Baden Powell has clearly defined memories of his grandfather after listening to him as a small child.

“I do know he was very egalitarian, democratic, and free. He was very keen that everybody in this life should be made aware that no one is better than anyone else, nobody has a god given right to be superior to anybody else that everybody is the same. The first world war very much upset him because it was so terrible that there was this war going on, he saw that there could be a message for peace if only the people dropped this thing of nationality”

So it’s clear our founder would have approved of the Jamboree’s ethos where race or religion is no barrier to communication, something the modern day Baden Powell saw for himself.

“The sunrise ceremony was very moving; it was quite exciting standing on the stage. When they mentioned Lord Baden Powell was coming out, it’s the one thing that all the people of this jamboree have in common, the name Baden Powell, it means something to them. When we came on you just got this great wave, like a magnetic current, I’d experienced that two or three times before but to experience that today it was the most powerful.”

Very Special Guest

Then upon the stage walked Lord Baden-Powell, the grandson of founder BP. To a hushed audience he said: "I am very happy to be here. My grandfather started the movement with 20 boys on a camp at Brownsea Island. One hundred years later 28 million people in 158 countries are involved in Scouting across the world.

"The movement he started has become one of the instruments for peace. He would have been delighted to see how the seed he planted has grown into such a movement. "Thank you for inviting me to this unique event and in the words of my grandfather 'have a happy life and good camping'."

Rohan Puthran, 15, from Singapore said: "It was definately very emotional and bonds everyone together. The ceremony was the best way to mark the occassion."

The first to rise

5.30am and at Atoll sub-camp there was lots of activity. Participants are already lining up at the sub-camp gates ready for the Sunrise Ceremony. Armed with their Sunrise scarves, their packed breakfast and huge smiles, everyone is surprisingly full of energy.

At the head of the procession is Ross, 17 ready and raring to lead the way with his bagpipes. “I had to get up at 4.30am to tune my pipes” said Ross “Today is such a special day for Scouts. It’s such an honour to be asked to play the bagpipes leading the first sub-camp into the arena. I really hope I don’t mess up, I want everyone to be proud of me”
Following Ross was the sub-camp mascot and banner, with the rest following closely behind. The sub-camp leaders were organised and had thought everything through, which of course led to a smooth set off.

As the participants walked the long journey across site, everyone was in high spirits. Singing along with the bagpipes, chanting “Atoll” songs or performing a Mexican wave, the 1,200 strong group were excited to finally be on their way.

“Today is a Celebration, which I hope will help to lead us forward to the next 100 years” said Ben, 17, of the UK contingent.

The anticipation grew as the group were close to arriving at the Main arena, and the noise from approaching sub-camp group was deafening. Proud smiles, they can truly say they were here, the
morning of the Centenary Sunrise and were allowed to celebrate with 44,000 other people.

“Today means that all of the Scouts that have made friends over the last 100 years will be together in spirit” Helena, 17, Poland said excitedly.

Atoll sub-camp finally reached their destination, the bagpipes sounded again confirming their arrival in the main arena. As the group of new made friends settled together on the grass, to re-new the promises that they made in places far away the sense of belonging surging from the group was truly amazing.

Brownsea Sunrise

Perhaps there is no better place to reflect on the movements birth than Brownsea Island. And whilst many will mark the occasion in their own way, there are special reasons to be at the birthplace for Scouting on August 1st.

Scouts all around the world will take the day to reflect on the past 100 years and look forward to the next. Every Scout will have the opportunity to renew their promise at the 8 am Sunrise Ceremony.

Of particular significance is Brownsea Island, the birth place of Scouting. On the 1st of August 1907, Baden Powell woke the experimental camp by blowing a Kudu horn.

The camp of 20 boys had been drawn from various backgrounds; all were taught new skills and a code of honour that we now know as our Scout Law.

300 lucky Scouts from over 100 countries are waiting to see the sunrise from Brownsea. Neil Commons explained the significance of Brownsea as a focus for the 100th Birthday celebrations and what the Scouts have been experiencing during their stay.

The Scouts will wake up with a Tai Chi session before forming a carnival procession to the original campsite for the Sunrise ceremony, which will be broadcast on the Community Channel and linked to the World Jamboree.

Peter Duncan, Chief Scout of the UK will blow the Kudu horn, 100 years to the minute that Robert Baden Powell did, to start the celebrations. Six people have been chosen to comment on their experiences at the camp and will shake hands to show solidarity for fellow Scouts and our heritage.Following the Sunrise ceremony the participants will return to the four sub camps to have breakfast and then later in the day they will return to Hylands Park and the World Scout Jamboree.

For all those that are involved, wherever we celebrate, the day is about reflection and focus on the changes that we as Scouts can bring to our communities, countries and the future. Neil feels that being at Brownsea is important “it was Scouting’s birthplace. Everything has its beginnings”, despite now being a world wide organisation with over 28 million members it is important to remember where it all began.

Scouting has brought all involved a peace and many friendships all of which are still relevant today.

Message continues to spread

Whilst most of the Jamboree were sleeping the rest of the UK were continuing to be told about the impact of the Jamboree and the preparations for the Sunrise Ceremony.

Chief Scout Peter Duncan spent two hours talking to 26 BBC Local Radio stations during a marathan session known as GNS.

The GNS systems gives interview slots in ten minutes sections and from one central location, Scouting is able to talk to the entire world.

Assistant Director of Communications Simon Carter said: "These are a hugely effective way of spreading the message about our work. Armed with local knowledge Peter was able to tell each station about their areas plans and this helps the local media development manager when they are trying to get localised coverage."

Peter literally went the length and breadth of the country and it's exhausting work listening to - so I've no idea what it's like to actually do! It must be incredibly hard work. But the prize is worth the sacrifice and hopefully we are able to support Counties with their own positive coverage later on in the week.

Sunrise marks our 100th birthday

The dawn of a new day signals the start of a new century for Scouting.

At 8am on August 1st 1907 Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement opened the world's first ever scout camp, on Brownsea Island, by sounding his Kudu horn three times. One hundred years later, and the UK Chief Scout, Peter Duncan, was there to blow his Kudu horn three times to mark the beginning of the Worldwide Scouting Sunrise.

Throughout the different time zones, Scouts from around the world renewed their Scout Promise at exactly 8am to mark the centenary of the opening camp.

Meanwhile, at the World Scout Jamboree in Hylands Park, UK, 40,000 scouts were treated to a fantastic sunrise ceremony. Brownsea Island and the Jamboree were linked via live satellite as Peter Duncan led the renewal of the Scout Promise.

The Jamboree then watched as doves were released on stage, and thousands of coloured balloons were launched in to clear blue skies over Chelmsford.

Then, to the sound of music and dancing, scouts began collecting signatures on their yellow 'sunrise' scarfs from those around them - another opportunity to meet new friends and share a common aim.

A whole day of celebrations and activities are planned, culminating in 'Gifts for Peace' concert on the main stage in the evening.