In 2024, there was a lot of excitement among the scouts of Sri Lanka as they looked forward to the 10th National Scout Jamboree, which was happening after 8 years. This event brings together all the scouts from across Sri Lanka to one camp. This lively quadrennial event is a significant milestone in a scout’s life and happens every four years. The senior scout troop, led by Troop Leader Mast. Kaveen Senanayake, with 25 members representing the 17th Kandy Trinity College Scout Troop, was lucky to be part of this special experience.
On February 20th, we arrived at school at 3:30 am and departed by bus at 4:30 am for the Sri Koneshwara Hindu College Grounds in Trincomalee. After a brief rest at Kanthale Lake Bund, we continued our journey. By 10:15 am, we reached the campsite and started setting up our tents.
On the 21st of February, the second day of the Jamboree commenced with an 8:00 am inspection for cleanliness and smartness, followed by the opening ceremony at 9:30 am with the chief guest, President Ranil Wickramasinghe. At 3:30 pm, the ‘Friendship Wide Game’ took place at sub camp level. By 6:30 pm, the Sri Lanka Army entertained the scouts with a cultural show, while at 9:30 pm, the Jamboree Ground was filled with joy and excitement thanks to an unforgettable musical performance by the Sri Lanka Navy.
On the 22nd of February, the third day of the camp, kicked off with a 6:30 am Road Race, followed by a daily rally from the 22nd to the 25th at 8:30 am. At 9:30 am, the daily Jamboree activities commenced. Later, at 5:00 pm, a kite festival, followed by the BP Day Ceremony at 6:00 pm, celebrated the founder of the Scouting Movement, Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden Powell. The Jamboree Ground was illuminated with Vesak Buckets lit by scouts as a tribute to Lord Baden Powell.
The 23rd of February, the fourth day of the Jamboree, known as Cultural Day, followed the usual routine with the Rally and Jamboree activities. At 7:00 pm, the Sub Campfire showcased the aesthetic talents of young scouts, with our troop leader representing the Kandy district lighting the campfire.
Saturday, 24th of February, began with the usual morning routine, followed by additional Jamboree activities at 2:00 pm, organized by the committee to provide valuable knowledge and life skills. At 7:00 pm, the International and National Cultural Shows delighted us with vibrant displays of various cultures from countries like Maldives, India, Thailand, South Korea, USA, Australia, and England.
On February 25th, after the usual morning routine, the “Piyawara – Green World” Community Development Project took place at 9:30 am. The closing ceremony occurred at 5:30 pm, followed by an open-air display marking the official conclusion of the Jamboree by 7:00 pm. Our scout troop celebrated the last day with hours of joyful singing.
On the 7th and the last day of the Jamboree, the 26th of February, a campsite inspection was held and everybody departed from the Jamboree Grounds by 12.30 pm taking back unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.
On the way back to school, we had the opportunity to visit a Navy camp and observe all the naval equipment at the Naval Museum. Then, we went on a boat ride within the harbor, organized by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Written by Theshan Rathnayake
Reviewed by Kaveen Senanayake (TL)
