As what the Founder said, earth is such a big playground to live in, where people must get to enjoy and explore every part of it. But life in the Jamboree site is not just about freedom to create and do things, but also being useful to the place and to the people you are living with.

Just like in their previous Jamborees, being the largest national Scout organization in the world, Gerakan Pramuka has once again unleashed its membership strength by bringing together 20,000 Scouts in the camp areas of Kiarapayung, Jatinangor, Sumedang, in West Java Province which is blessed with impressively beautiful mountain scenery. Locals Scouts were joined by overseas Scouts from Brunei and Malaysia who camped at the 60-hectare Jamboree site from 16-23 July 2006 enjoying the cool climate of West Java.

Showing its support to Scouting, Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, graced the opening ceremony and encouraged the young people to continuously improve their sense of leadership and social responsibility, while enjoying the friendship and cooperation of a diverse community. One strong proof of this was the immediate and united response of Scouts of Gerakan Pramuka and the rest of the Scouts across the globe to help the most in need in a series of disasters that struck different places of Indonesia in just a span of two years. Until now, various projects and transitional activities are still being implemented focused on long-term recovery.

Regional Chairman Eric Khoo and Chairman Mari Nakano of the Programme Sub- Committee, stayed for a few days to observe the Jamboree activities and sub-camps. Also visited the Jamboree were Anthony Thng, President of the APR Scout Foundation; Dr Mukhyuddin, Chairman of APR Scouting Profile Sub-Committee and Paulus Tjakrawan, Chairman of Financial Resources Sub-Committeee.

Inside the Jamboree, there was no shortcuts and quick fixes for everything inside the camp has to be done with determination, intellect, right disposition and patience designed for their educational needs.

Participants were all inspired, challenged and thrilled by the wide array of activities offered to them. The on-site and off-site activities of the Jamboree captured the symbolic theme “One Heart One Promise One Homeland” with the learning of many skills, among which are cinematography, radio and TV broadcasting and horticulture. The adventure programme includes mountain climbing, land navigation, river cruising, diving, aerospace, various art and culture activities and camp service activity where participants took part in community service projects that gave them an opportunity to contribute to the lives of others.

With all those activities, life in the campsite is truly a balance of heart and mind. A mind that helps to win the challenges and a heart that feels the need of society.

Jamboree such as this starts and ends at the campsite but the learning continues within the Scouts.

Related link: see Circular 28-2005