#WSJ2015 not over yet?
Experiences turned memories turned inspiration – The adventure of a lifetime has ended, but the Scouting journey continues….
It’s been more than a month since the #WSJ2015 ended and almost everyone has returned home. Yet every second, every moment of those wonderful memories remains fresh. It’s not over yet.
and i miss this @wsj2015 loooong queue for Breakfast #Wsj2015 pic.twitter.com/EEIJC7oB00
— Sachin Jung Karki™ (@sachinkarki) August 20, 2015
The tented city, early morning wake up time, fun late night activities, endless queues at the food distribution points, sun burn, high fives, “oggy oggy oggy”, and “Jamboreeeh!” are all still right there at the tip of our sweet reminiscence. The dancing Road Safety International Service Team members (ISTs) , Scouts breaking into birthday songs in multiple languages and the “around the world tour” at the World Scout Centre, are just some of the unique moments that we definitely won’t forget.
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Posted by Bryan DG on Sunday, September 6, 2015
Twelve days, with over 33 000 Scouts on 286 hectares of land – we have created a world of our own in Japan. It was almost magical… international friendships were formed, cultural differences were respected, and national boundaries were set aside. We built a community of peace and acceptance, united with the goal of creating a better world.
It was truly inspiring. I remember a young Scout I met while visiting the UK contingent’s tent at the World Scout Centre. Although he has a highly visible genetic skin disorder, he wasn’t afraid of showing up in his shorts and t-shirt. “I used to shy away from people”, he said. But after joining the Movement, he’s been meeting incredible Scouts who are friendly and do not discriminate against him. They accepted him and he finally felt he belonged.
This is one incredible thing that the Jamboree has taught us, that we can all live together in harmony, in the spirit of unity. We all belong, nobody is left out. This event that happens every four years does indeed bring out something new, something positive in us, every time. It has been creating generations of young Scouts with a better grasp of current realities, and of matters beyond our backyards, across the seas and national borders.
While visiting Hiroshima, I got to know an IST, Yusuke Yanase. Prior to attending the WSJ 2007 in the UK, he thought Scouting only existed in Japan! He hardly spoke English at that time but he was thrilled to meet people from around the world, and it dawned on him then that there is more beyond his country. “It was an overwhelming yet positive experience,” recalled Yusuke.
Missing this already... See you again on top, citizens of the world! @wsj2015 #wsj2015 pic.twitter.com/ZYEJathc6H
— Rifandina Gilang (@rifandina) August 8, 2015
The #WSJ2015 taught us that through the spirit of unity, we can create a better world; and that in diversity, peace is possible.
Syd Castillo, director of Youth Programme at the World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre and and WOSM team member, recounted a unique experience at the Jamboree. On 6 August, a remarkable spirit of unity was displayed at breakfast time at the staff restaurant.
In commemoration of the bombing of Hiroshima 70 years ago, a Scout Leader from the Scout Association of Japan stood on one of the dining tables and shouted – “Hiroshima” and “Prayer” before raising his hand to make the Scout sign.
“I had goose bumps when, one by one, the Scouts at the dining hall stood up and followed suit. The whole place was completely silent!” shared Syd.
‘The Scout movement will not only spread across the planet, but the universe too’ Astronaut Soichi Noguchi #wsj2015 pic.twitter.com/Cy7QjBBMNe
— World Scouting (@worldscouting) August 2, 2015
World Scout Jamborees are never really over. They refresh us for the Scouting journey ahead. The knowledge we acquired, the discoveries we made, and the experiences we gained have transformed us into a better version of ourselves, as a person and as a Scout. As we carry the memories of #WSJ2015 to the future, let it inspire us along the way, at least until the next WSJ.
“I encourage you to continue this Jamboree journey… use this experience to touch the lives of those in the community you live in… Let us continue our mission as Messengers of Peace and live as active global citizens.” - WOSM Secretary General, Scott Teare
Your turn: What’s your #WSJ2015 story?
By Eul Bryan De Gracia