Faith Features

Last year's Centenary Scouting World Jamboree was a revelation.

Images of tanned good looking youngsters with trendy hairstyles, combined with unprecedented media covearge has put scouting back on the radar. The way in which young people pushed aside hatred, prejudice and politics in the unifying force of scouting gave hope for the world. This may sound like ageing hippy rhetoric, but I was there.

Stiltwalking

Scouts across the world renewed their promise, free of flags, other than the worldwide scouting emblem. By the end of the week all had melded into one. Uniforms swapped, badges traded and the unifying high five, big hugs and the left-handed scout handshake spoke a global language of brotherhood.

I love Scouting. Some of my finest memories come from being a Scout. So it was great to drop in on the Essex International Jamboree.

Ten thousand Scouts and Guides gathered in fields at Kirby Le Soken, two miles from Walton on the Naze. They come from across the country and from across the world as well.

Israeli and Palestinian Scouts live, play and eat together. There's a chance to learn about other faiths without proseletysing. Young Muslims led a percussion workshop whilst all faiths expressed their belief in stewardship of the planet: a theme of the Jamboree.

I found some of our local participants from Kempston and Cardington, while my guides were from Luton and Stevenage.  For around £70 for a week, the youngsters had been go-karting , scuba diving and stilt walking. I found a group doing electonics which put my own soldering skills to shame. As I left, buses were returning groups that had been to the local zoo or to the coast or museums.

Our local folk were having the time of their lives. After a rather difficult time, the message is clear, Scouting and Guiding is cool. And by the way, do you fancy becoming a leader? Because there's a waiting list in many places.

I found this Jamboree better than the World Jamboree in many ways. It seemed better organised and more friendly. Everybody was having the time of their lives....just like I did at Wells, Somerset in 1964 and on the Grand Union Canal in 1967.

There are a lot of people who put in a lot of time to make Scouting happen. I met Owen from BBC Essex. He's an assistant cub leader who was introducing young people to radio through the Jamboree Radio station. That was in his own time. He's a top man.

Just bring back the Gang Show at the Golders Green Hippodrome! It was my annual birthday treat from my Aunt. Memories!