For Parents Only - Jamboree is officially full-on

Hello all,

I finally have the first good opportunity to get out of the hot Hamilton sun and provide you an update from the Jamboree site.

Camp setup went very well, and we had a completely livable site by teatime on Tuesday.  The kitchen rig we built is fantastic, and we seem to be the only troop with solar generating capacity.  Score one for Richard and Phil!

The kids sorted themselves out nicely, and the Ngati Toa Social Club resumed operations immediately ;-)

Jamboree is a huge event, something you have a hard time grasping until you stand on the hillside and see well over 1000 tents in rows and blocks over an entire valley floor.  Catering, sanitation, infrastructure, activities, communications... astonishing!  I've heard of a few logistical hiccups apparently, but overall nothing has really affected us.

Yesterday was the first real day of scheduled activities, and some of the patrols received a good workout.
Dougal took his group in a 12km tramp over an extinct volcano, and Lynette's kids had an Amazing Race-style excursion into Cambridge.  Other groups have built structures, got muddy, climbed walls and crossed the Waikato on a flying fox.  And to say that badge trading has been intense just doesn't do it justice.  In the middle of this instant town there is an instant subculture bordering on a black market!

Tonight is New Years' Eve, and there is a special programme planned for tonight, including a very late-night option for the older Scouts.  The opening ceremony was very youth-oriented, and I suspect tonight's events will take it up a couple of notches.

More updates hopefully tomorrow (after a late wake-up)

R
From our temporary den in the Waikato...

Onepoto wrap-up and the plan for this week

Guys,

A fantastic showing at the Onepoto regatta yesterday!  We cleaned up most of the events, which is great, especially under such variable wind conditions.

One of the most satisfying aspects of attending these events is seeing (again) that no matter who we team up to crew, we do well.
This can only mean one thing: all of you have the skills to handle a boat and win races. Fantastic!
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Jamboree patrol leaders:  please call around to all the members of your patrol this week - you need to come up with a soft toy mascot for your patrol (but remember Kevin the gorilla/monkey/primate is off-limits!).

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So since this Thursday is the last night of term, we thought it was time for a proper fun night.
We'll get in some kayak and rowing races, followed with a BBQ to warm you up.  Please bring a plate to share.

Parents, you are welcome to stay (as always).  I'm not saying you'll be shanghai'd into a rowing race, but I'm not saying you won't, either...
Might be your only opportunity to show up your kids!

Cheers,
Randall
--
Ngati Toa Sea Scout Troop
http://ngatitoaseascouts.blogspot.com/
http://picasaweb.google.com/ngatitoa.seascouts

Reminder about Onepoto Regatta this Sunday

Hi guys,

Just a quick reminder that the Onepoto Regatta will be happening this Sunday, beginning at 9:30.

I'll be asking everyone on Thursday if they plan to attend, so please confer with your parents so I can have a firm answer on Thursday.

We'll be bringing all the boats again, so could we please have a few drivers with towbars volunteer to meet us at the den early on Sunday morning.

Thanks
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Also, remember that Thursday night is gear check night - review the list posted on the website and try to get it into your green bag.

R

Activities this week

Hi all,

First off, what a great tramp we had up to the Knob last week - the weather was perfect and the views were even better.  Plus, we picked up about a large bag's worth of rubbish from the track, so well done!  I've posted some photos from the night up on the gallery site.

This week, Jamboree preparation gets into gear.  We'll be checking some tents, sorting equipment, doing a bit of painting and a number of other little tasks. 

The major task, however, is to check the gear list, pack your green bag, and bring it to Scouts on Thursday night.  We'll be evaluating everyone's stuff and seeing just how well we travel.  Don't worry about bringing toiletries - those are small and relatively light - just focus on the clothing and other gear.

See you then!

R
--
Ngati Toa Sea Scout Troop
http://ngatitoaseascouts.blogspot.com/
http://picasaweb.google.com/ngatitoa.seascouts