Denmark 2010
During the 21st World Scout Jamboree the Devon Contingent pitched right next to a Danish Troop and in no time international friendships were made. After the Jamboree the leader of the Devon Unit, Paul Charlton, Mid Devon DESC, kept in contact with their Danish neighbours and was told about a large Jamboree in Denmark called SEE 20:10. Paul put the word about within Devon and Dorset that there was an opportunity for Explorers to experience at first hand an international Jamboree, the result was a truly cosmopolitan Unit comprising Explorer Scouts from not only five Districts in Devon but also from Poole in Dorset. We became known as the Dooby Doos due to our badge design.
Preparations commenced in earnest early in 2010, with the Explorers themselves being actively involved in the organising. 9 Explorer Scouts from Devon and 4 from Dorset said yes to the adventure. "We had several training camps where we not only got to know each other but designed our own badge, tee shirts and neckerchiefs. We subsidised the cost of the trip fundraising by bag packing, helping at a local rock festival, selling cakes and some contributions from local charities."
Daisy, an Explorer Scout from Mid Devon said, "At SEE 20:10 we had a Friendship Group who came from Hillerod, north of Copenhagen and we couldn't have wished for better friends. In no time English and Danish Scouts were fully integrated, working together cooking meals and sharing activities as true Scouting friends. The best bit was the tremendous atmosphere at the closing ceremony."
The Unit decided to make the most of their time in Denmark and stayed on for a few days after SEE 20:10 at the Naesby Centre near Copenhagen. Yet again the hospitality and friendship was fantastic with many more life long friendships forged. Paul Charlton said, "We have already been invited to return with another Unit in 2012 to attend an even larger Jamboree. We're already starting to make plans to ensure that as many Explorer Scouts as possible get the chance to experience the awesome atmosphere and friendship of such a Jamboree."
Paul Charlton said "When I returned from the WSJ in 2007 I set myself a mission to break down any barriers that might exist within Explorer Scouting and ensure that more young people had the chance to explore the wider family of Scouting and experience the unique friendship of international Scouting. I like to think that in a small way, our trip to Denmark has succeeded. It truly was a life changing experience for several of the Dooby Doos."
