It’s just a week in a field…

Last week, I stepped away from This is Fever, to participate in an Essex community event like no other!

When I was approached a year ago to help support the Essex International Jamboree, little did I know how it would escalate and also turn into one of the greatest adventures of my life. Spending a week in a field entertaining and educating over five thousand Scouts and Guides was incredibly rewarding and humbling. I’m more exhausted than I have ever been, having completed 252k Jamboree steps (107 miles) and quite literally worked my socks off, but I wouldn’t have changed it for anything!

The Jamboree was organised by Essex Scouts and Guiding groups from across the county, and the camp was temporarily home to about 8,000 young people and adults. Participants came from all over the UK and from about 40 other countries, including Australia, Ukraine, Japan, Nigeria, Kenya and Malta.

Could you just?

My support for the Jamboree started with a little ask – “Could you just help us with the website?”

Of course, me being me, this escalated fairly quickly… before I knew what had happened, I was the leader for an entire activity zone, responsible for 900 young people a day, along with managing a significant team of staff and contractors.

Given my background in AV & events, technology, and all things digital – I could not say no. It was an experience too great to miss, and an opportunity to throw myself in the deep end and push outside my of comfort zone.

After almost 10 months of planning and preparation, I headed to the site on 21st July to start construction of our activity zone:

Enter Tech Labs

Together we created a zone that was a little different from your typical Jamboree activity area – it was a unique blend of science, technology, and broadcast activities that provided education and entertainment for all.

Broadcast

Our broadcast area consisted of a TV studio and full production gallery, with four independent and fully automated weather studios. A truly epic feat considering our location and budget! We pulled together resources from all our industry connections, going above and beyond to make this possible. It was worth all the effort as the feedback from the young people was phenomenal.

Tech Circuits

Our circuits marquee activities were provided by TechCamp – big thanks to Tom and James for all their hard work. In this tent area the young people had an opportunity to try 3D printing their own name tag, create their own stop-motion animation, fly a drone in VR, build a robot and play football, or create their own UV torch to take away. We also included a digital graffiti wall from SelfieStars, which was another popular activity as the young people could print out their artwork to take home as a Jamboree keepsake.

Amateur Radio

Our Radio marquee was full of fun activities provided by a fantastic group of amateur radio enthusiasts and volunteers. The young people could learn how to use various radio equipment sets to communicate with other people and scouts afar, participate in soldering activities, and play games and complete challenges over the airways.

Tech Science

Our science marquee was filled with fun and engaging experiments, provided by the amazing CHaOS team from Cambridge University. Experiments included: Trebuchet, Platonic solids, Bubbly crystals, Polarisation, Resonance, Electrolysis, Mini explosions, and launching Water rockets!

Teamwork makes the dream work

Leading a group of 50+ volunteers was also a big challenge; however, I was truly blessed with the most amazing and capable team. Everyone stepped up and fulfilled their roles to the highest standards, providing a fun and safe zone for the young people to enjoy our unique and innovative blend of science and technology.

One of my personal highlights was our private staff night, where we forfeited some of our rare spare time to open the zone for our own team to enjoy. There were smiles and laughter all around… what a fun and perfect penultimate evening to the Jamboree!

Special thanks

The feedback we received from the young people, their leaders, special guests and other Jamboree staff made it all worthwhile. The zone was a huge success, and we could not be prouder of our achievements.

As well as the entire zone team, there are a few other companies and individuals I need to thank:

• Mike Bryan & Peter Newman – You pulled off a miracle, and created a full broadcast experience in a tent!
• dB Broadcast Ltd – Thank you for all the equipment and broadcast support – we could not have done it without you.
• Hart Wilcox – Big shout to the HW team, you helped fill in the gaps and make the zone vision a reality.
• Hayley Farrar  – you’re amazing, and you need to stay for the whole event next time!
• Beatriz Jimenez – I hope the BBC didn’t miss you too much, thank you for everything you did. See you next time!?
• Mark Wass – appreciate all the kit and support from afar.
• Esign – Zak, thanks for the help and support with the signage – you’re a legend.
• Classique Print – Thank you to Paul, Julie and Myles for the great print service as always.
• Event Sound and Light  – Nigel, thanks for the various last minute saves!

Will I be back in 2028 for the next Essex International Jamboree?
ABSOLUTELY!
See you there.

(Any financial, equipment or support donations greatly appreciated – please get in touch!)