16/01/2025
So the NT Contingent has returned home. We have had an exciting 10 ten days doing so many different activities for Scouts and Venturers. Here a few more shots of the NT in action and some passing borrowed words To Parents of Jamboree Scouts,
Following exhaustive discussions, the Contingent Medical Team has agreed to release your Jamboree Scout back into your care. Given a Jamboree is a major experience in a Scout’s life, the experience can sometimes produce side effects. However, with consideration of the following information you should be able to successfully re-introduce your Scout to non-Jamboree life.
If you hear noise in your kitchen very early in the morning, and rise to discover your Scout lined up in front of the pantry, with the laundry trolley, do not despair. Gently take your child by the arm and lead them back to bed, explaining that it is no longer necessary to queue for the issue of breakfast supplies.
If your Scout slings a towel over their shoulder and walks out the front door do not worry. Wait in the bathroom until they have returned after a walk around the block. When you hear them re-enter the house let them see you step out of the bathroom so that they think that they have found an empty shower cubicle. Do not worry if you pass the toilet and see your Scout pacing around in front of the door. This is merely a protective instinct and probably means that a friend is using the toilet. The experience is unlikely to be harmful.
When going about in public with your Scout please ensure that they know that they may wear clothing of their choice. Collar free shirts and open shoes or thongs are fine, and a hat and lanyard are not needed. Any curfew imposed from this point is a family matter.
Try to harness the newly created urge your Scout will have to move around in a group of five or six people. You may not need to find babysitters for any younger children for many months to come. Also try to harness the urge they have developed to cook for everyone else in the family every fourth or fifth day.
Explain to your Scout that the muddy puddle in the backyard is not ‘Your Challenge’, and that dragging their siblings through it would not be welcomed. Please also be aware that your scout may have a new-found tendency to drink many bottles of water every day, and will seek out hand sanitiser at regular intervals.
Show tolerance when your Scout rises before everyone else. You may be lucky enough to have breakfast cooked for you. A break from wraps and salads for lunch is recommended, then reintroduced gradually. You might also need to ensure desserts are provided every night.
Wipe mud on their clothes each day, gradually reducing the amount until you have them used to wearing clean clothes again. There is no harm in your Scout sleeping on the floor for a few days after the Jamboree. Just add more padding under them each night until they are happy to use a normal bed again.
Finally, be prepared to give your Scout lots of sympathy, love and encouragement. After all, spending ten days straight enjoying and challenging themselves with a huge number of new friends has been very taxing.
Good Luck.
Dr. Justin Case
Contingent Medical Officer
