Have you ever considered taking your Guides or Rangers to be part of an international event here in the UK? Hear about what it's like to attend an international jamboree, see our top tips and find our list of upcoming international jamborees below.
Canterbury Division at Kent International Jamboree 2025
Where was I in the summer of 2025? Attending Kent International Jamboree for the first time as a leader. Taking away 21 Guides and Rangers for 7 nights to no ordinary camp, with over 5,000 Guides and Scouts from around the world was an absolute privilege. Both the girls and adults attending had an absolute blast!
Waking up at 6am to silence around camp and within an hour the place was buzzing with groups rising and having their breakfast before starting their action-packed days. With the girls returning for lunch at about 12:30pm and then off again until dinner time at 5pm, before embracing the evening entertainment. The camp was split into different activity zones and participants spent three and a half hours in each zone throughout the week. Across the week, girls participated in zip lining, climbing, driving experiences, archery, STEM activities, inflatables, craft and so much more. In the evenings, girls were able to attend silent discos, quizzes, live music entertainment and of course the funfair, including hot donuts (you may have been able to find me here on a few evenings!) Badge trading was also a fantastic hit and girls were seen setting up ‘trading shops’ at our camp which they absolutely loved!
They absolutely loved the freedom they had in choosing activities they wanted to do and places they wanted to visit on camp. Every time the girls returned to our camp, they were buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm and sharing memories of their day- the highs and the lows. As a leader, this brought back to me the reason I am involved in Guiding, it is the positive experiences that you can provide the girls and the amazing response you get from them- lifelong memories were absolutely made during the week.
It was also brilliant to participate in the adult only activities, with a range of craft activities and training opportunities for us to get involved with too- 2pm was craft hour for a group of us adults attending! Overall, if you are considering attending an international jamboree in the UK, go for it, it is an incredible opportunity to watch the girls thrive, get to know one another more and spend time with Guiding friends.
- Amy Smith