jamborees

Jamborees are large gatherings, typically of Scouts and Guides, held outdoors where participants camp, engage in skill-based activities, cultural exchanges, and ceremonies. The term has broadened to refer to other large-scale gatherings as well, but it remains most closely associated with Scouting and Guiding.

In Scouting, jamborees are organized by national or international bodies and bring together youth members with adult leaders from many countries. The best known are World Scout Jamborees, held roughly every four years since the first in London in 1920; regional and national jamborees also occur with varying frequency. Typical features include formal opening and closing ceremonies, a parade of nations or contingents, multiple program zones offering activities such as hiking, pioneering, handicrafts, environmental stewardship, and service projects, as well as cultural performances and displays. Safety and inclusivity are emphasized, with codes of conduct, medical services, and age-appropriate activities.

Organization and participation: contingents from scouting organizations typically register for an event; participants wear uniforms; programs are designed to promote youth development, leadership, teamwork, and international friendship. The exact format may vary by country and event, but jamborees generally emphasize outdoor living and shared experiences across cultures.

Other uses: the term jamborees is used more broadly to denote any large noisy celebration or gathering, and occasionally appears in the names of non-scouting events.