My International Service Team Blog (IST)

Awww, isnt that cute....

2011-08-08T10:38:00.001Z

After sharing a tent for 2 weeks, look at them now....

There are places I remember...

2011-08-08T10:37:00.001Z

As with the last jamboree, heres my tents footprint.

Goods time, but now a trek back to the coaches.

Woohoo, ist party

2011-08-08T10:34:00.000Z

an amazing night just for ist.

Da-dum da-dum da-dum dshhhhh

2011-08-07T08:00:00.000Z

dadadadaaa dadadadaaaa 'its the final countdown'

It was europe who played. Heavy rain showers for the closing ceremony, but it didnt matter. A great time was had by all.

The thunder storms were amazing afterwards and very heavy rain, but the two units should have been well under cover by then, only the silly people like be got caught in the rain.

No pics on my phone of europe due to bad weather, sorry.

Sean with his trophy!!

2011-08-07T07:51:00.000Z

Apparently he was given this by his patrol. He was really excited, he seems to have embraced his feminine side. ;)

Saturday - final day for participants

2011-08-07T07:50:00.000Z

Its finally arrived. The last day before departure tomorrow. Both units are packing up. Birmingjam are leaving at 2amish, so their plan is to sleep out in the large white catering tent. Webjam have the same idea, however, they arent leaving until 1pm, so I may be able to catch them before they go.

Tonight is the closing ceremony. It should be good.

The 'Final Countdown'???

2011-08-06T12:46:00.000Z

As always, rumours are flying about the closing and the possibility of Europe playing. Personally, I think its unlikely, but you never know as they are on tour in this part of sweden as they are a swedish rock band!!!

We shall see, but im not holding much hope

Calm contemplation and panic packing.

2011-08-06T12:44:00.000Z

There is a strange atmosphere on site.

Just finished my second last shift, one last visit to the castle for lunch as its fish in the ist canteen.

On my walk across, there is frantic packing going on to get everything down in time for the closing ceremony tonight.

There is also an air of quiet contemplation on the last 10 days.

No picture on this one. Sorry.

Whatta view #2

2011-08-05T16:30:00.000Z

This is mainly summer with a little of winter. Unfortunately you can't see the Webjam units site as trees were in the way, but birmingjam's site is in the V of the branches to the right.

Whatta view

2011-08-05T16:21:00.000Z

Popped up the tower to get a view from above of the site. This is autumn subcamp. I work in the big white tent in the top left.

Bored of their units cooking??

2011-08-05T16:19:00.000Z

Also met the leaders from Webjam, if you dont know the faces, from the left, Barry-BSWE, Keith-Birmingham, Graham-Birmingham, Steve-BSWE.

They decided they needed some properly cooked food!!! ;)

Happy CST's

2011-08-05T16:15:00.000Z

went for a full english at the castle and saw 2 really happy cst's (Contingent Support Team). These guys look after all the uk contingent with a few others

* NEWS FLASH *

2011-08-04T21:52:00.000Z

The P-Monitor has reached an unprecidented 30 litres of poo being pumped per second.

Pontus (da boss)

2011-08-04T20:50:00.000Z

workimg hard!! Well, we are.....

Jitka from Czech Republic

2011-08-04T20:48:00.000Z

Christian, one of the guys I work with....

2011-08-04T20:47:00.001Z

hes ok, but he's from cornwall. S'pose someone has to be...... ;)

Pop Quiz: The Answer

2011-08-04T20:24:00.000Z

A few days ago I asked is anyone could guess what the following statement means:

"Har du testat att ta av det och ta på det igen?"

It was ment to be "Have you tried turning it off an on again" however, it translates to:

"Have you tried to remove it and take it back?" - which made me giggle!!

Apparently, it should read:

"Har du testat att stänga av den och sätta på den igen?"

Culture Day

2011-08-04T19:25:00.000Z

Well, today is culture day. Thats where everyine shows off their local culture, dress, food, dance etc etc.

I spent the day emersed in various cultures testing their food!! ;)

Strangely, most of them were sweets or desserts!!! Very tasty!!!

This evening, everyone headed for a concert(?) Or gathering in the main arena.

The jamboree was joined by all the hosted from camp-in-camp, apparently almost 50,000 people.

Dear Steph,

2011-08-04T18:46:00.000Z

This is why we need a fire engine for the unit......

Mexico v's Webjam

2011-08-03T21:31:00.001Z

after being invited to webjam for tea, the invite was recinded as they had been invited to the mexicans "next door". Hmmm not happy. No tea!!! To be fair, its more important than tea for me. Hope they have a good time

Scouts of china

2011-08-03T21:22:00.000Z

got "fitz" in chinese characters in felt pen on my arm.

Spot the error....

2011-08-03T21:19:00.001Z

I found solihull. Can you spot the error????

Wednesday morning......

2011-08-03T21:14:00.001Z

think my boots are giving up......this is a view of the heal.

BBQ / ha ha ha!!!

2011-08-03T21:08:00.001Z

got to the birmingjam unit site to find lod struggling to get out of the hammock, we helped after we stopped laughing!!!

Then hungary

2011-08-03T20:47:00.001Z

which is where I tired whipping....

Then mexico

2011-08-03T20:45:00.001Z

With sean!!! Thanks for the flattering photo!!!

Then the belgium scouts

2011-08-03T20:41:00.000Z

who had 5 cherubs (dressed in scout uniform) which were weeing into a hole. Some thing vaguely wrong about them. The tackle was hanging out!!

The world

2011-08-03T20:35:00.000Z

After the breakfast we headed around to see the international tents. One of which started with the south korean tent and collecting some temporary tattoos.

Not sure what this is all about....

2011-08-03T08:22:00.001Z

...but maybe I need one for the explorers!!! ;)

Sir Weedy

2011-08-03T08:18:00.001Z

while queueing (a jamboree tradition) for about an hour and a half for our english, there was an english night there to entertain us. Hes not the classical knight tho, suprised he could lift the sword. ;)

In the line was a chap from hertfordshire, who just would stop talking, but when he got his meal, he sat alone, so we took pity on him and decided to ask him.to join us. I think he just wanted someone english to talk to. He seemed happier when we separated later.

Busy busy busy

2011-08-03T08:05:00.000Z

sorry for no recent updates, its all a little busy here!! Both units have been on camp in camp, more on that later, however, 2 days ago I had a day off and celebrated with a full english! This is being served in the UK food hall, which is a castle. You wouldnt believe how nice it was!! ;)

As british as afternoon tea and cricket. . . .

2011-07-31T20:53:00.000Z

For the past 24 hours, we have had little rain. The world has been much nicer, however, as usual, the British are now complaining about the heat and the amount of sun and how nice it would be for a splash of rain to bring the temp down!!!

This afternoon, there was also a visit from a minor British Royal. I say minor, he's 186th in line to the British throne.

To be fair, he's HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

He had a tour of the Jamboree HQ and we made sure we didnät have the 'PooMonitor' open at the time, luckly as you can see, everything is 'flowing' correctly:

I didn't manage to see either unit directly today, however, I stumbled across Barry and Graham from WebJam wandering around lost, well, looking lost anyway. My phone battery was dead at the time tho, so no picture . . . .

It's almost time for bed, still working until 00:00 tonight, then a 30 minute walk back to site for sleep.

Learnt some swedish.....

2011-07-31T13:36:00.000Z

Har du testat att ta au det och ta på det igen?

See if you can guess what it says without cheating.....

Comment with an answer

Found Clare and Ben

2011-07-30T19:14:00.000Z

well, to be fair they found me!!! ;)

Exercise!?!?

2011-07-30T19:13:00.000Z

on the way to work I noticed this sign on the adult sub camp. Given that moSt of the Ist are walking miles each day, do they really need an exercise area?

I can see a relaxation area, but to top it all off, from what I understand in this weather the hammocks are pretty "ville" ;)

LOOK BLUE SKY!!!

2011-07-30T19:08:00.001Z

"The sun is shining in the sky, there ain't a clouds in site, its stopped raining, everybody's in the hay, its a beautiful new day, hay ya ya"

If you look closely, like really closely, is that blue sky???

Up in time for breakfast, then spent some time hiding from yet more rain between small patches of blue, before heading off to spend the afternoon at work in the dry.

There's wet....and there's soaked!!!

2011-07-30T18:42:00.000Z

It's probably best to say that the weather hasn't been great over the past 48 hours. My phone, which I'm using to blog from, has spent the time wrapped up in numerous layers of plastic to try and keep it dry. So sorry for no updates yesterday I didn't want to risk the phone. selfish I know!!! ;)

Yesterday evening I managed to make it across to the full unit, but no further. Luckily, I did manage to spot these two on their travels. According to them, despite the rain they are having a great time.

The water is sooo bad, my 9 month old walking boots see beginning to fail. Don't worry parents, the young-uns wont be out in the rain as much as me.

Anyway, friday was basically work food rain and visiting the full unit.

Catch you soon

Working Hard

2011-07-29T10:00:00.000Z

As I've had various messages that people have yet to see me working, I've added a pic of me working.

You should be able to recognise the "Sheep Trousers" - Those who know me!!! :-)

The opening ceremony

2011-07-28T20:27:00.001Z

arriving at the opening in heavy rain, but everyones spirits are very high. Hopefully itwill dry out for the evening

Birmingham and BSWE's impressive erection.

2011-07-28T20:11:00.000Z

As I arrived, the unit were just putting up their flag pole. It is one of the largest poles in the subcamp and the biggest by far in the local area.

The only problem was they had to take it down again to attach the rope for the flag.

2011-07-28T19:56:00.001Z

On way to visit the 2 birmingham and bswe units. This is on the way to see then.

Bear at Jamboree

2011-07-28T19:48:00.001Z

wow! Bear grilles just abseilled from the top of the stage. Quality is poor from a distance in the dark!

Pee-po!!

2011-07-27T21:55:00.000Z

I couldn't resist the title of this, given my last post . . . . sorry

Anyway, this is a picture from our webcam. The gentleman playing hide and seak is Mikael who is one of the Swedish 2nd line support team. They had decided to move the web cam as I took the picture.

Anyway, hopefully tomorrow, I will try and get some information of how the 2 units are getting along.

Night all . . .

The P-Monitor . . .

2011-07-27T21:50:00.000Z

As you know, Im working in IT support. One of our monitoring jobs pics this up, it is known as the P-Monitor:

As you can see, there was an issue this afternoon.

The red line is flow rate and the brown area is the level of the tanks.

oh, did I forget to mention this is the Poo Flow Rate and the Poo Tank Level? :-D

UK004 Arrives - Birmingjam has arrived onsite!!

2011-07-27T21:40:00.000Z

Hot and tired, but in good spirits Birmingjam unit arrived on site.

Lunch - FISH!!

2011-07-27T21:39:00.000Z

Those who know me, know I'm never too keen on Fish, however, that was lunch, so eat it or starve!!! :-)

UK005 Arrives on Site - WEBJAM IS HERE!!

2011-07-27T21:37:00.000Z

Here they are starting to organise their camp.

All safe and sound.

Yummy, yummy, yummy

2011-07-27T21:35:00.000Z

Breakfast was interesting this morning. It was the cheese and meat product as with previous mornings, however, there was also Natural Yoghurt with a sprinkle of cereal over the top. Strange, but nice ish.

Ha ha ha!!!

2011-07-27T21:33:00.000Z

Sean (? spelling may be wrong) "The Hard Man of Blackwell" or "Mr Tough Guy" was out of his tent this morning grumbling. It seems he's been allocated to "Craft". He did say how he was looking forward to doing sticking and glueing, paint by numbers and the Hama Bead necklesses.

Good morning Jamboree

2011-07-27T21:30:00.000Z

I woke up this morning and it seems that the world has been covered by a fog.

The picture doesnt do it justice, however, it looked like a medieval battle field from films with various flags seen through the haze.

Hopefully, it'll clear up during the day

Me on Webcam - I am famous!!

2011-07-27T18:21:00.000Z

Hi All,

Sorry for the delay in posts today, but I shall be completing the posts for today.

In case you are interested, we have got a webcam. It doesnät auto refresh, so you will need to press F5 or "Refresh" the page to get an updated pic. Keep your eyes out for me!!!

http://webcam.worldscoutjamboree.se/servicedeskcam.jpg

Iäm not working tomorrow, however, I am on today from 6pm until midnight

F.

The Swedes have arrived

2011-07-26T16:23:00.001Z

This is another picture of winter from a different direction, but some tents have gone up as the swedish contingent have arrived. Tkmorrow tje rest of the world.

Currently, the Temperature is in the early 20's, really nice summers evening.

Tonight there is a prejamboree party. Hope to get some pictures of that for you. The main stage is probably 30mins from the adult camp.

Winter subcamp centre

2011-07-26T06:46:00.000Z

This is the winter sub camp centre. The boxes are the cooking tents for each of the units, I think..

Yummy

2011-07-26T06:44:00.000Z

Breakfast: porridge with apple sauce, 2 slices of bread, cucumber, cheese and some kinda meat. No coffee. Nice tho.

Mmmm food!!

2011-07-25T16:38:00.001Z

This is the IST (International Service Team) and other support adult's canteen, serving 3 meals a day to 10,000 adults.

Apparently, it is currently the biggest canteen in the country!!

Grubs up....

Oh so tired!!!

2011-07-25T16:34:00.000Z

Over the past few months, ive told the explorers who are coming to the jamboree, that they have to eat well and sleep lots. Ive managed to eat well, but sleep, 2 hours in 36.

Dont worry mum (she does tho!!) early to bed tonight!!

After setting up my tent, ive spent the day helping to design processes for the it support team.

Off to tea now....

Home Sweet Home

2011-07-25T07:52:00.001Z

Not managed to get any sleep yet, but the is the Jamboree HQ, where the IT Support is run from. If you dont know already, I've been allocated to IT support for the duration.

Ive met, Pontus, who is showing,me aroubd the syztens. Very inpressive!!!

And the suns come up at 4am

2011-07-25T02:10:00.003Z

On site. . .

2011-07-25T02:10:00.001Z

and lost already

Big tent no 1.....

2011-07-25T00:35:00.001Z

theyve even got a rockery through the middle with bridges over it!

Got neckers, plus other things!

ID cards and letter

2011-07-25T00:06:00.001Z

lots of updates today! Got my id card and a nice introductory letter, however, it does state:

"You might be able to attend job training between 8:00 and 11:30" -does that mean its optional?? ;-)

Tired, but at booking in.

2011-07-24T23:35:00.001Z

it seems to be a a tent oi n the middle of nowhere?! Check in, then to the site, pitch and SLEEP!!!

The eagle has landed....

2011-07-24T20:41:00.001Z

welcome to sunny (well very rainy) copenhagen.

Next stop, jamboree check in, then to the site.

He jumped from 40,000ft.....

2011-07-24T18:55:00.000Z

This news update is from the plane somewhere over the north sea.

Actually when I send this we should have landed in copenhagen, but we will have to see.

I'm sat near the group from Albania and Leicester.

Campfire songs seem to be being sung, however, I query the appropriateness of "John Brown's body". Incase you don't recognise the name, the song goes:

He jumped from 40,000 ft without a parachute (x3)

And he ain't gonna jump no more!

Glory glory what a hell of a way to die, when you're hanging by your braces and you don't know how to fly,

glory glory what a hell if a way to die

And he ain't gonna jump no more....

They scraped him off the runway like a lump of strawberry jam..... Etc etc

My phone is currently in "fly mode" and is hovering around the cabin, quite an interesting feature!! ;)

Done my first badge swap, bit sad, but shey ho!!

Due to land in copenhagen in about 40 minutes, then I need to work out how I'm getting from there to Rinkaby (and the jamboree site).

Time to either join in the songs or pretend to be asleep.

Fitz

Great! We're flying in a microlight!!! ;)

2011-07-24T17:48:00.000Z

First international scouts!

2011-07-24T17:34:00.001Z

Just met my first foreign scores of the trip. These are from Armenia and have been staying with british scouts for the past few days in Ho-Ho (Home Hospitality) in leicester.

I've also met scouts from leicester, wales, lincon.

Boarding now .... Up up and away!!!!

And they're off.....

2011-07-24T17:24:00.000Z

right, time to leave parents for the trip to the airport and we're on our way!

The end of a busy week!!

2011-07-24T10:47:00.000Z

Well, the day has finally arrived where I'm off to Sweden. The updates so far have been a little sparse, but it's been a manic week!!

Yesterday, for those who weren't involved, was my brother Drew's wedding and the Bride looked wonderful!!

Here's a pic or 2 for you . . . . .

Speak later, got to pack now!!!! ;-)

Fitz

Problems :(

2011-07-19T17:32:00.001Z

I sent the below image on sunday, however, it looks like the high resolution on my phone camera doesn't work with posts to the blog.

Hope I remember to reduce pictures otherwise the post fails :(

1 week to go....

2011-07-19T17:29:00.001Z

With one week to go until lift off, Simon (Spitfire's district commissioner) and his lovely lady wife (Amanda) hosted a party for those from Spitfire who were going to sweden. Today marks the count down to when I fly, will try to keep you posted on how I'm doing, but with a dancing show and my brothers wedding this week before I go, theres lots of things to do before then.

PreJambo party @ AAW!

2011-05-21T21:14:00.000Z

Cool band great music, good friends!

Tonight

2011-05-21T16:04:00.000Z

As far as I know, this is the evening activity tonight!

Mmmm breakfast!

2011-05-21T08:38:00.000Z

Just had breakfast, quite nice, a bacon roll, a sausage roll and coffee. Just got back to the tents and thought I'd take a pic of the view to share.

Arrival

2011-05-21T08:35:00.001Z

Here we are at Gilwell. It looks like they've setup a big top to go with the circus theme!

Last night, I met steve and baz from British Scouts Western Europe who are the other two leaders in the birmingham/bswe unit. Also met up with graham and keith from the birmingham side. A good night had by all, except for the excessively noisy network behind us. Laughing and joking is one thing, shouting(!) at 4am was a little bit ott!

Heyho, not a perfect start, but good thus far.

C'mon, The weekend has landed . . .

2011-05-20T09:49:00.001Z

Well, its finally here, the AAW (All Adult Weekend).

Now some people have suggested strange this happening at the AAW, however, it's perfectly genunine. Basically, this weekend, all the adults going to the jamboree are going to Gilwell this weekend. IST (international service team), unit leaders and contingent staff, but no young people! ;)

Sounds like its gonna be a great weekend. I'll be travelling down later today, so hopefully, will be there before it gets dark!

Anyway, this is probably the easiest thing to use as a start to the countdown to Jamboree 2011.

Will try an post over the weekend with updates on what we're upto.

Email just in. . .

2010-10-05T14:55:00.001Z

"Dear IST applicant

Stand by: this is the email you have been waiting for!

Now that the Gilwell Park IST Second Wave Selection has taken place, I am delighted to offer you a place to join the UK Contingent as a member of the IST!"

Woo-hoo!!! I'm going to Sweden!! :)

Homeward bound . . .

2010-10-03T14:43:00.000Z

After a great day in the wet, heading home. Won't fidnout if I'm in until next week. Watch this space.

I am not a number :)

2010-10-03T08:37:00.000Z

Me for the day!! Waiting in the queue for coffee!! :)

Arrived at Gilwell Park

2010-10-03T08:31:00.000Z

Now for the days activities!!

Missing you all a gang show! Have fun!!!

On the road

2010-10-03T05:33:00.000Z

The journey starts! 6:30am, leaving home, all packed. Raining tho :(

Silly time in the morning! (5am! On a sunday!!)

2010-10-03T04:22:00.000Z

Just time to get up, get my stuff together, have a wash and head to Gilwell for IST Selection!! Hopefully I'll get in!

Will find out next friday!

There are places i remember all my life. . . .

2007-08-09T21:20:00.001Z

It's strange to finally be leaving. It seems months since i was last at home. The pic is of the dead grass under my tent, or my tent's footprint. Across the site there seemed to be footprints all different shapes and sizes yet all from one huge shared experience. People have asked me if it was worth it, and the answer is yes. The experience is once in a lifetime but as with all things, they must come to an end. I hope to keep this Blog going, but on a less regular basis. Thanks to all those who read or made comments and i hope to see you all soon. Ttfn

Found junior!

2007-08-08T12:32:00.001Z

After 2 weeks i've managed to find Junior. I think she's been hiding from me, as seen in the pic!

So Sam what was the best thing about the Jamboree?

2007-08-08T10:49:00.001Z

Sam is M.I.A. He left with Unit 007 in the early hours to goto paris. Last heard if was having a great time!

----  Sent using a Sony Ericsson mobile phone

So Ben what was the best thing about the Jamboree?

2007-08-08T09:56:00.001Z

Waking up in the morning and seeing a different nationality walk past.

So Louise what was the best thing about the Jamboree?

2007-08-08T09:50:00.001Z

The atmosphere and Black Magic and the ceremonys. I cried yesterday but Jess and Sam did too!

So Jess what was the best thing about the Jamboree?

2007-08-08T09:44:00.001Z

I don't know, it's al been good!

So Andrew what was the best thing about the Jamboree?

2007-08-08T09:41:00.001Z

Being in the arena with 40,000 and when Dan put me on his shoulders so i could see everything. I did almost fall off when he started dancing tho!

The Lod!

2007-08-07T23:32:00.001Z

Headed to the closing ceremony with Dave Lod, as pictured here!

The End. . . .

2007-08-07T20:39:00.001Z

This really poor picture is the Mexican contingent on stage at the closing ceremony. The rain has stopped at we arrived and hopefully will be dry for the rest of the ceremony. Over the last 24 hours we have all been working hard to clear Trash. The site is now totally cleared! The work we put in over the first 4 days was cleared within about 8 working hours!

Oooooooops!

2007-08-05T22:09:00.001Z

Sorry forgot to mention that the pic is me the boys from Bath Gang Show! Sorry guys!

----  Sent using a Sony Ericsson mobile phone

Day 52 on the Big Brother Campsite

2007-08-05T22:07:00.001Z

I seen to have completely lost all track of days. I even tried to meet up with someone who is coming down tomorrow! Anyway, another day on Trash this time on Art which is basically making art out of Trash! Lucy, one of the white Trash girls (the organisers of Trash) is in hospital with some allergic reaction to something. Other than that, all great, hi to my regular emailers and hi to Simon who emailed me a few days ago. Catch you all soon.

The Ultimate Brown Nose Moment!

2007-08-05T08:00:00.001Z

This was the point where i met the UK chief scout, Peter Duncan. He was in the middle of filming and stopped for a photo shoot for me. I did forget however to ask him for my Blue Peter badge! Anyway, yesterday was spent walking round with mat becky and the lovely beth. I had managed to swing a day off just for the occasion. The 006 unit went to splash and had a great time raft building and we saw most of Spitfire district there and half of Kinver service crew. Hi to all! A great day.

Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum

2007-08-05T07:24:00.001Z

And I'm not gonna say who is which!

Special extra quote from Ben

2007-08-03T20:10:00.001Z

This is a special quote from Ben as i was walking to Black Magic: Someone broke my pole! Where's gate 2. I need a new pole!

Jess on TV

2007-08-03T19:33:00.001Z

Just found out jess is on BBC News 24 on sat 4th august at 2.30pm and 9.30pm. I believe the second is a repeat.

----  Sent using a Sony Ericsson mobile phone

The signature necker

2007-08-02T21:19:00.001Z

This is a pic of part of my necker that i got signed yesterday. Anyway, just had tea and i can't take it anymore. A slightly early bed time ready for more Trash tomorrow. Good night

The Happy Clappers!

2007-08-02T20:39:00.001Z

After my failure to be able to see the 007 unit do their James Bond set because they ran it early, the 006 unit had got through from their sub camp to perform on their hub. A hub is for 4 sub camps. So we waited for then to be called. Their brief was to create a number that was less than 4 mins long. The previous number must have lasted almost 10 and had started to become boring. On went 006 who performed excellently a 3 minute number which left the audience wanting more. The cheer from the 50-100 watching was huge and well deserved. Out of the explorers i've been texting about only Andrew was involved. An excellent performance! Well done all!

So Sam. What's the best thing about the Jamboree

2007-08-02T20:17:00.001Z

All of it! It's all too good to name one thing!

So Louise, what's the best thing about the Jamboree?

2007-08-02T18:57:00.001Z

Water fights are pretty cool and Twister with the Americans was petty cool too!