Member Highlight: Sarah at NorJam
Helen Russell • 15 November 2025
We are throwing it back to the summer to celebrate one of our brilliant volunteers. Sarah spent her week at NorJam as part of team Bushscout.UK, and she has kindly shared what makes a jamboree such a special, unforgettable experience.
After catching up on sleep, laundry and what her family had been up to while she was away, Sarah took a moment to reflect on the magic of a jamboree. Delivering at a jamboree, on the staff side, is very different from supporting a contingent. It gives you much broader exposure to the participants and leaders on site and a completely different perspective on how an event of this scale works.
Yes, the days are long and the starts are early, but there is a huge amount of joy, fun and satisfaction in being part of a team that provides meaningful activities. There is nothing better than seeing young people and adults gain confidence, build skills and try something new. The Bushscout.UK space runs at a different pace to the high energy zones, and it matters that there is something for everyone, whatever their needs or experience. Our activities are practical, accessible and easy for leaders to take back into their own programmes.
For Sarah, one of the most rewarding parts of the week was adapting activities so everyone could take part successfully. That inclusive approach helps Scouts and Guides see what they can achieve and gives their leaders new ideas for their own section nights. And from the staff side, there is plenty of learning too. Bushscout.UK volunteers share skills, try out each other's activities, and support other bases when needed. It is a collaborative team spirit from morning until lights out.
As a team, we eat together, share downtime together and look out for one another. There is always company when you want it and space to relax when you need it. There is even time to catch up with friends who might be working elsewhere on site. By the end of the week, friendships deepen, new connections form and everyone has a sense of shared achievement.
If you have never experienced the joy of a jamboree and you have the gift of time to serve others, we would love you to consider joining a Bushscout.UK staff team in the future. You will help young people make lifelong memories and, just as importantly, you will make some of your own.
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