Commons Column 6th July 2007 - “Be Prepared”

I was privileged to be invited last week to the Scout Jamboree at Hylands Park. It was a brilliant event. I have always been very proud that the world headquarters of the Scouts is here in Epping Forest, at Gilwell Park – but I was even more proud when I saw for myself what had been achieved at the Jamboree.

I first knew that the Jamboree, as a celebration of the centenary of the founding of the Scouts by Baden-Powell, was being planned when I discussed it with the Chief Scout about 6 years ago. I could not imagine what kind of event would take more than six years to prepare. But now that I have seen the fruits of all that preparation, I understand why it took so long.

It really was a triumph of strategic planning. The transport and security arrangements via North Wield; the catering organisation for over 60,000 people every day; the “sub-camps” in their clusters; the range of different entertainment; the wonderful mixture of young people from 155 different countries – even the weather was good!!

I hope that the organisers of the 2012 Olympics will learn something about planning tactics from the Scouts.

But it was, of course, more than just an organisational victory. The atmosphere was exciting, inspiring and friendly. Young people – and many not-so-young people – spent days learning about other cultures and other countries. It seemed to me, comparing what was happening here in Essex with what is happening around the world, that not only the IOC but the United Nations has a lot to learn from the Scouts.

Do you know the only thing that is holding back the expansion of organisations like Scouts and Guides? There are waiting lists of young people wanting to join – but there are not enough adult leaders to expand on current numbers. How sad. Next time you are tempted to criticise the youth of today, remember that hundreds of thousand of them want to improve their skills, expand their horizons and help their local communities – but not enough older people share their enthusiasm.

I am, however, optimistic. And I am more convinced than ever that the right motto for life is “Be Prepared”!!