Reflections on Holland
1st Whitby Scouts-- In July 2008 the 1st Whitby Scout Troop with seven Scouts made the journey to Holland. For some it was the first time on an airplane and others it was the first time overseas. Each Scout took back their own individual experiences. "It was the best thing we have ever done", said Kristofer upon his return to Canada.
Amsterdam Bound
HOLLAND -- We arrived in Amsterdam at 7am Holland time, but for all of us it was just past midnight. Although we tried sleep was not to be had on the plane.
We were greeted by Tom and Martijn of Scouting Boxtel, the Scout Troop we were meeting to attend Nationale Jamboree 2008 together in the next few days.
Martijn was very kind in showing us around Amsterdam, but as the day wore on the jet lag took its toll.
In Boxtel, Scouts were matched with thier host families and they were kindly taken in to show them the typical dutch way of life.
For the next two days we were to be shown Kinderdijk (Windmills) and the Dutch countryside, taking a drive on a narrow winter dyke. A stop for Dutch pancakes was also in store store fdr us.
On day three we travelled by bike to Kampina, a natural area of Holland that has been preserved and also the location where allied forces took refuge in the forest during the Second Word War.
Event Summary Nov*
Nov 7-9 Rappel Camp
*for further listings see website
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AMSTERDAM -- 1st Whitby Scouts explore the historical areas of Amsterdam after landing in Holland. |
Nationale Jamboree 2008
HOLLAND-- Monday would mark the opening of the Jamboree. Our Scouts arrived by bike with Scouting Boxtel youth. Our encampment held over fifty Scouts under one shelter!
The official opening was at night with stage performances and a laser show. We took with us Canada beach balls to be bounced around in the crowd.
From that night forward we soon realised that the Dutch like to party; from the Orange Party, the Silver Party and the Foam Party - yes, foam party.
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For the next ten days we would join in the activities of the Jamboree. Some of us would make friends in the trading tent.
After the Jamboree
After ten days of the jamboree we had to say goodbye to our Dutch friends. We gave them all Canada Nationale Jamboree Contingent Crests that we wore on our jackets. Some of the Dutch Scouts said they wanted to visit Canada and they are more than welcome to join us for a camp in Canada.
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Rotterdam Scout Centrum
ROTTERDAM-- The 1st Whitby Scouts spend some time at the Rotterdam Scout Centrum. We used the Centrum as a base for the last three days of our adventure.
We slept in on Thursday and took a much needed breather. We went up the Euromast to dine in their Gourmet Restarant -- even the soup was amazing!
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KINDERDIJK- Scouts pose by one of the windmills at Kinderdijk. |
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August - September 2008
www.1stwhitbyscouts.ca
Efteling and Den Haag
EFTELING -- Efteling is a theme park in Holland. Walt Disney World is said to have been modeled after Efteling after Disney visited the theme park. It was certainly one of the trips highlights.
Our last day saw us travel to Den Haag for the beach, but it was raining and a bit cool that day so we went to the sealife centre.
Lasting Thoughts
We travelled to Holland to meet people and meet people we did. We were very happy and touched by some of the care and generosity we received. Each youth grew beyond their limits.
we learned the power of the brotherhood spirit in Scouting
Would we do it again? Absolutley! We can't wait!
Visit the 1st Whitby Scouts homepage to view more photos of the jamboree.
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