MedJam18 #BridgingCultures underway

Scouts and Guides from 21 different countries have come together in Malta to participate in MedJam18, the first Mediterranean Jamboree organised jointly by the Scout Association of Malta and the Malta Girl Guides.

President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca visited the camp on Friday, and told the planning team, “I’m very proud of the local Scout and Guide movement but also the global movement. I’m also very proud of the Maltese planning team who took on board for the very first time this historic Mediterranean Jamboree in Malta.

“I hope this unique experience in a Mediterranean country, in the midst of the Mediterranean with so many young people together, would be of great benefit for the young people as it provides a safe space for them to connect and enhance their friendships. It is so very important in an uncertain world today for scouts and guides to continue working towards creating spaces, to be united, respect each other and acknowledge human dignity as a way forward for the human race.”

She was welcomed and shown around the camp site by Project Director Edward Vella, Deputy Director Mary Rose Vella and the rest of the planning team. While meeting with participants, Her Excellency remarked that such a camp is providing the young scouts and guides coming from all over the world, a safe space where they can be themselves and make new friendships. She added that such a camp has an added value for young people to learn about respecting each other especially in the current historical and international contexts.

The international camp with the theme #BridgingCultures, is for Scouts and Guides aged between 11 and 16. It is taking place at the Ghajn Tuffieha International Scout Camp Site and started on 1st August and ends on 8th August. The organising committee brings together seasoned volunteer scouts and girl guides with different backgrounds and skills who are working tirelessly to give MedJam18 participants the experience of a lifetime supported by many volunteers forming part of the national and international service teams. MedJam18 has the full support of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

Maltese youngsters are sleeping under tents while sharing subcamps with foreign scouts and guides. Off-site activities such as visits to Valletta, Esplora science centre, adventure day, boat party and water park are held every morning. In the afternoons participants can take part in workshops regarding various themes. The evening programme includes a rhythm workshop by percussionist Peter Paul of Tribali, a barbecue, international evening and a visit to the silent city of Mdina and local village feast of Lija.

MedJam18 brings together various local partners including government entities, voluntary and commercial organisations, to give participants a fantastic programme including not only scouting and guiding skills but also fun and adventurous activities. This promises to make MedJam18 an opportunity for participants to focus on the growth of their personal development and one of the biggest youth events this year.

Malta’s known strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as its unique attractions, has surely created the perfect conditions to bring together scouts and girl guides from various countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. Whichever direction one may be coming from; North, South, East or West, Malta will act as a bridge for cultures.

More information about MedJam18 is available on the website www.medjam18.org.mt and Facebook page MedJam18.