| 5th World Scout Jamboree | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Location | Vogelenzang | ||
| Country | the Netherlands | ||
| Date | 1937 | ||
| Attendance | 28,750 Scouts | ||
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 Scouting portal | |||
The5th World Scout Jamboree (Dutch:5e Wereldjamboree) was theWorld Scout Jamboree where 81-year-oldRobert Baden-Powell gave his farewell.[1]
TheJamboree inVogelenzang,Bloemendaal in theNetherlands was opened on 31 July 1937 by QueenWilhelmina of the Netherlands, with 28,750Scouts from 54 countries attending. Given 650 water taps and 120 showers, it was considered the cleanest jamboree to date. The main camp was at Vogelenzang, theSea Scout camp was atBennebroek, now both part of the municipality Bloemendaal.[2] The host site was on the farm of the Vertegaal family.[citation needed]
The symbol used for the world jamboree is theJacob's staff, which was used during the exploration of new territories in theAge of Discovery byDutch sailors. The ten arms symbolize the ten articles of theScout Law. After this jamboree, the Jacob's staff became the award of gratitude for the Netherlands Scout organizations. Wooden versions were given to Scouts who had supported the jamboree organization. Later on, the silver and gold Jacob's staff became official awards of gratitude in the Dutch national Scouts organization.
The camp consisted of 12 subcamps, each with its own badge color:
Although girls did not participate in the jamboree (until the16th World Scout Jamboree in Australia), they were allowed to give a salute toOlave Baden-Powell, theirChief Guide. Also, a specialCub Scout day was organized during the jamboree.
At the closure of the event on 9 August 1937, Baden-Powell pointed out the symbol of this jamboree: theJacob's Staff and took his farewell.[5]
I am nearing the end of my life. Most of you are at the beginning, and I want your lives to be happy and successful. You can make them so by doing your best to carry out the Scout Law all your days, whatever your station and wherever you are. Now goodbye. God bless you all. God bless you.
