International Scout Jamboree

The Dengie Project Trust were pleased to have been given the opportunity to take part in Starburst this summer, the community element of the International Scout Jamboree.

Over forty Scouts a day experienced first hand the benefits of intergenerational partnerships with us their hosts 29 July for eight days. Different groups each day have been working alongside staff of the Trust, volunteers, local agencies and older people to explore a range of issues and engage in activities that encourage innovation, creativity, reminiscence, activity and fun.

Each of the day’s activities was individually tailored to ensure meaningful interaction between the Scouts and older people, to promote the exchange of experiences, ideas, and cross cultural comparison.

Specific activities included the makeover of a sensory garden and the exploration of the five senses, the promotion of  exercise and walking in staying active in later life

Entertainment programmes for local older people

Reminiscence involving community members through partnership with community radio. This material featuring local older people and the Scouts which will be recorded for archive and future broadcasting, and the recording of a Scout song for later CD release has taken place.

The Trust also opened its new community facility “One Place” in Southminster on Sunday, with a fun day. The resource in Southminster will be followed by a facility in Burnham and both will encourage the values of “One Place, One World , One Vision” and how people can work together to build an active, safe and healthy community.

Another event saw the formal launch of our “Choices” programme, summarised in a menu brochure detailing services from which older people can choose individually designed services to promote their independence and well being. In addition our new project of Postcard Befriending was launched.

Our final event on Monday 6th August was a walk from Southminster to Burnham to link both of our 'One Place' premises and to raise the awareness of partnership working, volunteering and fundraising. By all partners working together we raised £1000 on the day - click here for a full list of sponsors and supporters for the whole programme

At the end of each day our aim has been to ensure that each Scout Group returned to Camp with the experience of not only the project but also with a meaningful message which they may be able to utilise in their everyday lives when they return to their Country of origin. We expect to learn together from one another as we explore the benefits of community working, volunteering and ways the community can unite to address important issues.

We were fortunate enough to have the Ryo from the Youth Service capture each days activities on video.

On November 13th & 14th we hosted an exhibition at Swallowtails in Burnham for all interested parties to view the DVD and the exhibition showing details of all of the activities undertaken, a comprehensive display of photographs and the opportunity to listen to some of the audio reminiscence recordings. We would like to thank everybody who came along and helped to make this event so successful.