Exhibit Spotlight: 1979, the World Jamboree Year

Last month, we covered the 1979 Iranian World Scout Jamboree and its cancellation, so this month I wanted to talk about the World Jamboree Year. Since Scouts could not attend the Jamboree in Iran, the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) declared 1979 the World Jamboree Year and organized alternative International Scout events.

These Scouting events were held in Australia, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States of America.

Dalajamb 1979 – Sweden

The World Scouting Museum hosts items from Dalajamb in Sweden, which was attended by our founder, Dr. Horne. Dalajamb was considered the largest and closest approximation to an “official” World Jamboree; it was hosted by the King of Sweden. The weather was difficult for the event, featuring rain. Many attendees enjoyed their time in Sweden, but Scouts were celebrating around the world.

Kristall ’79 – Kandersteg, Switzerland July 22-31 1979

Kristall ‘79 was held from July 22-31 at the International Scout Centre in Kandersteg, Switzerland. Hosting roughly 1,200 Scouts from 42 countries, this Jamboree featured a 12-hour mountain expedition, folk festivals, and the ability to earn the High Adventure award badge by completing alpine tasks.

12th Australian/4th Asia-Pacific Jamboree – Perth Lakes, Perth, Australia December 1979 – January 1980

The 12th Australian/4th Asia-Pacific Jamboree was held from December 1979 to January 1980 at Perth Lakes in Perth, Australia. This World Jamboree Year event saw roughly 12,000 Scouts from 34 nations attending and working towards the Sandgroper Award.

1979 Philmont Scout Ranch – Western Adventure July 4-16 1979

Click Here to View Photos of the South African Scouts at Philmont Scout Ranch on July 4, 1979

Here in America, the Philmont Scout Ranch hosted a High-Adventure Trekking Event for Scouts who came to the US. Scouts from South Africa visited many US Cities like New York and Denver on their way to Philmont for the 110 km hike through the Rocky Mountains from July 4-16. The Scouts’ time at Philmont focused on Western history and activities.

Canadian Jamboree ‘79 Manitoba – Birds Hill Park

Canada hosted International Scouts at the Birds Hill Park in Manitoba for the Canadian Jamboree ’79. I have been unable to find much information about this event. Please comment if you attended, so we can have a retelling of the events and activities. I am also having trouble finding a date as well.

1979, The World Jamboree Year, and the Promise of WOSM

While the plans of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) could not move forward in 1979 due to the instability of Iran, true to the Scout Law, they were thrifty and found a way to partner with Scouting organizations around the world to offer Scouts a thrilling alternative. It is in times of struggle that Scouts can rise to the occasion and make the best out of very little. With pride and determination, Scouters will always be there to support the goals of Scouts, just like those Scouters who supported our goals. Use this as an example of perseverance next time you are discouraged by something out of your control, and find a way to make it work, just like those Scout leaders back in 1979! While the 1979 World Scout Jamboree might not have happened, many more Scouts were engaged via the innovative and quickly planned programs by WOSM and their partners.

Please be sure to check out some of the sources below and their personal stories from their trips during the 1979 World Jamboree Year. Some are wonderful retellings of not only their trips but also what the areas of the world were like in 1979. It’s a nice Scouting time capsule to dive into!