For some, it is their first time at Jamboree Denmark 2026, while for others it is a joyful reunion with old friends. Some have travelled from far away, while others have arrived pushing their gear in a wheelbarrow. Now we are underway.
The joy of anticipation is huge: 30,000 guides and scouts have now arrived in Hedeland by bus and wheelbarrow.
The buses arrive in long convoys as 30,000 guides and scouts make their arrival in Hedeland. Out of the buses swarm young guides and scouts with large backpacks, at the jamboree for the first time, and experienced guides and scouts in uniforms densely covered with badges bearing witness to many previous jamborees.
Spejdertorvet fills with guides and scouts of all ages, and in several places you can hear the loud joy of reunion as old friends find one another, while the stream of people flows across the square on their way to the campsite that will be the setting for their lives over the coming week. On the way, they pass the flag avenue with 33 flags flying side by side. One flag for each nation taking part in the jamboree.
The Very First Bus Arrived From the Netherlands
The jamboree’s very first bus with guides and scouts has come all the way from the Netherlands; it rolls into Hedeland on Saturday morning as early as 7.30. Waiting to welcome them is their leader, Erick Jan Jonker, in a yellow vest. He is a Planning Team or Service Team (IST) traffic warden and also took part in Jamboree Denmark in 2022. He therefore encouraged his group to come to Denmark this year.
“I am really looking forward to showing my group a large Danish jamboree. I have been on camps in many countries, but a Danish jamboree is something special, because there is something for all age groups. It was an amazing moment to see them roll in as the very first bus at the jamboree,” says Erick Jan Jonker.
It is a busy day for Erick and all the other traffic wardens. The buses keep arriving every few minutes until 16.00.
Jamboree Chief Marie Torp Christensen has also stopped by the buses to see the many happy guide and scout faces:
There is something very special about standing here, watching the buses roll in, one by one, and knowing that every single one of them is filled with guides and scouts who have been looking forward to this for months When you see 30,000 people move in and populate an entire city in just a few hours, you understand how big a shared effort this really is,” she says.
Looking Forward to the “Shit Run”
One of the groups also arriving today is Klintekongen from Store Heddinge.
Pick up your bags and line up in groups” the leader says to the excited guides and scouts.
Ahead of them lies a long walk with their packs down to their subcamp Landet (the countryside). Several of the younger guides and scouts need help getting their bags onto their backs. Jarl is looking forward to taking part in the “Shit Run”:
I think it has something to do with digestion,” he says.
While Carl is looking forward to the activity bases and the treasure hunt. And for Sofie, it is the visit to the Viking Ship Museum. Everyone agrees that it is going to be a great jamboree.
Junior leader Magnus is also pleased to have arrived. Ahead of this lie many hours of preparation and coordination:
I am looking forward to seeing how much the children develop during the week and to seeing how the older ones quite naturally assume responsibility and help the younger ones. There is a lot of logistics to keep track of when you are away at such a large jamboree. But it is all worth it when you see the joy in the children, and then there is the thought that for some, this week may become the greatest experience of their lives,” he says.
Photo: Heine Dransfeldt.
A Personal Jamboree Armchair Wheelbarrow
While most people arrive by bus, others have chosen more alternative ways to travel. The Stenlænder troop from Stenløse walks in procession to the jamboree with their luggage in their own wheelbarrows.
We are a little tired now, but the trip has gone well, and it is great to have an extra challenge. And now we can look forward to sitting in our armchair,” says Sidsel, who is one of the scouts who has walked 25 km with a wheelbarrow.
The idea came about because the troop was always fighting over who could use the group’s wheelbarrow as an armchair. That is why a personal jamboree armchair wheelbarrow with a name on it has been introduced for each guide or scout.
During the week we will spray-paint it so that it becomes even more personal,” says Kathrine, who is a troop leader with the Stenlænders.
