The 14th World Scout Jamboree: A Historic Gathering in Norway
The 14th World Scout Jamboree took place from 29 July to 7 August 1975 in Lillehammer, Norway, alongside the picturesque Gudbrandsdalslågen river.
This remarkable event, famously known as “Nordjamb ’75”, was inaugurated by King Olav V and Crown Prince Harald, with the presence of an impressive 17,259 Scouts representing 94 countries. The opening ceremony featured speeches by Ragnhildur Helgadóttir, the President of the Nordic Council, and László Nagy, the Secretary-General of the World Scout Bureau.
Motto and Symbolism
The motto of the jamboree, “Five Fingers, One Hand,” epitomized the theme of international collaboration fostered by the five Nordic countries involved in organizing the event. During the opening ceremony, participants formed a giant hand, creating a unique photographic opportunity from aircraft above.
This motto symbolized the following:
- Unity: Five fingers are small and weak individually, but together they form a powerful and effective unit.
- Global Gathering: Scouts from all five continents converge at the World Jamboree.
- Cooperation: The five Nordic nations jointly hosting a global event.
The British contingent, led by Robert Baden-Powell, 3rd Baron Baden-Powell, included Scouts from various branches in Bermuda, Hong Kong, and Rhodesia.
Activities and Excursions
The jamboree featured a diverse program including excursions in the mountains, activity areas, the Nordic trail, choir performances, a visit to the Maihaugen cultural museum, and the Jamboree Country Fair. Scouts were also hosted in residences across Scandinavia.
One standout feature was the inclusion of two-day hikes, a novel concept for a World Jamboree. Approximately 12,000 Scouts participated, divided into international patrols formed through a computer selection process, ensuring diverse representation. Each patrol, consisting of members from eight different countries, was led by an experienced Scout from a Scandinavian nation. A total of 1,500 patrols embarked on their adventures, traversing 235 routes ranging from 12 to 25 km in the surrounding mountains, primarily above the tree line at about 1,000 metres.
Overnight accommodations were unique, as no tents were provided; instead, each patrol received a large plastic sheet for shelter. A safety team comprising 100 Norwegian Army members and a helicopter was on standby to ensure participant safety.
The Jamboree also welcomed Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden and Crown Prince Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Weather and Campsite
Participants experienced unusually warm weather, with temperatures soaring to record highs of 36 °C, despite prior advice to bring cool-weather clothing.
The campsite was located on the banks of the Lågen river, where it flows into Lake Mjøsa, featuring a central area and ten subcamps.
Wide Range of Activities
Each Scout had the opportunity to engage in various activities, including:
- Physical Activities
- Water Activities
- The North Trail
- Nature and Conservation
- Handicraft
- Maihaugen Museum Visit
- Nordic Culture and Democracy
- Modern Technology
- Two-Day Hike
On 2 August 1975, the Jamboree Country Fair took place, introducing Nord Crowns as the camp currency.
Related Topics
- 1994 Winter Olympics
- World Scout Jamboree
References and External Links
- Facebook: “Remembering Nordjamb’75 – 14th World Scout Jamboree, Lillehammer, Norway.”
- Norwegian Scout Museum: “14th World Scout Jamboree” – speidermuseet.no
