FAQs as of October 5, 2023 What is AJ2025? AJ2025 is the 27th Australian National Scout Jamboree. It will be held from January 6-15, 2025 in the State of Queensland . What is AJ2025 Canadian Contingent? Under the leadership of Kent Latimer (Yorkton, SK) and a team of dedicated Volunteers who are coordinating and managing Canadian youth and Scouters interested in attending AJ2025 as participants or International Service Team (IST). When is AJ2025? AJ2025 will be held January 6th to 15th, however the Canadian Contingent will be organizing a pre-camp in Australia from January 2nd to 6th, 2025. Where is AJ2025 being held? The Maryborough Showgrounds & Equestrian Park is owned and operated by the Fraser Coast Regional Council and is one of the largest multi-purpose public venues in regional Australia. The venue hosts numerous festivals, community activities, exhibitions and equestrian events each year. What are age limits for AJ2025? Youth participants need to be between 13 and 16 years old. Born in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Older youth can attend as ISTs. Who can attend AJ2025? We are taking a different approach for this international adventure. All interested youth and Scouters are being asked to apply for a place or position. As we will be travelling across the world we need to ensure all members of the contingent are prepared and fully engaged. Just because you want to attend and can raise the funds does not mean you will be offered a spot. Recent international events by Scouts Canada members has shown how important it is to have committed, resilient, team oriented youth and Scouters in our contingents. Due to the size of our county and cost of travel, it is difficult to do a lot of training camps so we need to rely on selection criteria. Scouts-This is a Scout Jamboree. Canadian youth need to be born between Jan 1, 2010 and Dec 31, 2011 Venturers-Youth participants born prior to 2007 but not yet 18 will be IST with their own subcamp
How do I learn more? Check out the Canadian Contingent website https://australiascoutjam2025.weebly.com/or Australian Jamboree site https://www.aj2025.com.au/. How big will the Canadian Contingent be? We think this is an awesome opportunity and hope to have about 30-50 members representing Scouts Canada. There is no cap on the size of the Canadian contingent. When can I apply? Plans are to post the application form on November 20, 2023. All applications received by March 28th 2024 will be reviewed and positions offered by May 31, 2024. The applications will stay open until May 31, 2024 and be evaluated on a continuous intake basis. We commit to response within 10 days of application. Does AJ2025 have a website?Yes, https://www.aj2025.com.au/
How much is it going to cost?Current estimates are $3000 for youth and $2,500 for Scouters and ISTs attending pre-camp. This includes 4 days of pre-camp in Brisbane, all Jamboree fees and in country transportation at precamp to/from Jamboree Site. Flights to Australia are not included in fees.Scouts Australia has Set their fee and there are many other unknown costs so the Canadian Contingent is reserving the right to adjust the fee closer to the departure date, especially if there are major currency exchange rate changes. . Please know that Contingent team are penny pinchers who are very “wise in the use of all resources” but we don’t have crystal balls. We do know that Groups and families need a base cost to contemplate attending. Any unspent money from fees collected will be refunded in March of 2025 When is first payment due? The initial Nonrefundable deposit is $300. This is non-refundable but transferable. We are awaiting information from Jamboree organizers as to payment plan but expect the initial deposit to be due very soon after you application is approved. Will there be a pre-camp? Yes, there will be a pre-camp in Australia. Thoughts are to arrive in Brisbane on January 2nd and explore this amazing city until January 6th when we will board a coach to the Jamboree site. What documents do I need? Everyone needs a valid passport that does not expire prior July 2025. In addition, all travellers, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. This must be done on-line in advance and requires a passport. The cost is $20 Australian. The Canadian Contingent travel team will assist with this process. What equipment do we need to bring? The plan is to put Canadian patrols with Australian patrols who will provide tents and cooking equipment. Canadian participants will only need sleeping bags/pads and mess kits. What will the temperature be? Australia can get very hot, but Maryborough has an average high of 28 degrees and low of 22 degrees during January, but it can get up to 40 degrees Will there be other international contingents? AJ2025 anticipates contingents from UK, New Zealand and India. At their last Jamboree they had Groups or individuals from 17 countries. How are food/Allergies Handled?Scouts Australia is accustomed to dealing with food intolerances due to allergies or faith and any specific needs can be discussed with the individual or family in advance. Will there be hot showers?Yes! Will there be power available on site to charge CPAP Batteries? Yes Will there be badge trading?It is a scouting event—there will be badge trading! ☺