About the Jamboree
From Monday, 28 December 2026, to Thursday, 7 January 2027, Scouts Aotearoa will host the 24th Aotearoa New Zealand Scout Jamboree at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, Waikato – the largest Scouting event in the country!
Every three years, Scouts from New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and beyond join together for 10 days of adventure, learning, and friendship. With campsites, activity zones, shops, and live entertainment, the site transforms into a vibrant community, complete with a New Year's celebration!
Scouts Aotearoa is committed to uniting young people through adventure and friendship, thanks to the dedication of our volunteers.
STORY BEHIND THE JAMBOREE BADGE
The silver fern, a unique symbol of Aotearoa New Zealand, is celebrated for the striking silver-white undersides of its fronds and proudly serves as the country’s national emblem. The word "TOGETHER" embodies self-confidence, level-headedness, organisation, and companionship. "KOTAHITANGA" represents unity, togetherness, and solidarity, highlighting the importance of friendship, teamwork, and shared experiences. The reef knot is a timeless symbol of unity and camaraderie, reflecting the core principles of Scouting in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, underscoring the connections forged through collaboration and shared adventures. By featuring "TOGETHER" and "KOTAHITANGA," we promote Scouting in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond, inspiring participants to embark on adventures together, expand their horizons, and build lifelong friendships while cherishing every moment of their journey. The colours on the Jamboree badge/logo — red and yellow — ignite a sense of passion and foster deeper connections among individuals. They evoke the warmth of days spent outdoors, the vibrant laughter shared among friends, and the sheer joy of life itself. Black symbolises the strength of unity and emphasises belonging and community. These colours link our everyday experiences to the enduring legacy shared by past Jamborees and future generations.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
The Scout Jamboree tradition began with Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, with the inaugural event held in London in 1920. Fast forward to 1926, when the first New Zealand Jamboree gathered around 1,200 enthusiastic participants beneath the iconic canvas tents at Tahuna Park, Dunedin, Otago. The 24th Scout Jamboree will be celebrating 100 years of Scouting Jamborees in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Otago provincial colours of blue and gold have been used to commemorate this milestone. At the time, local newspapers reported that about 850 spirited Scouts from across Aotearoa New Zealand, alongside troops from New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Africa, united in a celebration of excitement, camaraderie, and the true spirit of Scouting!
