About Us
Find out more about who we are, how HIJ came to be.What is the Hampshire International Jamboree?
Just like every international jamboree we are a team of volunteers bringing fun, adventure and enjoyment to young people from Hampshire, the UK and the World. What sounds like a simple goal is a mamouth effort. What started as a conversation has become a vision and by 2028 a reality.
HIJ 2028 will be a safe and inclusive enviroment that reflects our vision of being big, bold and open to the world. An event that is not only enjoyable for our groups but also the team of volunteers who will feel supported, valued and proud to be part of our jamboree.
Whilst were working towards HIJ 2028, we are also looking beyond to every HIJ to come. Ensuring that our jamboree is sustainable; enviromentially, financialy and operationally so that we can create a legacy for generations to come.
HIJ was born after Jack and Paul said how it's strange that the largest Scouting county (by membership numbers) and in our opinion one of the best..... doesn't host a Jamboree.
So the Hampshire Scouts leadership team said go for it, from then on Jack and Paul began to build the team and with support from other volunteers within Hampshire Scouts, the County Leadership Team and Board of Trustee's, Hampshire International Jamboree has officially begun its journey.
The idea
From their initial conversation about how it would be amazing to have a Hampshire Jamboree, Jack and Paul started to speak with the Hampshire Lead Volunteer, their team and the Trustee Board. Looking at how the event would work and the overall purpose of the Jamboree. A green light to start planning was given.
Creation of HIJ
A focus group was set up and this was the beguining of bringing HIJ to life. A mixture of adult volunteers and young people brainstormed what they belive HIJ represented and how we should show ourselves. We went through iterations of our identity before landing on brand you see today.
Core team recruitment
At the heart of evey event is the people. Finding volunteers with the skills, dedication and enthusiasum began. Meeting people all sharing the same passion meant our team started to form.
Let it begin
On the 9th of February 2026, the Core team came together for the first meeting of this new team. Looking at how HIJ would be structured, funded and most importantly, who brings the biscuits for our next meetings.