5th Euro Mini Jamboree Gibraltar 2024

On the 28th of July we arrived at the campsite. After a brief tour, they spoke to us about what would happen during the week. Our adventure started the next day with a tour of the siege tunnels. The 30th and 31st were the first days of the activities. We separated into 2 teams. One team went to the beach, and the other team went hiking to some old memorials and the second day we swapped. Team number 2 went to a bird sanctuary and looked at some special birds that are frequently seen around Gibraltar. We saw an eagle owl, a normal owl, and other exotic birds. After that, we then hiked to the northern defenses and were given a tour. They explained and showed how the soldiers were fighting and what their situation looked like. When the tour came to an end, we hiked down and stopped by a park to sit and eat lunch. After we finished our lunch, we hiked to the town center. In the main street, there was an arcade mall. We went rock climbing in the building and did a small treasure hunt in the main street. Likewise, team number 1 walked down to the beach. After an hours hike down, they eventually reached the beach and set everything in a shaded area. Yet again, they separated everyone there into 3 groups, and there were 4 activities. Stand up paddle boarding, ziplining, kayaking, and rafting. We realized the day passed by quickly because they announced we had to go. Something very interesting happened at the beach, though. A leader called every scout there to help push a car that was stuck in the sand. A few pushed the car, and others bounced it. Thankfully, it became unstuck and was able to get out of there. We took the bus back to the campsite. After a few hours, they announced that there was going to be a disco night. After two long and productive days, the events finally ended.

On the 1st of August, we had to get up earlier. It was an Olympic day! The plan was to hike to an Olympic gymnasium, which had a football field and a swimming pool. On the way there, we stopped by St. Micheal's cave that had a little light show every now and then. Eventually, we reached the gymnasium and set our bags down on the bleachers, and immediately got into the mini games. Each country was against each other. The mini games were treasure hunts, match the pictures with words, blindfold tent pitching, and swimming races. And as one would imagine, it was hard. Anyway, our time came to an end, and we started packing to head back. Unfortunately, there was no bus to take us this time, so we had to hike back, and of course, it was all uphill. We passed by a bridge that intentionally moved. Although some would say it was scary, the view was absolutely astonishing. We had finally reached the campsite and announced that tonight was the international village. Each country had the chance to set up a table that represented their country. After a while, the international village began. Surprisingly, almost everyone was in line to try out Cypriot specialties. There were some performances, like dances and songs to represent each country. The village was a hit. Everyone had an astounding amount of fun and got to learn about the other countries' cultures.

2nd of August, the plan was to hike down to this zoo and park. We had separated into 2 groups, and one group went to see the zoo whilst the other group had a chance to do a scavenger hunt around the park. Then, the teams switched. There were all sorts of animals in the zoo. For example, birds and parrots, apes, lemurs, and even boars. From bats to snakes, to guinea pigs to turtles! It was all fascinating to see. In due course, it was time to head back to the campsite. The leaders had prepared some fun minigames for everyone. There was rock climbing, shooting with pellets, and archery. After all that, it was time for campfire. But the fun doesn't end there, after the campfire, it was karaoke night again!

3rd of August, last day of Gibraltar. It was a busy day. We headed to the top of the rock! We reached this glass platform where it was possible to see all of Gibraltar. The view was jaw-dropping. On the way, we passed by so many monkeys. The funny thing is, some monkeys stole a couple of people backpacks. Fortunately, they managed to get it back. After some time, we started heading toward the cable cars. The plan was to take the cable cars down and walk around the city center. They took everyone to the Gibraltar museum first, where all the history of Gibraltar was. After walking around the city center, it was finally time to head back. That night was the closing ceremony. Each country gave a speech about their positive experiences at the mini jamboree. They gave out awards and thanked us for coming. And before we knew it, the jamboree came to an end. All the great adventures and tough hikes were officially over. But the friends we made and the bonds we created will stay with us forever.