2010 Archive
This page includes copies of Kastle Kurrents, the Camp Diary, sub-camps with the details of patrols and countries within and the feature article on the Staff of the Camp.
Kastle Kurrents 2010
This page contains copies of the Camp's Daily Newspapers for 2010.
These files are in pdf file format - you will need Acrobat Reader to read these files. If not available on your machine it is available from Adobe, free of charge from their web site. Some of these files are large and may take some time to open
This page will be updated daily with details of the days activity on camp, comments and photographs from the over 1000 Scouts and Leaders at the Jamborette.
Click here for the 2010 Diary.
Jamborette Programme 2010
| Date | Time | Activity / Event | Date | Time | Activity / Event |
| Monday 19th July 2010 | - | Scottish Scouts arrive and set up camp. | Tuesday 20th July 2010 | - | Overseas Scouts Arrive |
| 1900 | Scottish Scouts Tour of the Site. | - | Opening Ceremony | ||
| - | Opening Campfires in Subcamps | ||||
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| Wednesday 21st July 2010 | - | Daily Activity Programme begins. | Thursday 22nd July 2010 | - | Daily Activity Programme |
| 1830 | Camp Dinner - staff dine with Patrols | - | Evening Activities Programme | ||
| 2030 | Day-Go Disco | - | Kastle Karnival | ||
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| Friday 23rd July 2010 | - | Daily Activity Programme begins. | Saturday 24th July 2010 | 1400 | Country Fair |
| 1300 | Satellite Camp Opens | 1930 | RC Mass | ||
| - | Evening Activities Programme | 2100 | International Campfire | ||
| 2000 | Blair in the Park (Kastle) | ||||
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| Sunday 25th July 2010 | - | Late "Rise and Shine" | Monday 26th July 2010 | ||
| 1030 | Flagbreak | - | Daily Activity Programme | ||
| 1100 | Scouts' Own at Blair Castle | - | Evening Activities Programme | ||
| 1430 | International Games in the Subcamps | - | International PLs Supper | ||
| 1800 | Barbeque Meal in subcamps | - | International Show Case | ||
| 2000 | Pirates Away | ||||
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| Tuesday 27th July 2010 | - | Daily Activity Programme | Wednesday 28th July 2010 | - | Last day of Daily Activity Programme |
| - | Evening Activities Programme | 1800 | Burns Supper | ||
| - | International PLs Supper | 2000 | Kastle Keilidh | ||
| - | Sub-Camp Showdown | ||||
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| Thursday 29th July 2010 | 1100 | Atholantics | Friday 30th July 2010 | - | Dispersal of Scouts |
| - | Subcamps dismantle | - | Dismantle of Camp | ||
| 2130 | Closing Ceremony & Campfire | ||||
The Blair Atholl Kastle Main Events 2010
Each night something special is happening in the Kastle. From eight till late this is where it's happening.
Wednesday 23rd is the Day-Go Disco. Lace up your dancing shoes and groove on down to the Kastle to bust a move at our glow in the dark opening party!
Thursday 24th - Kastle Karnival - See how long you can stay on the bucking bronco, challenge yourself on the inflatables or just spend the night dancing away to the samba band; it's all there at this year's Kastle Karnival.
Friday 25th - Blair in the Park- Can you play an instrument or sing a song? If so, why not be a performer & support the headlining acts at Blair Atholl's first ever music festival? An evening of top-notch musical entertainment for all.
On Sunday 27th - Pirates Ahoy- Avast me hearty, don't be a land lubber, grab yer pirate togs and get on board the good ship Kastle for a night of nautical fun. Yarr!
Monday 28th - International Showcase - Come along to enjoy a night of performances from all the overseas contingents visiting Blair this year, a unique and fun way to learn about other cultures and share your own
Tuesday 28th- Sub-Camp Showdown - The ultimate summer showdown! Come along for an evening of mad challenges & crazy games and make sure your sub-camp comes out on top!
And after ALL that it's definitely going to be a night to remember.
Wednesday 30th - Kastle Keilidh - It's the last night in the Kastle and what better way to end this year's run than by dancing the night away in a traditional Scottish stylee with one of the best ceilidh bands in the land?
Something for everyone - come and chill out in the Kastle.
Camp Diary 2010
Sunday 18th July 2010
For the past few months the core team have been meeting and planning this years event - no mean task. Over the last few days, Staff have been arriving on site to start the massive task of erecting marques, building all the facilities into the Kastle, preparing the sub-camps and installing all the services that make the camp work. This will continue through today and on into Monday. The results will be obvious in the pictures displayed over the coming days.
The camp site earlier in the year
and at 9 a.m. this morning
There was some heavy rain overnight, but as the day progressed things improved, although the forecast is for more rain. As the day progressed, the site took shape in preparation for the arrival of the Scottish Scouts in the morning.
Blair Castle looks great against a rather dark skyline, but our Kastle is still in it's early days.
Throughout the day, Staff worked away - admin preparing for the influx of Scottish Scouts in the morning, preparing their packs of neckies, badges and security card. In the open field, staff prepared the sub camps, moving the pioneering timber into place for their camp table, mark off the camping areas for each patrol.
Else where the work continued in the Kastle and in the various other activity centres around the site. Later in the afternoon a briefing for the Activity Team Leaders followed by a briefing for all Activity Base Staff.
The Activity Team Leaders and the team members at their briefings.
These will be supplemented with Leaders from abroad, when they arrive on Tuesday.
Monday 19th July 2010
Quite a nice morning, if you were up and about early enough, but it was not to last.
Work continued around the site preparing for the arrival of Scotland, and many staff were drafted in to help receive the Scottish Scouts as they arrived, to check their details, and to take them to their respective sub-camps. Unfortunately in the middle of that process the heavens opened and camp services had to rapidly erect some marquees to give some protection to the arrivals.
The rain eventually eased off, with occasional light showers. The patrol tents, camp tables and gateways are now appearing and the site takes shape.
After evening meal, the Scottish Scouts had a tour the site in their sub-camps. This was designed to show them where things were and to introduce them to the various departments within the Jamborette site such as activities, administration, health and safety, handling of food, Site Services etc, where they were introduced to the leader responsible for these areas and they were given the "Do and Don't's" around the site - all aimed at making sure that the will have a safe and enjoyable camp.
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McLean Sub Camp with Marion, the Camp Doctor |
MacDonald Sub Camp and David Woodrow at QM |
Murray Sub Camp at Reception |
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Robertson Sub Camp with Site Services |
Stewart Sub Camp at the Kastle and activities |
Morrison Sub Camp leaving the 'Time-Out' tent |
Tuesday 20th July 2010
9 a.m. Sunday morning
and at 9 a.m. this morning
Quite a change over two days, and it has changed quite a bit since as the patrols build their sites and erect gateways, as you will see in the coming days.
The morning started off with a very low cloud over the whole site, but as the day moved on, it cleared nicely and was quite warm at times.
The visiting patrols started arriving around 10 a.m. and were piped onto the site a lone piper and the flow continued until 3 p.m..
The evening saw the official opening of the Jamborette by John Kennedy, the Camp Chief. The six clans gathered together and the flags of all the countries presented were paraded in, accompanied by a local pipe band.
John welcomed the gathering and then produced the torch from the 2008 Jamborette and invited the six sub-camp chiefs to light their torches and to take the clans back to the sub-camp and light their own opening camp fire.
As you will see from some of the pictures, unfortunately the rain started again, and whilst most persisted outside, some went for cover - well it was quite heavy.
Wednesday 21st July 2010
5 a.m. - yes I know it is an unearthly hour, but the continual pitter patter of rain on the canvas awoke me at that time - well perhaps pitter patter was an understatement (or so it sounded). The rain had returned. Had this something to do with the 2008 Candle that was used to light this years camp fires - this is how 2008 finished.
The bright side of it is, the long range forecast looks like the rest of the camp may be better
The rain has not disheartened anyone - yes we had to change plans and some of the outdoor activities were abandoned, but the Kastle came in to it's own as an activity area, over and above the planned activities in the area.
The queue for breakfast supplies and one of the pools that appeared across the site by lunch time
The afternoon saw a turn for the better in the weather and more of the outside activities were able to be run.
The girls try some circus skills whilst some others try the lounge in the castle
The last International Patrol to join the camp arrived from Namibia and are now with the patrol in Robertson. John kennedy is pictured here with the contingent in the Staff Club as the rested briefly after their long journey.
The matches of International Scouts to Scottish Patrols can now be found on a link to the sub-camps on the Gallery page. This page will be updated when ever possible with pictures of the leader team in each sub-camp.
Tonight the Staff should have been guests of the Patrols, but due to the weather this was postponed until another night. Tonight, the opening Disco is held in the Kastle and the Internet Cafe opens for the first time and as I write this the Disco is winning hands down.
And on the real bright side of things, the weather for tomorrow looks good, and even better on Friday, lets hope they have it right. We need a break.
A couple of pictures from the Disco
Thursday 22nd July 2010
7 a.m. - Summer has arrived! - We hope
After yesterday's torrential rain, the ground is already starting to dry out, as you can see there are blue skies with the odd cloud.
Activities continued today - a number of pictures in today's gallery show how activities were planned to happen yesterday, but due to the weather, they had to be moved in doors.
A view of the QM Stores, feeding 1250 people is no mean feat, with a continue flow of fresh vegetables, bread, milk etc. And a few new activities are shown, some interesting ideas on cooking fish, some excitement on climbing crates.
This evening the Staff were guests of the Patrols in their respective sub-camps and were treated to a meal of Melon, a cold meat salad, with boiled potatoes and strawberry's and cream.
This evening the camp is being entertained by a band in the Kastle.
Friday 23rd July 2010
Looks like it will be another reasonably good day. It's cold, even for our summers and an overcast sky, but the forecast is for it to remain dry in the main.
The activities have continued today and the youngsters, and the leaders are having a great time - in Scottish terms it has been quiet warm this afternoon, but is cooling down this evening.
There have been a few technical hitches to do with the pages, and once again today's edition of the Kamp paper has not been loaded, although it is available in the sub-camps - we will load it tomorrow.
Just a couple of pictures captured today, there are more in the Gallery and also a panoramic view of each of the sub-camp sites in the sub-camp section of the Gallery.
Tomorrow is visitors day and there s a lot of setting up required for the afternoon, so activities are suspended until Monday.
Due to an IT problem tonight I am unable to load the diary, but it will be loaded up first thing in the morning once we have resolved the problem. Meantime a final picture taken from the IT cabin as I was heading for bed.
Looking towards the Robertson sub-camp just before 11 p.m. a bit fuzzy, but it was a hand held camera.
Saturday 24th July 2010
The sub=camps had their normal routine of breakfast and inspection, and to some degree free time. However they also had to prepare for the Country Fair in the afternoon and many of the staff were drafted in to gather the requirements together - chairs, tables, cookers, gas and even more important the ingredients for those that were going to cooking for the visitors. There was a stage to be built and the PA system set up, as well as devising a programme of acts.
Gates opened at 1 p.m. and hundreds of parents and other relatives, friends, scouts and leaders that came for the day - poured onto the site.
The parade from the reception area to the Fair Gateway started at 2 p,m, lead by a Brass Band, with John Kennedy, Camp Chief, accompanied by his family , Eleanor Lyall, Chief Commissioner for Scotland, the Deputy Camp Chief and his family and various guests, made their way to the Fair Gateway to open the event.
For the next two hours campers and visitors alike enjoyed the fun of the fair.
Later in the evening their was a Camp Fire attended by all the sub-camps including the Satellite Camp and many parents and friends,
Sunday 25th July 2010
A late rise this morning after last night's camp fire. But never the less, there was still inspection and a slightly later flag break followed by the traditional Scouts Own up at Blair Castle.
Accompanied by a Scout Pipe Band, the complete camp, accompanied by the Satellite Camp, paraded up the drive of the Castle to the Castle Lawn.
Here each sub-camp presented an item on a theme of "One world - One Promise" and it really was excellently presented.
There was a surprise awaiting here as well when Eleanor Lyall, the Chief Commissioner for Scotland, invited John Kennedy and his wife to join her in front of the gathering.
She then announced that the Chief Scout, Bear Gryllis, and award John the "Silver Wolf" service of the most exceptional nature. This Award is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout.
Have a look at the 'Special Feature' page for more on John.
The afternoon was a session of International games, where the youngsters played each other at a variety of games or simply chilled out.
The also had an evening off cooking, as the Camp Staff prepared and served a barbeque on each sub-camp and this was followed 'Pirates Ahoy', a fun night in the Kastle.
Of course throughout the youngsters were either relaxing or preparing the "Pirates Ahoy".
 
Monday 26th July 2010
Back to activities today. A reasonable day, with the odd light shower, and one relatively heavy shower just before 7 p.m.. But that was supplemented but some quite warm sunny spells as well.
I spent the day looking at some of the services that are around the site, that make it all work - reception, the staff club where the staff can enjoy a read at the papers, enjoy a cup of coffee and generally chill out.
The Reception Area manned 24 hours a day
The Staff Club with some of the crew that support the Staff, and some of the staff enjoy a mid morning break.
The afternoon - the Atholl Experience the following pictures speak for themselves - have a look at the Gallery for the day - I followed the team shown below right round the course - and did not escape the mud :-)
They started off clean enough - but oh dear - however a dip in the river soon removed it all.
The evening saw the young people perform in the International Showcase - where they have the opportunity to perform an act whether it be a song, playing a musical instrument, either a as solo, duet or a group - it's a great night - there is some great talent out there. There will be some pictures in Kastle Kurrents I am sure.
Tuesday 27th July 2010
A day of mixed weather, a few showers but a bit warmer that it has been with the occasional really pleasant temperature.
The activities have continued today and tonight is the Sub-Camp Show-down - a session of mad challenges and crazy games, with points been won for your sub-camp.
A project to build a kart and run it down the hill and fun games- this guy had no chance against his opponent
Meal time for two patrols while the other is still cooking.
I managed to get to see the final of the inter sub-camp Showdown event and see the loser (Robertson) get gunged and Stewart jubilantly winning.
Meantime their was a PL's Supper being held at the Staff Club and two non-PL's held their own supper outside.
Wednesday 28th July 2010
Gee, how time has flown. Today is the last day of the activities programme. Overnight there has been some heavy rain.
Not any activity pictures today, but I have collected all but one of the sub-camp teams, and I have been promised the last one...
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| MacDonald Sub-Camp Staff | Robertson sub-camp Staff | Stewart Sub-Camp Staff |
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To Follow |
| Maclean sub-camp Staff | Murray Sub-camp Staff | Morrison Sub-camp Staff |
Also added today are the Reception and Administration team and there will be more on these people, and others in the Features section shortly.
This evening the sub-camps, and Staff Mess, held a Burns Supper and I took a walk around some of them and got fed at the same time - thanks guys.
We also received an email from one of the parents and he included an aerial photograph of the Camp Site that he had taken on the Thursday evening. We have long wanted a new aerial shot, and thanks to Steve, here it is.
Thursday 29th July 2010
The last full day of camp.
It started quiet nice, warm and bright, but for a short time the rain returned quite heavy for a while and then sun returned and it has the promise of being a good afternoon, and hopefully stay fine for the final campfire.
Inspection was held this morning but in a dress down mode as you will see below.
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Whilst Inspection and Flag break were taken place the majority of the Staff were working hard at preparing for the Atholantics, a fun packed two to two and a half of hours comprising of over 30 bases for the Scouts to compete in, points being awarded to the sub-camp for the winners of each base. A few pictures below. The Camp Chief, along with the sub-camp chiefs all attend and witness the event from the bridge of their pirate ship, which was the gateway to the Country Fair.
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The lunch and then the work starts dismantling the camp - a fair task to do in an afternoon.
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The pioneering timber is returned to the store |
The queue to store it. |
This evening there will be a closing camp fire. This is always a spectacular and moving event, the last time the camp is together as a body, and this years was no different, aided by spectacular moonlight, perhaps not noticed by many.
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Friday 30th July 2010
And so we reach the end of this years Blair Atholl Jamborette
This was the scene at 9 a.m. Some of the Scouts had already departed for either home or Home Hospitality. For example the 10 French Scouts and their two leaders had been in Scotland since the 9th of July in Ayrshire and they were heading straight back to Strasbourg on a flight at 11 a.m.
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Gradually as the morning passed, more and more patrols left site.
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| The site at 1030 a.m. | and at 1.30 p.m. |
Over the last 12 days, many new friendships have been struck up and of course many re-unions made between staff at the camp. They all leave with memories of 2010 and looking forward to coming together again in two years hence.
So that it it for another two years - as the details on Blair Atholl 2012 become available next year, details will appear as usual. My picture count for the duration of the camp is just short of 2000, and there were many many others taken, some of which I will add to the galleries in the coming days.
My apologises for the late addition of the last day's pictures, but I have had some problems with my computer since returning home - hopefully now resolved.
Bob, Webmaster - Blair Atholl Jamborette.
Below are the details of which Scottish and International Scouts are in the respective sub-camps for 2010
| Macdonald | MacLean | Morrison | Murray | Robertson | Stewart |
MacDonald Subcamp
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The MacDonald Sub-Camp comprises of 12 camp areas each with a Scottish and an International patrol. The subcamp is led by Auntie Jackie. They are :-
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| Aunts and Uncles |
MacLean Subcamp
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The MacLean Sub-Camp comprises of 12 camp areas each with a Scottish and an International patrol. The subcamp is led by Auntie Eva. They are :-
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| Aunts and Uncles |
Morrison Subcamp
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The Morrison Sub-Camp comprises of 12 camp areas each with a Scottish and an International patrol. The subcamp is led by Uncle Steven. They are :-
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| Aunts and Uncles |
Murray Subcamp
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The Murray Sub-Camp comprises of 12 camp areas each with a Scottish and an International patrol. The subcamp is led by Uncle Robert. They are :-
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| Aunts and Uncles |
Robertson Subcamp
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The Robertson Sub-Camp comprises of 13 camp areas each with a Scottish and an International patrol. The subcamp is led by Uncle Colin. They are :-
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| Aunts and Uncles |
Stewart Subcamp
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The Stewart Sub-Camp comprises of 12 camp areas each with a Scottish and an International patrol. The subcamp is led by Uncle Robbie. They are :-
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| Aunts and Uncles |
2010
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The Camp ChiefJohn Kennedy first became involved with the Blair Atholl Jamborette in 1976 and has attended all 18 camps since. This is John's 7th Jamborette as Camp Chief, a role he thoroughly enjoys. This year there are Scouts from 18 countries and a support staff of 415. John said "I have a great support staff which makes this camp run smoothly from start to finish." So what does the Camp Chief do? And what does John do with his time when not planning the next Blair Atholl Jamborette? |
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The Core TeamWhilst John chairs the core team, we should not forget this small group of people, because without them, the Jamborette would not happen. For months they hold regular meetings planning the next Blair Atholl, estimating the costs of food and materials often a year in advance, no easy task in these times. The amount of administration involved in running such an event is enormous, keeping track of every one that has applied, devising activities, programming the activities, coordinating transport, the main site tentage, catering etc. They all have their own skills and use them jointly to pull the camp together. And of course they do not do all the work themselves - they have teams of people working with them, we should not forget these people as well, and the staff at our Scottish Headquarters that also put a lot of effort into the event. |
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Site ServicesMany of them were here from the Wednesday or Thursday before Blair Atholl, preparing the site, erecting tents, laying water pipes, arranging the portaloos etc - all essential work. And they will be here for a day or two after the Scouts leave, along with other members of the Staff. And during the time of the camp, they work away tirelessly, collect rubbish, tidying, and cleaning the portaloos, unblocking them etc - not a pleasant job-but it has to be done, building camp fires and many many other tasks. Who built your showers, built the gateway and many many other jobs around the site - now you know - I hope you thanked them for their efforts. |
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Staff CateringTo feed over 400 people a day with 3 meals a day and with a choice at each meal is no mean feat, especially in a grass field. To achieve this a mobile kitchen is brought in and there are team of men and women, working in shifts, to cook and serve the meals to the staff members. They do get some free time, but then again do they - who cooked and served the BBQ on Sunday night? |
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The ReceptionAnother small team of leaders, again working in shifts, always dressed in full uniform whilst on duty, as they are the focal point for all visitors to the camp site. The man the phones, act as a communication control center for the core team on the radio system, book people off site when the leave, and back in again on their return, so that the camp staff know where everyone is, Lost and Found, all controlled from this area. And the lost and Found roll goes on after the camp as people discover they have lost things and send in enquires as to whether it has been found. |
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The Admin TeamA small team of individuals that work into the wee small hours on many occasions during the camp. Everyone on site has met at least one of the team during the duration of the camp. They are involved from the moment the first person applies to attend Blair Atholl until after everyone is home again. Building a database of all the campers, preparing the security badges, who is in which sub-camp and then the absolute nightmare task of arranging home hospitality for all the International Scouts AND the travel arrangements to bring the contingents together again after the Home Hospitality to make sure they make their flights etc |
And the rest, who must not be forgotten
There is the Medical Team, who are always kept busy with minor injuries, the Quartermaster looking after all the provisions, the Activities Team, by far the largest on camp who provided and manned all the bases, the staff in the Bank, Post Office, Cafe, the Staff Club who keep the rest of the staff going on coffee, and if I have forgotten anyone, and I am bound to have, my apologises.
