Frequently Asked Questions

A Jamboree is a massive national camp for Scouts aged 11–15. Venturer and Rover Scouts can attend as Junior Service Leaders.

A Jamboree is 10 days of action, expeditions, entertainment and daily life, camping with more than 10,000 other Scouts.

The Australian Jamborees began in 1934. They've been held on a three-year cycle but are now moving to a four-year cycle, like World Scout Jamborees. The 27th Australian Jamboree, in Elmore, Victoria, is AJ2028.

The aim of Scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development of young people. A Jamboree covers every aspect of the Scout program during an intense 10 days with friends old and new.

Scouting has proven to increase confidence, resilience and positive mental health in young people — benefits that last a lifetime. Scouts will have cared for themselves and helped others, done their share of cooking and chores, while enjoying an amazing range of new experiences, from rock concerts to adventurous expeditions, plus time to chill out and recharge.

A Jamboree is just two weeks away from home, but Scouts come home two years older! It's an experience you'll never forget.

AJ2028 runs 29 December 2027 until 7 January 2028. NSW Contingent travel days are 28 December and 9 January. Visitor Days are TBC.

Australian Jamborees rotate around the Australian mainland states. AJ2028 will be held in Elmore, Victoria.

A Jamboree Unit includes up to 36 Scouts and usually five adult Leaders from your home state. Each Jamboree Unit has six Patrols, each with a Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader. Jamboree Units usually meet well before the Jamboree so everyone gets to know each other (and, sometimes, for a post-Jamboree reunion).

It's usual for Scouts to be with their home Unit, joined by Scouts from other Scout Groups in your state, to form a Jamboree Unit of around 36 Scouts. This is one of the best things about a Jamboree — you make new friends from new places, possibly even from overseas.

Not a problem at all! Your Contingent will make sure you're allocated to a Jamboree Unit and made to feel welcome — a great way to make new friends.

Registrations open on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

All registrations will be processed through the official Jamboree registration portal. The exact platform will be announced shortly — stay tuned.

See the Cost & Eligibility page for the finalised fees and payment schedule.

A huge range of on-site activities, day and night, plus several major off-site activities. Scouts will also enjoy quieter activities around the campsite, live entertainment at night, socialising and completing their turn as Duty Patrol.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies are two special Jamboree highlights, along with live music, talent shows, comedy programs and a radio station — often featuring well-known musicians and performers. More details once confirmed by the JOC.

Festival Day (date TBC) is when the whole Jamboree stays on-site, full of fun and Unit-based activities. It's also the day friends and family can visit.

At past Jamborees, CubJam gave Cub Scouts a taste of Jamboree over a number of days — touring the site, doing their own activities, and seeing what's ahead when they become Scouts. We're yet to hear if CubJam is planned for AJ2028.

In a tent with your Jamboree Unit. Separate sleeping arrangements are made for different genders, so you may not be tenting with only your Patrol — there will be many, many tents across the site.

Everyone's expected back at their own campsite soon after night entertainment ends. Your Unit Council (your Jamboree Patrol Leaders) decides lights out each night. Take advantage of early nights — every Jamboree day is long and busy.

Your Unit provides large Patrol tents. You'll need a sleeping bag suited to local weather, an inner sheet or lighter cover, and an air bed or compact stretcher.

Full gear details come closer to AJ2028, but expect the same kit as a long camp: two pairs of comfortable closed-toe shoes, clothes/underwear/socks for 10 days, toiletries (don't forget deodorant), towel, shower shoes, personal first aid kit, Scout uniform, rain coat, warm jumper or jacket, hat, beanie and torch.

Talk with your local Scout Leaders — they'll help you prepare before the Jamboree.

Closer to AJ2028, Scouts Victoria will release more detail on what the site will look like. Stay tuned.

Each Community has toilet blocks (with sanitary bins) and shower blocks for Scouts and adults, close to every campsite. These are cleaned several times a day, but it's everyone's responsibility to treat facilities with care.

Yes — hand-washing clothes is part of the Jamboree experience (good to practise at home). Jamboree Units will have buckets and detergent.

No — your Jamboree fee covers all food while you're away. The Duty Patrol collects fresh food daily from the Jamboree supermarkets, and Units can order extra items as needed.

Each Patrol takes turns as Duty Patrol, cooking for the whole Unit (Leaders help where needed). On average each Patrol does about 1.5 days of Duty Patrol — and it's some of the best fun at Jamboree.

The Jamboree team will accommodate special diets and allergies. Include the details when you complete your AJ2028 registration form.

Yes, all participants are expected to travel to and from the Jamboree with their Unit. If that's not possible, or you have exceptional circumstances, you can apply for independent travel.

Yes — your parents will need to apply via your Contingent before the Jamboree.

By bus — the Jamboree runs dozens of buses every day.

It's not compulsory. You can still access information in other ways, with more detail to come from the JOC.

You are, ultimately, though most Units have security boxes to store items like wallets and phones when you don't need them — your Leaders will let you know when you can access the box, e.g. after meals.

Typically through live streams, photos, videos, radio and newsletters — more detail closer to the event.

Everybody is welcome in Scouts, and everybody is welcome at Jamboree. Accessible facilities will include showers, toilets, activities, entertainment and chill-out areas.

Yes, carers can attend to support a youth member — discuss this with the NSW Contingent Team.

Start with the NSW Contingent team, who will liaise with AJ2028 organisers to make sure your needs are catered for.

Jamboree organisers will consider the religious requirements of all participants, including food and religious observance ceremonies.

Every effort is made to allow attendees to take part in their personal religious beliefs and attend services.

Every Jamboree Unit has a Leader who helps with first aid, plus first aid posts around the site. The onsite medical centre is staffed by qualified doctors, nurses and support staff experienced with young people, with beds for overnight care and agreements in place with local hospitals for serious cases.

Depending on the medication, it can be managed within your Unit with your Leaders' help. Medication needing refrigeration can be looked after by your Community first aid team.

The same way you would at home, school or a normal Scout activity — bring the correct medication and include your condition details in your application.

Safety is always the first priority. Specialised teams run most activities, and every aspect of the Jamboree is checked by qualified safety professionals.

Speak up — tell your Patrol Leader, fellow Scouts, Leaders or the Welfare team. Plenty of people are there to make sure you're having an awesome, safe experience.

Your Unit Leaders have primary care, but Jamboree organisers, activity Leaders, and your Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader all share this duty.

Other Scouts, your Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader, Unit Leaders, the Jamboree or Contingent welfare teams, First Aid teams, and independent mental health advisers on site. There's always someone to help.

Scouting has zero tolerance for bullying. It's initially handled within the Jamboree Unit by the Unit Council and Scout Leaders, escalating further if necessary.

Similar to on-site — all off-site activities provide first aid and welfare support where needed.

Your Patrol, including your Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader, plus Unit Leaders accompanying many activities, and Activity and Service Leaders throughout.

There's a first time for everything! By the time you leave for AJ2028 you'll have attended a number of Scout camps and spent at least 10 nights under canvas. A Jamboree is bigger, longer and busier than a Group or District camp — with so much happening, you may find you forget about home. And if you feel down, there are Scouts, Leaders and others to help.

Tell your Patrol Leader or Leader — maybe you need a break in a chill-out zone, or an early night.

Jamborees run on the Patrol system, so your Patrol will work together to support you. You'll never be forced into something you'd prefer not to do — but consider giving everything a go, you might find something new that you love.

The 10-nights-camping requirement helps prepare every Scout for time away, so it's not unusual to miss home at some point — this usually passes quickly with help from friends, Leaders and the welfare teams. In special circumstances a Scout can return home, but this is very rare.

Register at jamboree.nsw.scouts.com.au and make sure you have permission from a parent or guardian. In the lead-up there's fundraising and saving, badgework, and a minimum of 10 nights camping (including three in a row). Then it's time to organise your own gear, and help organise your Jamboree Unit's gear.

A number of different badges will be created for AJ2028, and badge swappers bring thousands of designs to trade — collect interesting ones by swapping your own.

Available before and during the Jamboree (and possibly after, while stock lasts) — jumpers, shirts, hats, scarves, stickers, mascots, badges, towels, sunglasses and more. Details advertised closer to the event.

Leading your Patrol on activities and Duty Patrol, and meeting with Leaders as Unit Council to discuss any issues and how the Jamboree Unit is running. Patrol Leaders may be elected by Scouts or chosen by Unit Leaders, and each Patrol also has an Assistant Patrol Leader.

If someone hasn't asked before taking a photo and you don't want to be in it, kindly tell them — or ask a Leader to. If that's not possible at the time, tell your Scout Leader as soon as you can with details of who/when/where.

Yes — we'd love to see the NSW AJ2028 logo on websites, social media and other communications. Make sure you're using the correct NSW logo, and check the Brand Book for how to use it correctly.

Yes and no. Events and public fundraisers should clearly identify you're raising funds for the 2028 Australian Jamboree — use the logo! It's fine on locally sold items too, like your Group's Jamboree cookies or tea towels, and on clothing for your own Jamboree Unit. But Scouts Australia owns the branding and rights to official AJ2028 souvenirs (T-shirts, water bottles, power packs). If you're not sure, check with the NSW Contingent first.

No — there'll be great merchandise available to everyone that's sustainable, branded and good value. Buying your own may not match the quality, price or value on offer.

Being a Scout Leader within a Jamboree Unit is a great role — constant work, but great rewards, experiencing the Jamboree as the Scouts do. There are also opportunities for Leaders with specialised skills or a willingness to learn. Get in touch at nsw.contingent@nsw.scouts.com.au.

Contact the NSW Contingent organising team: nsw.contingent@nsw.scouts.com.au.

The NSW AJ2028 website, NSW AJ2028 Facebook page, NSW Contingent AJ2028 Instagram page, email nsw.contingent@nsw.scouts.com.au, or the official AJ2028 event website.