Some 1,600 young participants from 21 countries came together in the first international camp of its scale organised by the Scout Association of Malta and the Malta Girl Guides.

Over 1,000 Maltese Scouts and Girl Guides took part in the event – a “record in itself”, said Malta Girl Guides deputy director Mary Rose Vella.

Centred around the theme of bridging cultures, the eight-day camp saw young students participating in activities such as visits to a village feast and the Esplora science centre.

While some took part in off-site trips to Valletta, others went abseiling and played games at the Għajn Tuffieħa international Scout campsite.

“The idea is teaching children how to live together,” deputy project director Gordon Dimech said.

We thought since we are at the centre of the Mediterranean, let’s bridge cultures

“Despite all our differences, there is one value that unites us – the value of scouting.”

Being at the heart of the Mediterranean region, Malta had always historically brought together different cultures, Mr Dimech explained.

“We thought since we are at the centre of the Mediterranean, let’s bridge cultures. Let’s bring together Europe and Africa, between north and south, east and west,” explained Mr Dimech.

Over the years, the Scout Association of Malta had enjoyed encouraging growth, Mr Dimech said.

Ms Vella noted that the Malta Girl Guides had also seen a rise in membership, adding that parents were increasingly aware that the organisation helped children become more independent. Plans for the Mediterranean Jamboree have been in the pipeline since 2005, and a national camp which took place last year served as preparation for this year’s large-scale event, she said.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who visited the campsite last week, said she hoped the “unique” event would be of great benefit to young people.

“It is important today for Scouts and Guides to continue working towards creating spaces, to be united, respect each other and acknowledge human dignity as an ideal way forward,” the President said.

The first Mediterranean Jamboree brought over 1,600 participants together.

The main aim of an international camp, the Maltese Jamboree – which attracted some 1,600 Scouts and Girl Guides from 21 countries – was to overcome differences and bridge cultures. Photos: Matthew Mirabelli