Things To Do

Listed below are just a few of the various activities that took place:

Book Signings

Terry Pratchett was around over the weekend and held a couple of signing sessions along with Stephen Briggs.

Team Activities

Teams were linked to the traditional Scout Patrol system.

Build A Working Clacks Tower: Discworld's answer to the semaphore.
Games: These were of the traditional School Sports Day variety such as: egg & spoon, sack race, 3 legged race and relay race. Other suggestions that we received may be used in evidence at a later date …

Individual Activities.

Many activities were on the go throughout the weekend and where appropriate, there were children friendly sections. Where there was a 'Scouting' connotation, badges were awarded. In other cases, vouchers could be given - even for beer or cider if the participants were old enough.

Knot Tying: This event included traditional naval, agricultural, and historical knots, plus a demonstration and display of traditional Chinese knot making. Each participant was given a length of rope and qualified for their 'Get Knotted' badge. If you want to brush up on your newly-aquired knot tying skills, check out the Beginners' section of the I.G.K.T web site.
Rune Carving: Jonathan Simons ran sessions on Reading The Runes and Rune Carving. Small pieces of plaster cast (fashioned to look and feel like slate and stone) were provided and could be easily scribed to become a decorative souvenir. These 'stones' were given free to all who attended these classes and, thus, qualified for their Rune Badge.
Cast Your Own Digit: Each participant was able to cast their own, or a close friend's, body part using soft clay. This process was totally safe and created a mould which can be filled with a plaster which, when set, could be painted. A badge was also awarded to all participants.
Crystal Healing & Fortune Telling: A professional practitioner was be on site giving you the opportunity to Learn the Mysteries Of The Crystal, Feel The Force as the miffic arts were explained.
Grand Folding Of Paper: There was a grand folding of paper by our own Origami Expert - including a complete origami castle.
Not The Time Team: A professional Archaeologist provided a "Dig" for young scouters with real artefacts and stuff.
Corset Lacing: Tamara Spring was the holder of this esoteric knowledge and she shared it in three half hour lectures and demonstrations. There was a badge. There was also a surfeit of sun-bronzed flesh.
Paint Yer Own: Probably the most successful DIY event ever. A large undercover area was given over to this event, with tables, chairs, and all the equipment staying put for the duration of the Jamboree. Each participant was given one piece to paint free in their goodie bag. There were also be a good selection of cheap plaster whites to purchase - some 'Scout' themed and easy to paint with others being far more demanding. Oh yes - and there was a badge.
Willow Bending & Basket Making: Two folk from a local hurdle and basket makers gave demonstrations and a history of willow craft in the Somerset Levels.
Ode Writing: A spoof activity run by Ptim which resulted in the 'Odius Badge' for all participants.
Juggling: Juggling lessons - with badge, of course.
Semaphore: A real introduction to semaphore by a highly trained 'Secret Signalman'. Badges were awarded for proficiency in the categories of 'Tenderfoot', and 'Scout'.
Thud & Games: These ran at all times (mainly in the Bar Tent), but we also had badges to be won in various categories.
Signing For The Deaf: How to say hello in sign language and learning useful phrases (including how to swear, which is jolly useful in certain circumstances). All from a qualified teacher of the deaf. This was a badge activity.
Face Painting: For children and adults from a professional exponent of this entertainment. Very popular with small children. The lady who runs this business was more than happy to decorate grown ups - which lead to some interesting sights ….
Big Discworld Balloon Race: All attendees were entitled to a Helium Balloon with label and a special balloon mail Discworld stamp attached in their Scouter's Bag. But, as is only fit and proper, the Great Inaugural Let-Go had a special place in the programmme.
Water Fight at the Okeydokey Corral: Hosted by The 1st Ankh Assassins
The "official" water fight took place throughout the weekend with teams of 8 participants engaging in matches lasting 10 minutes at the most (or until they were out of ammo). You could also bring your own water weaponry and it seemed like most of the ~~children~~ adults did!

Competition Activities

The 1^st Ankh Assassin Scouts Assault Course: Sponsored by Crystal Connection
The 1^st Ankh Assassins set up an assault course for kids in conjunction with Crystal Connection which tested the little darlings' abilities in balance, agility, determination and inhumation. Needless to say, this was a big hit with the younger attendees.
Shamble Making: We provided thread, beads, feathers etc, and you did the rest.
Tent Decorating: There was a competition for The Best Dressed Tent - although this did not mean just getting a member of the A-M.C. M.I. to decorate the place in her swimming costume!
The Leonard da Quirm Junior Award: An art competition for the younger scouts. Entrants were able to submit a painting, drawing or collage on A4 or A3 paper.
Flag Making: Patrols designed and made their own flags.
Woggle Making: And if you don't know what a woggle is, ask on the Cunning Artificer's Forum!

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