THOUSANDS of young people gathered for a global week of adventure, learning, and friendship.
The international jamboree, Chamboree 2026, took place at the Cheshire Showground from August 8 to 15, welcoming more than 6,000 Scouts, Guides, and adult volunteers from across the UK and around the world.
Organised by Cheshire Scouts in partnership with Girlguiding in Cheshire, the event offered a packed programme in seven themed activity zones, covering adventure, natural skills, active sports, STEM, inflatables, targets, and our world.
Dwayne Fields, UK Chief Scout, adventurer, and TV personality, visited the camp on August 13 and spent several hours talking with participants.
Mr Fields said: "It’s an absolute pleasure to be here with you and to see all of you learning, having fun, building those memories, building those friendships and developing your skills."
This year marked the 10th Chamboree, which takes place every four years.
About 40 per cent of attendees came from outside Cheshire, including international groups from Austria, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Kenya, Thailand, and the Isle of Man.
Adam Potts, Chamboree site operations team member, said: "As a volunteer, you experience Chamboree from a completely different perspective.
"You see the countless hours of planning and effort that go on behind the scenes, but then you watch thousands of young people laughing, challenging themselves and creating memories that will stay with them for years.
"Knowing you’ve helped make those moments possible makes every hour worthwhile.
"There’s also a fantastic sense of community among the volunteers.
"You arrive ready to support the event, but you leave with your own unforgettable experiences, friendships and memories too."
The event also delivered a boost to the local economy, with visitors, participants, and volunteers staying and spending in the area.
Many of the event’s suppliers and contractors were based in Cheshire.
Amelia, 11, from the 1st Christleton Scout Group, said: "Chamboree has been amazing!
"I’ve done loads of things I’ve never tried before and met people from lots of different countries.
"I’ve loved hanging out with everyone around camp and going to the arena in the evenings.
"There’s been so much going on, and I’ve made loads of really good memories.
"I definitely want to come back in 2030!"
At the closing ceremony, Dave Hopley, Cheshire Scouts lead volunteer and camp chief, reflected on the week.
Mr Hopley said: "I hope they leave Chamboree with new friendships, unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
"Years from now, they might not remember every activity or every moment, but I hope they'll always remember how Chamboree made them feel."
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