GLSW International - Join-in-Jamboree programme ideas from Taiwan

From the Jamboree Office at Gilwell Park

Sinbad the sailor — the famed legend of Sinbad the sailor probably originates from a Mongol slave to the Chinese who rose through the ranks and was given command of a fleet of ships travelling to Africa and the Middle East where the legend began.

Junks — China was at one point the world's most important sea faring nation. Junks are very large white vessels with tiger heads and dragon eyes painted on the bows to frighten the enemy. Sailors wore tiger masks to make them look fierce in battle. For the younger members make models and see if they sail / race them or combine making junks with a story about Sinbad the Sailor and make your own "legend".

Martial arts — kung fu is the only martial art that is truly Chinese, find a local school or group and have a go or invite them to do a demonstration for your Colony / Pack / Troop / Unit / Group.

Papier-maché plays a large part in celebrations as the Taiwanese combine it with dancing and games. Dragon dances use papier-maché gold, silver, sea or fire dragons of varying lengths and number of sections (usually 9, 12 or 24). Lion dances, again use models of lions and usually tell a story. Make papier-maché models and have a go at putting a dance or a short play together. However, be aware that papier-maché is rarely used for decoration as it is associated with funerals.

Stilt walking makes up a large part of festivals and events, generally telling military stories or literary works. Have a go at stilt walking.

Puppet theatres are also a large part of Taiwanese life be it glove puppets, marionettes or shadow puppets.

Carving — clay, ceramic, wood, bamboo, stone, jade, vegetable and ice are the more common materials used for carving figurines, ornaments and decorations. Have a go with your Colony / Pack / Troop / Unit.

Fans and lanterns are typical crafts produced in Taiwan, generally made of paper and bamboo — have a go with craft "lolly" sticks and tissue paper or plain paper with bright designs painted on.

Acupuncture — invite an expert in this field to come and talk.

Chinese zodiac — find out in which animal year you were born, it is said to have sime bearing on your personality and character. For younger members, make a model of their animal sign.

Kites are a favourite game in Taiwan. Balance and symmetry are very important in making a kite. Two — dimensional kites are more common; three dimensional kites (dragons, centipedes, lions etc) are difficult to make and less common.

Spinning tops are popular and range in size from small child's toys or to the size of an adult's arm span and so heavy that makes them hard to start spinning.

Another favourite is a humming diabolo — traditionally made from bamboo and wood but plastic ones are coming to the fore.

Origami is one of the most popular crafts amongst Taiwanese children — give it a go.

"The cultivation of good citizenship is the major objective of the Scouting movement in Taiwan; the outdoor activities and community service are considered to be the best ways to achieve this goal." (Taken from the Taiwan Scouting website)

Motto:

Be prepared
Practice a good turn everyday
Serve as a goal of life

Promise:

I wish to join Scouts of China, and on my honour, I promise that I will obey the Scout Law, and all my life do my best:

To do my duty to God, to be friendly to the people and become a righteous Chinese citizen
To help others and serve the public at all times
To strive to make myself rich in knowledge, perfect in character and healthy in physical constitution.

Law:

Honesty
Loyalty and filial devotion
Helpfulness
Having kindness
Courtesy
Justice
Responsibility
Cheerfulness
Industriousness and thrift
Courage
Cleanness
Public spirit