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Monday, August 1st
Meet Poacher’s ceremony acts
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Pull-out arrivals poster special PAGE 8
PAGE 3 AND 4
Welcome To The Adventure of a Lifetime
by Tom Meads
Here we are… Poacher 2022! Kicking off our week long festival, the
opening ceremony has started us off with a massive bang. Circus Fest led the parade into the main stage, with the subcamp team
towering over us all as they walked in on stilts, showing off their amazing skills - which I am sure they will pass on to their participants. In the middle of the
celebrations we were treated to a surprise jamboree proposal, congratulations Dave & Claire! As Folk Fest finished filling in the main
stage area, all 5,500 participants were ready for the start of one of the first Jamborees since 2019. More than 10,000 people will pass through Poacher
over the next week making it the 20th biggest settlement in Lincolnshire - bigger than Horncastle. Article continued on Page 3.
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Puzzles and Polls
What is the largest item you have brought to camp?
Wordsearch How many of our Poacher related words can you find in the grid below? And how many can you find around the showground?
“My Hair Cream” Ashanti, 3rd Slough Guides and Rangers, Carnival Fest “A Sleeping Bag” Johnathon, Boston District Explorers, Wonder Fest “Wellie Boots” - Martha, Pennine East Guides and Rangers, Folk Fest
“A Pile of Books” - Liv, Sleaford Division, Carnival Fest
“My Roll Mat” - Joseph, Riddlesden Scouts, Wild West Fest
Sudoku Can you fill every number from 1-9 in the grid below, making sure that no number is repeated in any row, column or 3x3 box? Activities Carnival Circus Fairground Festivals First Aid
Folk Guides International JAMFM Lost Property Poacher
Quest Retro Scouts Tents Wild West Wonder
The Poacher Poll We asked Poacher participants if this is their first Poacher. Let’s see what they said.
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Best of Fest Continued from Page 1 The tension was building as each sub-camp with Circus Fest, Quest Fest, Carnival Fest, Wonder Fest, Wild West Fest, and Folk Fest gave us their loudest cheers, before a show of unity as Mexican waves flowed across the crowd including all the participants, leaders, and staff. Finally, the official part of the opening ceremony started with the crowd ready to go. Robbie White kicked off the celebrations singing and hyping up the crowd. A video reflected on the time since Poacher 2017 and the months of lost Scouting and Guiding over the last two years. With the participants, leaders, and staff now sharing a vision of what Poacher will be over this next week, we welcomed all the countries at Poacher this year including Canada, Netherlands,
USA, Republic of Ireland, and Jersey. Support for Ukraine was also recognised with the waving of their flag. Every country paraded their flag through the crowd, celebrating all the nationalities on site as each flag was raised. The main arena will host the flags for the week as well as the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) flag, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), and Poacher flags. Poacher was then officially opened by all the participants making as much noise as possible to recognise that the jamboree is for the young people and is a youth led event. With the official part of the opening ceremony over, the festival could begin. The crowd bunched up at the front of the stage where Here At Last provided a solid
opening, getting all the subcamps up and moving - including our 50/50 staff on Wonder Fest who didn’t need any encouragement. Angels and Bandits came on next and rocked the stage, keeping the energy high and maintaining the youth led theme with all members being aged 16-18! The time had then come for the main act that everyone had been waiting for to start… Max and Harvey!
Monday, August 1st They entered to a loud roar through the crowd. As the final act of the night they kept the party going with everyone dancing and partying - a fitting end to such an energetic evening. With the opening finished it was time for the participants to go and get some rest before beginning the 150 activities available across the site, which the media team will be reporting on throughout the week.
Catching up with TikTok Royalty by Amy Crombleholme
Our headline act for the opening ceremony was Max and Harvey. The twins are one of Britain’s most popular creative duos, with a string of popular singles and over 6.5 million followers on TikTok. They’ve toured all over the world, but Saturday marked their first ever appearance in Lincolnshire as they performed to an excited audience of nearly 10,000 Scouts, Guides, and staff! “Wow!” Max said when we told them. “This is one of the biggest crowds we have played for.” Max and Harvey do have experience in Scouts. “When we were younger, we did Beavers
and Cubs” says Harvey. “When we got to Scouts, we were the ones who run about and throw ourselves into it. We went camping a few times with our Cubs so it’s nice to be back and see everyone putting up their tents and flag poles.” Did they ever go to a jamboree? “Nothing on this scale” Harvey says. “I still like camping, there’s something freeing about it, being around nature and other people whatever the weather’s like.” “I’ve become a bit of a diva if I’m honest. My hair is quite a big priority and that becomes a little bit tricky if you’re camping!” Max adds. Do they have any funny camping stories?
“We had a film crew at Bestival when we were filming a documentary for the BBC. They came to our campsite and a massive windstorm blew through and we were all trying to hold down all of the tents and the cameras and all the equipment.”
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TikTok Sensations Raise The Roof by Amy Emmott
Before the Opening Ceremony began, we were lucky enough to chat to TikTok sensation and five-piece band, Here at Last. Band mates Pedro, Tommy, James, Zach and Ryan said “we’ve never done an event like this before”. The boys already had sizeable followings on TikTok as solo acts, and currently have 2.5 million followers as a
band. To them, music has always been a big part of their life and their followers are going crazy for it. Their singing challenge alone has had 38 million views. When asked about how they came up with the name Tommy said, “I always have to answer this question”. He explained that it came to him like a vision, almost as if it was fate. After talking it over with the rest of the boys, they
all agreed that there was no other name to match it. When asked what their favorite thing about performing James said “hearing the fans sing your lyrics back to you is a feeling that can’t be explained, unless you’ve experienced it before that is”. Listen to our interview with Here at Last and see more exclusive content on blog.poacher.org.uk
by Lily Hambly
Angel and Reece of Angels n Bandits performed four songs at the opening ceremony; two originals and two covers. The crowds lapped up the energy and style. Their original ‘Bruises’, was written for a bullying campaign in 2018. Positive messages were everywhere and the atmosphere was upbeat and accepting. Angels n’ Bandits were created by the team behind The Saturdays and The Wanted. Angel grew up as a little sister
to the boy group The Wanted, experiencing the pop star lifestyle from a young age. Reece came to the lifestyle a little later in life but both are still only seventeen and eighteen years old. They have also performed at the Cavern Club, where the Beatles once performed, the O2, Hyde Park, and Glastonbury Festival in 2019. They haven’t let the last few years slow them down. Performances include several online shows such as Girlguiding’s ‘Wellies
and Wristbands’ and they grew a 60,000 large TikTok following. The band have YouTube and Instagram accounts where they post vlogs from their shows. Follow them to see behind the scenes. Band member Reece was proud to tell us that he used to be a Scout.
Reece’s must have when camping is a barbeque and Angel’s is her Ugg boots. Activities they thought would be really fun were the zorbing balls and the craft area. And importantly, if they were a chocolate bar Reece would be a Hershey’s bar and Angel would be a Daim bar.
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Monday, August 1st
The Making of Poacher by Kate Broadbent
No one would be here, and Poacher wouldn’t happen, without the 1500 staff that run the event. Many of them have been here for over a week already. Nothing can happen without them; everything that you see has been built by the build team; every fence must be placed; all toilets need constant maintenance; all these things need organising. The work starts two and a half years beforehand when the planning begins. The Retro Fest team started collecting their team 18 months ago. For the run up there have been several meetings, and as things began to kick off the team were on hand to ensure all challenges were dealt with. All the loopholes and issues
that you were not aware of in the planning stages suddenly become a reality. It’s not only these gaps that appear as difficulties. The staff who arrive early on site often must manage with what they have. Dave from Retro Fest subcamp says “Not all the toilets weren’t in operation for the build team” and talks about the difficulties of communication with such a large camp. But despite that, the team confirmed that it’s all coming together quite well. So why is it worth giving up all this time? Well, the Retro team told a story that had happened during the night. Around 4 o’clock in the morning, “there was a tent that decided it didn’t want to be a tent anymore, it wanted to be a bath”, Dave describes.
Anyone sleeping in a tent can imagine the scenario, rain pouring in in the pitch black. It’s a nightmare to imagine especially with the two small children the leader has with her on camp. Luckily the Retro team were on it and gave her somewhere dry and warm to sleep for the night. “They’re lovely” confirmed the staff member. “It makes you feel better when you start doing good deeds.”, Maria from the Retro team says. She seems to find the truth in those words as she is celebrating her birthday during the camp. So, for any staff in the Retro Fest subcamp, there are plenty of activities going on during the week. They are hoping to do yoga each evening at 6pm, assuming they have enough people to take
part. Not only that but there are other activities each evening. Maria says, “we’re looking forward to the first night of entertaining our subjects”. If you want to find out what’s on, they have leaflets ready to hand out listing the activities and what evening they are happening on. Even if you’re just passing by, they have a phone charging telephone box (painstakingly made from a fridge freezer box) and tea and coffee permanently there. Pop by at any time and the team will be happy to chat. A big thank you to all the Poacher staff. The wonderful people who have given up far more than the singular week most of the participants are here for. It couldn’t happen without you.
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Circus by Rachel Lawson
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Schedules Galore
Subcamp L u n c h t i m e A c t i v i t i e s Evening Notice Board Here are some notices from your subcamp team:
Many Happy Returns! Please wish a very happy birthday to your subcamp team leader Simon Daley! He turns 50 today, so make sure to congratulate him as much as possible.
Circus Fun for Under-10s The subcamp team is happy to announce that there are circus-themed activities available for under-10s each day ask a member of the subcamp team for details.
And don’t forget the lunchtime activities taking place every day from 1pm to 1:30pm. All the activities will be at the Main Arena where the stage is. Today (Monday) we’re being joined by the world-renowned IMPS Motorcycle Display Team. Buckle up for some impressive and spectacular displays and stunts. Tomorrow be prepared to look to the skies as the British Army’s Red Devil Parachute Display Team so prepare to be dazzled by the red smoke in the sky as they glide their way to the
ground right in front of the Main Stage. Wednesday lunchtime the Vander Superheroes Space Wheel Show is making an appearance, showing off tricks and stunts from inside giant hamster wheels. The Broke Freestyle Motocross Display will be here on Thursday, performing incredible flips and tricks. And last but not least, on Friday we have the Blades Display Team - an aerobatic show involving aeroplanes dipping and diving, piloted by former Red Arrows pilots.
A Pair as Crisp as Ice The subcamp team has two chest freezers available for purchase at the end of the week. Having travelled over 120 miles to get here, the freezers are now looking for new partners. They may have a coldhearted personality, but the subcamp team is certain that once you break through their hard exterior, you’re sure to find a refreshing surprise. If you’re interested in adopting these two cool individuals, please speak to the subcamp team.
activities
Cinema There are films being shown every evening in the main arena, so bring a camp chair or a picnic blanket and enjoy the show! There will be popcorn and candy floss available for you to enjoy during the films. Be sure to check back each day to find out what’s playing! The Global Development Village Open each night between 6:30pm and 8pm, here you will find the opportunity to explore global issues such as the environment and poverty. You can also reflect on your Scout or Guide promise, thinking about exactly what it means to you and the community built around them. After completing all the areas in the village, you will be awarded the Global Development Village badge which can be added to your collection or sewn onto your camp blanket.
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Reflection Zone Between 6:30PM and 7PM the Reflection Zone will be open as a space to get away from the rush of camp with people to chat to as well as an area to prey. There will be two special events with a remembrance service on the Wednesday and on Thursday a Catholic mass. So why not come along and take some time to reflect on your week so far. 10-13 Activities For all the 10 - 13 year olds on camp, you will have exclusive access to the fairground every night between 7:30pm to 9:30pm so come along and enjoy the rides. Once you have finished your fairground adventures, there will be a Disco in the EXO Centre from 8pm to 10pm where you can rock your hearts out.
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14-17 Activities Calling all Explorer Scouts and Rangers! Every night after Poacher’s Got Talent there will be a disco in the barn which insiders have said ‘will be a proper rave’. Not only will there be music but drinks and mocktails for you to enjoy. Come along to the place to be. 18+ Activities The Big Top will be open for over 18s, where there are many activities going on from a quiz to blind date. Make sure to keep an eye out for more information on each of the events. Sunday-Thursday 7-11pm Monday: Superheroes Tuesday: Karaoke & Poacher’s Got Talent for staff Wednesday: Retro Night Thursday: Blind Date followed by Cheesy disco Friday 9-11pm Friday: Nite of Lite
Have You Got What it Takes? by Issac Mason and Emily Probert
Poacher’s Got Talent is a talent contest hosted for the participants of Poacher. There’s a designated stage to audition for the show, which can be found in the south of the site between Wonder Fest and Circus Fest, near the simulator activity. We visited the audition tent and found a wide
range of talents on display, ranging from singing and dancing to hula hooping. We also saw many people playing instruments including the violin and the ukulele. Nerves were running high in the tent, but the members of staff are very helpful and the environment they have created is really friendly. If you’re interested in auditioning for
Poacher’s Got Talent, you can sign up from 9:30am-4:30pm, with the final auditions ending on Wednesday. It is free to enter and is a great activity to do with your friends. To sign up, you’ll need to grab an audition form from the tent, which you can fill in straight away or later on. Semi-finals are hosted daily and take place in the barn at 7pm. Those of you who pass
through the semi-finals will go through to the final, which takes place on Thursday. You can audition as many times as you like throughout the week, and you can audition as a group as an alternative to doing an audition by yourself. If you enter Poacher’s Got Talent you’ll be competing for the unique opportunity to perform on-stage at the closing ceremony
on Friday - the perfect chance to show off your talents and hard work. We caught up with one young person, who said “There is a wide range of talent and it seems to be a great opportunity.” We also talked to a young person from Circus Fest subcamp, who said she was “really looking forward to watching the performances”. We can’t wait to see all the different talents!
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Monday, August 1
A Worldwide Welcome
by Lily Hambly
It has begun! Poacher 2022 is here, and we are starting off with an enthusiastic arrival! Scouts, Explorers, and Girlguides began to arrive at 9am this morning and dancing was spotted near the main stage from the get-go. All six subcamps were bustling and busy. Circus Fest members from Oosterbeek, Netherlands, a part of Oop Schoonoord Scouts, have had quite a journey to get here. From Dover to London with a trip to Alton Towers, they are ready and raring to get started. Fun fact: Scouts in the Netherlands are
aged 11-15 years old. Rich Meijer, a Dutch Scout, said he is most excited for “meeting people from other countries” and “the airrifle shooting!” What’s more, Chiel Zweers is looking forward to “swapping [badges] with people.” Let’s hope you remembered your swaps! Max Bongers is especially eager for the simulator activity, which if you weren’t aware, is a video game experience that replicates race car driving. Breakfast like the Dutch? During the interview the Dutch Scouts were caught eating the popular dish
hagelslag; buttered bread with chocolate sprinkles as a topping. Sounds delicious! Also, we met some members from 17th Kettering Scouts, camping on Circus Fest, namely Ryan Patrick who’s attending his second Poacher and is “just excited to be here” after not getting to attend camps like this since before covid. Something many people can relate to. Over at Wild West Fest, one of the biggest buses spotted on site arrived full of Scouts, Guides and Rangers from 1st Corby. Emily Pack is attending her first Poacher and is most looking forward to paddleboarding
and “spending time with friends in other camps.” Gemma-may Robinson from 38th Corby Guides is excited for the fairground rides, particularly the ferris wheel. Jack Marsh from 7th Corby Scouts is attending his third Poacher and is looking forward to tank heroes as he “has never been in one before.” Quest Fest was also coming together, with many decorations and even names for mini sections within the subcamp. Including Dragon Alley, Wizard’s Way, and Hobbit Holes. Coastal Scout Group from Mablethorpe arrived with member Callie especially excited for the spider
mountain and “finding out the other countries attending”. Any adrenalin junkies out there? Fellow Scouter Ruby is most excited for the Go Karts as she is a “bit of an adrenaline junky”. Also from Quest Fest are Gainsborough Division members Daisy, a ranger, and Alice, a guide. Daisy is most looking forward to the fairground, while Alice is eager for the “entertainment and music.” And a surprise announcement for Gainsborough members Daisy and Alice. “The Americans are coming!” Folk Fest member Lola from 1st Broughton is most excited for the
rock climbing, while Evelyn is also excited for the Kayaking as she “did it a couple of weeks ago and thought it was really fun!” Evelyn is also excited for the food. No pressure leaders! And finally, Dominic from the Canadian Contingent is most excited for the hot air balloon, as I’m sure many are! All in all, it was a successful and energetic arrival with everyone just excited to pitch up and start up! Some travelled far and some only ten minutes, but all should experience something new and exciting! Poacher 2022 has officially begun!
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Monday, August 1
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Best of Fest
by Emily
by Lily Hambly
Folk Fest: a place of “peace and harmony” with the same atmosphere of a village fete. There is a constant comfort of mellow music and the “coming together” of fifty-three Scout, Explorer, and Girlguide groups. They are host to internationals from Scotland, America, and Wales, but of course there are several English groups too. The Folk Fest team members are welcoming and friendly, having planned many activities for the lucky members of Folk Fest to attend. Every evening from Sunday to Friday the
team comes together to put on these activities. On Sunday there was a Scarecrow Festival featuring the Dress your Leader as a Scarecrow Competition. Tonight’s activity will include a Ceilidh, translated as “social visit” and involves traditional Scottish dancing to Gaelic folk music. On Tuesday the Folk ‘n’ Joke Comedy Night will get you laughing and falling off your seat. And if you were left eager to dance some more from Monday, Wednesday’s activity is the one for you as it is the Folk Dancing Contest. Come with your best dance moves prepared! On Thursday there is the Kara’folk’e and Campfire Night which will be your chance to show off your singing skills or just have fun.
And last but not least, there will be a Village Fete and Picnic on Friday, a lovely way to end a Folk filled week. Are you a morning person? Folk Fest have you covered. Every morning at 7:15am there will be an exercise activity. On Sunday morning there was a fun run and on Monday morning there was ‘let’s get folk’sical’ which included some aerobic exercises, like star jumps, and some stretches. But tomorrow (Tuesday) there will be Laughter Yoga and many more energising activities throughout the week. Calling all Leaders! Every day from 10-11:30am there will be massages in the massage area by a qualified and insured masseuse. Nobody is stressed at
Folk Fest! Relaxed and communal is all. Let’s not forget there will be crafts every afternoon. All activities are taking place in the main Folk Fest marquee, which is easy to find due to the creative and distinct Folk Fest decorations.
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Monday, August 1
It’s a knockout: inflatable fun on the first day of Poacher activities
The early bird catches the juicy activity worm by Amy Emmott
The camp activities started with a bang as the African Drummers activity drummed the morning in with rhythmic sounds. Despite the morning starting out with rainy spells the participants were all keen and excited to get started.
By the inflatables there are all sorts of fun rides including, massive slides, bouncy mazes, castles, and we cannot forget the music pod where you can go to have a dance around. Zorbs of every type can be found on Poacher this year. There are long lines for Land Zorbs where you can
see the participants in massive bubble-like balls running from one side of the field to the other, bouncing into each other. Chaotic fun got its name from the Body Zorbs as young people running hectically, crashed into each other and pushing their friends over. When you need a rush of
adrenaline head over to the Zorb Run, where you can see young people climbing into big zorbs before being hoisted up a ramp, then being released as they rush to the ground. If you want to be transported to other worlds, that is within the realms of possibility. Head over to the Virtual
Reality tent. When those goggles go on you can look around at all the weird and wonderful places it takes you. Across the field from VR tent is the Nerf tent. This took competition to a whole new level. People rolling over the barriers like they are James Bond, shouting tactics
over to their friends. For some more fun hop on over to the Pioneering Zip Line, you’ll be impressed from just one look. You have to climb up to a wooden platform at the top, and then one of the instructors shows you where to sit. Be pushed off and go racing done the line!
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Wild West by Alice & Emma
Leaders Meeting Leaders Meeting will be at 4pm everyday, please be at the subcamp HQ for a prompt start.
Old Man Clanton Old Man Clanton is eager to meet his new posse, prove your worth by filling your swag bags with pesos!
Birthdays We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone who is celebrating this week, across site, but particularly on Wild West Fest! These include: Sammie, Louth Division Mercedes Everington, Derne District Guides Samantha, 2nd Hucknel Guides Robbie, Derwent Valley from Saturday, and Ben and Hazel from 1st Copmanthorpe for today! We hope you have a great week at Poacher!
Going on this week We have loads of exciting things happenign this week on Wild West Fest Join us on Tuesday night for some line dancing and on Wednesday night we will be having a quiz for all of those leaders who want to prove that they are the smartest cowboys out there!
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Take On The Challenge by Deanna Carden
The Poacher Challenge is a longstanding Poacher tradition, offering participants, staff and leaders the chance to earn a badge for completing various activities throughout the week. It is designed to give participants and adults the chance to meet with new people, learn new experiences and enjoy what Poacher has to offer. Registration for the limited edition challenge badge is open throughout the week, but once they’re gone, they’re gone, so make sure to sign up at the Poacher Challenge marquee, near the Creative Marquee, before it’s too late! The challenge can be completed at your own leisure throughout the week by collecting signatures from the leaders who are running the activity to record your participation, but
you must have claimed your badge from the marquee before 4pm on Friday. The challenge badge itself is in the distinct colours of the Lincolnshire flag. Red for the cross of St George, yellow for the crops which grow within Lincolnshire, blue for the east coast sea and green for the fields, with the Lincolnshire Imp standing for the city of Lincoln. Participants aged 10-17 complete a range of challenges on their challenge card, with adults completing a slightly different set to be awarded the badge. The participants challenge card has tasks across 7 categories to choose from: Off Site, Adventure, Creative, Help, Entertain, Participate and Relax, with 10 signatures needed to earn the badge. There’s the chance to learn CPR with LIVES, taking part in ‘The Great Poacher
Bake Off’, completing different adventurous activities such as archery, cave bus, go karts and many more. More relaxing options include the chance to sit and hear what your surroundings sound like, or to sit and watch a movie at the cinema running all week. The adult challenge card is yellow with three categories: Programme, Participation and Make New Friends. staff and leaders have to complete three challenges from each category with signatures and photos as evidence of completing the challenge. The programme category is mainly about volunteering with different activities, for example, volunteering in the Global Development Village or accompanying an off-site activity or trip. Within the participation category, there is visit all the subcamp HQs to
collect three signatures and pictures taken with them, do something kind for a member of your subcamp team and many more. Within the Make New Friends category, if you have the chance to meet someone at the staff bar, buy them a drink and take a picture with them. Swap badges with
people and take a photo of the person who you swapped with, and one of the most important ones: learn how to tie a friendship knot and teach it to a participant. Come down to the Poacher Challenge marquee and sign up to gain the chance of gaining a limited edition badge.
Camping: Field vs. Virtual by Tom Meads
Poacher is one of the first jamborees since coming back to faceto-face events, meaning many people have not camped in 2 years! Interesting fact, the youngest participants on camp would have been 7 when we went virtual. This could be some people’s first camp, thrown in the deep end much! So how have groups prepared, and what differences are there? Let’s find out. Training is crucial, or
at least it has been for some groups, ‘We had three training camps for this’ Sophia, Jersey Unit, Circus Fest. It sounds like a good refresher to get back into the swing of things or to learn the skills before camping for a whole week. Lots of groups have been doing pre-poacher events to prepare for the week-long event. Imogen from Wild West Fest said, “We did a practice [camp] … was only a weekend long though“ this practice was also Imogen’s first
camping experience. Fflur, Radnor Scout Troop, Quest Fest said they “did a camp in Hay … doing practice days“ they even helped with the planning #YouShaped! The Canadians have been planning this for five years and are already enjoying being here at Poacher. Is it your first time on camp? You can let us know on Twitter, Facebook or TikTok using @PoacherLincs or the #Poacher2022 hashtag. So, what are the
differences between real-life camps and virtual? Mute buttons are gone! Some may think this is a shame, but all are glad there is no talking and forgetting you are on mute. Gone are the indoor tents, and now the rain is pitterpattering on canvas, it has had mixed reviews. Explorers from Stamford on Wonder Fest have very different views on the rain, saying the rain is “annoying” and, “I couldn’t get to sleep“. Conversely, others from said, “I didn’t mind it“,
and “I quite like it“. Most of all, many people are excited about the experience of meeting new people and people from abroad. When asking young people from White Pine and Welland Scout Troop Carnival Fest what they have enjoyed the most, one said, “Being around people you like to hang out with.” So go out and say hi and see what you can find about the people on site. Embrace the world away from the virtual spaces of the past.
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Monday, August 1st
A Really Truly Global Jamboree by Kate Broadbent
Poacher 2022 is lucky enough to have participants from all over the world. In fact, there are five contingents from outside the UK, including Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Jersey, and the United States of America. Each bringing the wider world of Scouting here to Lincolnshire. The Dutch group from the Netherlands were excited to share their experience so far. Having had a long journey where they couldn’t get on their first boat, they arrived safe and experienced one week in England before Poacher. Nills from the Circus Fest subcamp said, “We’ve practised waiting a lot the last week”. Part of that waiting experience has been at Alton Towers in the queue for the Smiler, which was the best ride, an opinion confirmed
by at least seven young people. Trading is the thing on the Dutch young people’s minds. They have brought many badges and even miniature clogs to swap. If you are excited to experience a bit of the Netherlands, they will be doing a Klomper Dans (clog dance) at some point during the week. The Dutch site, in the Circus Fest subcamp, will soon be marked by a 5-metre windmill they are constructing. The group welcomes anyone wanting to trade, both on their site and out and about. They will even be travelling around parts of the site with a bike handing out traditional Dutch pancakes. The Canadian unit is another one of the international groups identifiable by their red hats and is in the Carnival Fest subcamp. Their journey included a 7-hour flight but an
impressive overall travel time of at least 20 hours. Overall, they had four modes of transport, train, tube, plane, and bus. Cainon from Port Hope said this is their “First time on a plane”, and he is not alone on his adventure as several other young people agreed with him. The Canadian group’s trip doesn’t end with Poacher. Their experience continues as they make their way up to York and then all the way back down to London. “I want to go on the London Eye. That’s what I’m most excited for” Cainon reported, whilst Tucker from Port Hope is most excited about BMX riding. Interested in experiencing your own slice of Canada? The creative area has a Canadian experience, including real Canadian Maple syrup and Hockey. You can find the Jersey group on the carnival
subcamp, identifiable by their bright orange tents in a beautifully neat square. For their journey here, they suffered through a 12-hour ferry journey and a 6-hour coach ride. Alethea from Jersey described the ferry ride “Everyone was sleeping on the floor instead of on the seats”. The group is made up of three Explorer Scout Units, including Kraken, Pegasus, and Triton, who are all camping together. Along with a similar number of Scouts. For many of them, this is the first time they have stayed away from home for an extended period. Although they are not very far from the mainland, there is a bit of a difference in their Scouting, “If we were camping in Jersey, [their camping area] would be the campsite”, says Sophia. Looking forward to the week to come, they are excited to try the driving school. This article is only an
A Wonderful Place by Amy Emmott
For the first time in Poacher history, there is a subcamp just for 14-17 year old Explorer Scouts, Scouts and Rangers, Wonder Fest! The theme is Marvel, immediately clear from their massive gate into the camp covered in superhero images and spiderwebs. The main tent has bunting, flags, and themed board and video games for the participants to enjoy. The spirit of the camp could be seen right from the beginning of
the week, as participants and staff put up tents in the rain and still managed to maintain their enthusiasm. About 25 different groups make up the subcamp, which consists of mostly Explorer Scouts, coming to join us from all over the world. From faroff places like Canada, Ireland, Austria, and of course more local ones from England and Scotland. Of course, you can’t forget Bagel, the guide dog. About 50 of the people
on the subcamp are talking part in the 50/50 programme, for the older participants who want the participant experience but also want to try out a staff role. This means they will be joining and helping staff teams throughout the week. They are all over the site, from Craft to Media teams. We spoke with Imogen from Mablethorpe Coastal Scouts, who said she was “really looking forward to the experience”.
introduction to the international groups attending Poacher 2022. Better than reading about them, go out and
meet them! Each group is excited to meet new people and extend their Scouting and Girlguiding network.
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Meet Our News Team Jake
Alex
Kate
Deanna
Amelia
Amy
Dixon
Richardson
Broadbent
Carden
Crombleholme Emmott
Hi, I’m Jake, and I am leading the Newspaper Team at Poacher 2022. You may recognise my name as a reporter from Poacher 2017, or some of the other jamborees I have volunteered on. I have just graduated from the University of Nottingham having completed a Masters in Mathematics thankfully the irony of a mathematician running a newspaper has not been lost on me!
Hi! I’m Alex, I’m 24 years old and I’m an Explorer Scout Leader from Essex. This is my first time attending Poacher, but it’s my third time volunteering on a Jamboree newspaper team, having previously reported at EIJ 2016 and NORJAM 2018. A physicist by day, my hobbies include photography, astronomy and singing. If you see me around site, feel free to say hello!
Hi, I’m Kate from Birmingham. I’m a District Youth Commissioner, Scout Leader and fifth generation Scout. Poacher 2022 is the first Jamboree I’ve volunteered at. Outside of Scouting I’ve just finished my English degree and I am now working as a tutor for autistic children. On Poacher I’m looking forward to making new friends.
Hey, my name is Deanna. I’ve been involved with Girlguiding since I was 7 and I am currently a leader with both Guides and Rainbows. Poacher 2022 is my third Poacher having attended as a participant and as part of the Technical Services team before. I am looking forward to learning new skills and hearing the stories my Guides have to tell of their Adventure of a Lifetime.
Hi, I’m Amy and I’m working on Best of Fest as a reporter this year. I studied journalism at university and I can’t wait to get the old creative juices flowing again telling tales of Poacher. I’m looking forward to hearing lots of fascinating stories and meeting lots of fascinating people. I live in Nottingham and am currently training to be a Ranger leader. My favourite colour is navy.
Hi, I’m Amy, I’m 19 and this is my first Poacher. I grew up on the Isle of Lewis but now live up in Dundee where I help at my local Guide Unit. I was a member of both Girlguiding and Scouting growing up, as my dad is a Scout leader and my mum a Guide leader. I can speak fluent Gaelic and did Highland Dancing from age 5 until I broke my legs at age 13 and my favourite colour is red.
Lily
Tom
Ger
Isaac
Emily
Poacher
Hambly
Meads
Hennessy
Mason
Probert
Panda
Hey! My name is Lily, and my pronouns are she/her. I am 19 years old, and this is my first time going to camp as a volunteer. I am a Young Leader at 3rd Menstrie Brownies and am from Stirling, Scotland. I go to Aberdeen University where I study Psychology and Sociology. I enjoy being outdoors, completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and reading classics.
Hey I’m Tom. I’ve been Scouting since I was 7 am now an Assistant Scout Leader and District Youth Commissioner. I have been to many jamborees as a participant and as staff on the media team. In my personal life I work as a software developer, I dance every week and I’ve just started inline speed skating. A fun fact: My fastest time completing a 3x3 Rubik’s cube is 37 seconds.
I’m Ger. If you recognise this as a first name, then the next sentence is not for you. It’s pronounced like “Ger(many)”, but without the ‘many’, for I am only one person. I have written goodly, and porfraed at Jamborees in Ireland, Kent, Norfolk, Essex, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Finland and Japan. This summer I’ve been to tree Jamborees. I say “tree” because I am Irish and cannot pronounce “three”.
Hi, I’m Isaac. I am part of the 50/50 scheme and Poacher is my second jamboree, with my first being Poacher 2017. I’ve been Scouting for ten years, having joined the movement in Easter 2012. I’m 16 years old and I really like reading fantasy books and web novels. One of my favourite series is the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini which has Eragon as the first book.
Hi, I’m Emily. This is my first time here at Poacher and I am really enjoying it so far. I have travelled here from South Wales and am staying on the Wonder Fest subcamp. I have been in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts before joining my current Explorer group. I am taking part in the 50/50 programme and will be writing articles with the Newspaper Team. I’m really looking forward to meeting new people.
Hello there, I am the Poacher Panda, and I am the mascot for the Media Team at Poacher 2022. I will be hiding around the site every morning of camp and if you find me and return me to my friends in the Media Office you will be rewarded with a prize! When I’m not playing hide and seek, I love rolling around and eating bamboo. Thank you to Rachel on Circus Fest for my hi vis.
15
Best of Fest
Monday, August 1st
It’s Knight Time! by Tom Meads
It was time to get medieval with out first lunchtime event: Jousting! The Cavalry of Heroes arrived just In time to help defeat the evil Black Knight, who wanted to steal all the ice cream in the world. The host laid three challenges before them: skill, tricks, and the joust. Campers flocked to witness the grand event in the main arena, with the banks filled with supporters of the knights. There was power to the girls with Kayley, Islington Guides, Carnival Fest, stating that ‘the girl gonna win’ - it didn’t matter which side! 16th Scunthorpe supported Sir Jammidodger to win, while Martin from Folk Fest wanted Lady Morgana to get knocked off her horse. Hugh also commented on the clothing choice, saying ‘the best clothes are probably the dark knight.‘ After starting the trickoff, the host called for volunteers; however, none of them knew
they were offering for their heads to be chopped off! When asking Hertfordshire Scouts on Circus Fest why they offered their head, they said, “Didn’t really realise [what we were volunteering for] until we got over there.“ Thankfully leaders did not need to fill out any forms as a melon was used instead. The Black Knight had a decisive victory in the first challenge. The trick-off had Lady Morgana, Sir William and Lady Lancelot go head-to-head showing off their best tricks. There were oohs and aahs across the crowd as the knights showed off to the crowds. Lady Morgana rode her horse facing backwards to thunderous applause, and the crowd was in suspense as Sir William stood on his horse while riding. However, in the final show, Lady Morgana got the crowd on her side as cheers roared in her direction, crushing Sir William. Ultimately, the battle came down to jousting, where Lady Lancelot
We have been speaking to Steve Newton, head of programme at Poacher 2022. In his role, he is in charge of keeping campers entertained all week with activities, trips out and live entertainment; while making sure that everyone stays safe as well. “I was the first person
to arrive. I’ve been on site now for 12 days and I’ve still got 2 days after everyone else leaves to take everything down. My job is four years of planning and event, from start to finish. “The best thing is watching all the young people arrive ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Then I go into stress mode trying to get 10,000 people into
by Zoe
Through the decades As we are Retro, we are going to focus on a different decade each day. Today it is: 90’s Monday
Evening Fun Tonight is Games Night! We will have a Wii console as well as board and card games for you to play with.
Guess How Many Sweets
narrowly beat Sir Jammiedodge. The final battle between Sir William and the Black Knight left lances and rules broken, but the Black Knight won. However, The Black Knight managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory when a lowly squire disarmed and captured him in
a tense final battle. Sir William said, “I wasn’t surprised to be honest [the Black Knight] is a rotter and rotters always lose.“ The Black Knight refused to comment. Hanna St Albans on the Folk Fest subcamp said, “I think the Black Knight should have won”, and that “I was like so amazed people could shoot
arrows into targets from horses it was so cool.“ Finally, Ella St Albans on the Folk Fest subcamp said “It’s hard enough to ride horses, but to do all those tricks it is mindboggling.“ Jousting was just the first of the lunchtime displays. Visit the main stage every day between 1pm and 2pm for more.
How to Entertain 10,000 People by Deanna Carden
Retro
the main arena for the opening ceremony!” Steve works as a County Assessor for Lincolnshire Scouts. He first attended Poacher in 1987 as a Cub Scout, and has been at every Poacher since. 2022 marks his fifth time as Head of Programme – but the delay has led to a more challenging production than before. “The last two years hit us
hard. We had planned the event for three years, then we had to re-plan it all in one year. All the providers and services put their prices up so we’ve had to adapt to that. It was a challenge, but we’ve tried to put on the best show possible and hopefully you’ll see that.” So, with Poacher 2022 finally here, what is Steve most looking
forward to? “The closing ceremony as we’ve got quite a few surprises for everyone – we’ll be leading with a big act. “Whether you’re just taking part in a craft activity all the way to an adventurous activities such as going on a stunt bike, i know that Poacher 2022 will be the adventure of a lifetime for everybody.”
During the week, we are holding a ‘guess how many sweets in the jar’ competition. It is £1 per entry (cash only) and all proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Ward at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital.
Questions Cuppas
&
We will have team members available throughout the day, to answer questions or just have a chat. There is also a chill out area in our marquee where you can come for some quiet time. Accompanied children are welcome to use our children’s corner with colouring, Lego and games.
On Call Roy is our on call volunteer tonight between 11:30pm and 6:30am if you have any issues. Their tent will have a solar powered lantern outside it, and is close to the marquee so you can easily identify it.
16
Best of Fest
blog.poacher.org.uk
Your Announcements Are you a ranger in Lincs South? You are invited to our ‘Mocktails & Mix’ Evening ...and have your say in our next County adventure Join us on Tuesday 2nd August 7:30 – 8:30 pm at Morton & Bourne Guides and Rangers on Folk Fest Subcamp @ Poacher 2022 (look out for the teepee and all the scarecrows!) • Enjoy a Mocktail • Meet your County team and leaders • Share your ideas • Find out our plans Scout scarf day is the 1st of August, and everyone can participate! The day commemorates the very first Scout camp at Brownsea Island in
1907 and represents the “Scouting spirit” for everyone to see! So, dig out any neckers that you have with you and wear them all. Post some pictures on social media and nominate others to do the same, tie a friendship knot or find someone who knows how to. There’s plenty you can do to celebrate. If you have any announcements you would like to go into the newspaper, come and talk to our lovely, friendly media receptionists, right next to the main stage! Everyone in the media team would like to congratulate Sarah Paget and James Hage on their 15th
anniversary. They met at the 21st World Scout Jamboree in the UK and are spending their anniversary volunteering in the media team as Online Content Curator and Photographer. Find out more about the Lincolnshire County Youth Commissioner Challenge. To participate in the challenge, take a trip to Retro Fest subcamp and study the pictures of the Lincolnshire County Youth Commissioners, there are five members. These five people have a challenge to the participants of Poacher. Your challenge, if you wish to accept it, is to write, on a piece of paper or card, a challenge and
Keep Calm at Poacher, and Make a New Queue Friend Over the week, there will be many occasions that call for queuing. So how do you ensure this becomes a fun addition to the week rather than a drag? Well, below are a few suggestions to speed the process along. Try chatting to the people around you. They also have to stand in the same queue you are in and are probably equally excited (or as nervous). So, strike up a conversation and ask some open-ended questions. What have they done so far this week? Where are they from? How long have they been a Scout or a Your newpaper was brought to you by:
Guide? Not everyone will be willing to chat for hours, but there is only one way to guarantee it won’t work, and that is not to try. Do something with the crowd. Are you travelling in a large group? Take advantage of your numbers and liven up everyone’s day with a Mexican wave, a chant, or a song. People will often follow along if a group starts it, especially if it is fun for everyone. Try some simple games. There are lots of games that are available to people with no equipment. Start a round of I-Spy or killer
21. You could also play a word game like word association or each person adding a sentence to a story. These may seem a little cheesy now but remember them when you’re bored. They may be an activity saver! Take a breather. Poacher can be an intense week. You’re with people constantly, and there are few places to escape. So why not lose yourself in something? Read a book, draw, or take five minutes to breathe and recover. You might find it re-energises and protects your mental health during the week.
peg it to one of the five members pictured in Retro Fest subcamp. This challenge is running throughout the length of Poacher and there is a prize available if you successfully manage to peg one of the members. Make sure to write your name on the peg and subcamp, so the prize can make its way to the correct person. “Poacher is amazing!” Olivia, Wild West. Congratulations to Mandi Carden and Di Stringer for taking over as joint Division Commissioners for Louth Division. We’re looking to find the youngest and oldest people at Poacher 2022
(and take a photo of them together). If you think this might be you, or someone you know, get in touch with us!
Are you following Poacher on all of our social media channels? Why not?
Don’t forget to look out for our very own media mascot, Poacher Panda, who will be hiding somewhere around the showground this morning. If you find him, and return him to the media centre, there will be a prize waiting for you. Today the Poacher Cinema will be showing: 9:30am - Secret Life of Pets (PG) 2:00pm - Cars (PG) 6:30pm - Rya and the Last Dragon (PG) In the Main Arena
Happy Birthday From All Of Us Saturday 30th July Lois M, 67 Max H, 13 Alex T, 14 Robert P, 13 Joseph S, 10 Sarah B, 48 Robbie P, 14 Drew S, 20 Thomas M, 13 Jessica H, 15 Abbie H, 12 Abigail E, 12 Isobel C, 49 Niamh K, 11 George D, 24 Nathan B, 14 Penny D, 11 Lacey-Mae L, 11 Steve N, 55
Newspaper Team Leader - Jake Dixon Reporters: Katie Broadbent, Thomas Meads, Amy Crombleholme, Deanna Carden, Lily Hambly, Amy Emmot, Ger Hennessy, Alex Richardson, Emily Probert, Isaac Mason
Samantha F, 14 Susan W, 70 Mercedes E, 11 Sarah T, 2 Sunday 31st July Joan P, 71 Maria E, 56 Anthony C, 51 James K, 43 Andy E, 42 Sharon W, 39 Emma R, 35 Sam C, 32 Adam S, 28 Jack B, 17 Daniela M, 14 Aiden H, 13 Esme L, 13 Jack B, 13
Archie J, 12 Chloe C, 12 Bobby C, 12 Joshua A, 11 Logan E, 3 Monday 1st August Dawn M, 44 Rhys S, 13 Billy B, 11 Jessica T, 11 Liam S, 28 Heather N, 30 Ben B, 14 Emily C, 16 Hazel R, 15 Michael B, 12 Jack J, 12 Lydia S, 12 Josh R, 14
Photography Team Leader - Ellen Tack Photographers: Helen Zealand, Zackery Phelps, Stephen Way, Ian Guy, James Hage, Emily Mackwood, Robin Almond, Katie Burgess, Eli Bush