Portumna Scout Jamboree 1986

Portumna, Co. Galway, Ireland

In August, 1985 the three Scout Associations in Ireland (CBSI, SAI, and NISC) held a major Jamboree at Portumna, Co. Galway to celebrate International Youth Year. Portumna 85 was the first Irish scout camp involving all three Irish scouting organizations. The International event was held on the grounds of Portumna Castle http://www.ireland-now.com/castles/portumna.html. The Irish were excited that this event was being held in their country and there was a tremendous security presence to protect the event given attendance of those from both the Republic and the North. No matter where we went in Ireland, everyone knew about the event and welcomed us.

Approximately 10,000 scouts and 2,000 adults attended, representing units from around the world. In true Irish tradition there was a "light mist" almost the whole time we were at the jamboree. The rain stopped as soon as we moved on to Dublin for a few days. Our nylon tents attracted some funny remarks when they were first set up; they were so limp when compared with the canvas tents of Europe. A week later the nylon tents were the only dry ones at the jamboree. Units lined up to buy the nylon tents from the troops leaving to return to the states.

Our troop, Troop 502 of Woburn Mass, through the energy of the scouts and the support of parents and local sponsors, was among the lucky few United States scout troops to represent our country. We were 19 strong, 16 scouts and 3 adults and had a fantastic time, enhanced not only by the international nature of the event but also by the long daylight. Those two were nothing though compared to the excitement when it was realized that scouting in Europe is co-ed! I was one of the scout leaders and my sons Chris and Peter were also part of the troop.

The neckerchiefs with the Portumna 85 logo were the official neckerchiefs of the jamboree. There were various colors based on the sub-camp where you were located. This neckerchief was for the Fionn sub-camp.

We'll sing together, a song of joy
Lets show each other we can get by
All scouts forever Portumna 85

Lets sing together a song of joy
lets build a future a world as one
Lets make today the day its done
We have a vision we can be free
Lets sing together in harmony

Sing a song of joy, sing a song of joy

So many nations, so many lands
so many people all joining hands
We are all ages, all have one dream
Lets sing together one more time

Sing a song of joy, sing a song of joy

And when its over, and we're all gone
Lets remember, the songs, the fun
The shannon hillsides, the Irish sky
Lets sing together a song of joy

Sing a song of joy, sing a song of joy

This commentary was provided by:

Jim Conway
jbconway@rcn.com
Woburn, MA USA