Embracing the Wilderness: Reverend Michael's Reflections from Haarlem Jamborette 2023

St Mary's Church • Aug 10, 2023

Embracing the Wild

Greetings from the heart of the Haarlem Jamborette 2023! It's been an adventurous four days since I've joined the ranks of Atherstone District Scouts in this captivating journey. As I sit here under the vast canvas sky of our campsite, surrounded by the vibrant energy of scouts from across the globe, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact this wilderness immersion is having on my faith, perspective, and sense of humour.


Rugged camping and creature comfort deprivation have indeed been the name of the game. Who knew that setting up a tent could be such a feat of engineering? I admit, there might have been a moment of victory accompanied by a not-so-graceful tumble as I tried to balance the poles and align the zippers. But there's something beautifully humbling about these simple tasks that require us to slow down, appreciate the process, and embrace the imperfections.

Now, let's talk about the art of shaving without hot water – a comedy in its own right. In a world where a warm shower is a given, the absence of such luxury has been quite the adjustment. Picture this: a mirror propped up against a tree, a lathered face, and a splash of cold water that could rival the Antarctic. It's safe to say that my face might have experienced a jolt of wakefulness that even a strong cup of coffee couldn't match. But in the midst of it all, there's a camaraderie that emerges as we share these anecdotes and laugh at our attempts to maintain some semblance of grooming.


Beyond the daily trials and triumphs, the Haarlem Jamborette experience is a microcosm of growth. Adjusting to the lack of creature comforts, finding joy in the simplicity of a warm meal, and building bonds around the campfire are lessons that transcend the boundaries of scout badges. As I navigate this adventure, I'm reminded that sometimes, it's in the roughing-it moments that we truly discover our strengths and connect with our inner resilience.


Being in the presence of these young and inspirational scouts has reaffirmed the significance of scouting movements within the Church of England. The values of service, unity, and growth that Scouts embody align seamlessly with the teachings of faith. Just as in our spiritual journey, scouting encourages us to step outside our comfort zones, adapt to new situations, and cultivate meaningful relationships through shared experiences.


So here I am, adjusting my tent and adjusting my expectations, finding humour in the everyday challenges, and discovering profound connections in the process. As the journey continues, I eagerly anticipate more moments of insight, laughter, and perhaps a few more slightly ungraceful tumbles as I navigate this wilderness adventure with Atherstone Scouts.

Stay tuned for more reflections, stories, and perhaps a few more escapades from the Haarlem Jamborette. Together, let's embrace the wild, find solace in simplicity, and cherish the bonds that unite us under the expansive sky of adventure.


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