Lately it has come to our attention that a number of rumours are circulating concerning aspects of the Jamboree and Contingent fees. For example we have heard that:

1. The Jamboree fee will drop once the realisation hits that there are not enough Leaders to run activities, etc.
2. The NSW Contingent fee will reduce as we get closer to the event to attract more Leaders.
3. Leaders are expected to pay $1020, so why bother at that price.
4. Leaders and Venturers are holding back from submitting applications waiting for the fees to drop.
5. Venturer Scout minimum age requirement will drop to include 15 year old Venturers.

These are just a sample and all are incorrect. The facts are as folows:

1. The NSW Contingent fee will not be reduced for any reason and will remain at $180.00 per member.
2. The Jamboree fee will not be reduced at all. This fact has been confirmed with Bob Baker, Chief Director.
3. The Jamboree fee for NSW Leaders is $680.00, not $1020.00. Venturer Scout fee is set at $710.00. Regional transport fees apply in addition and will be advised by your Region.
4. All NSW Branch members are required to pay the same Contingent fee, with the exception of the Day Worker classification.
5. NSW and the Jamboree are still accepting applications. However the longer people wait the less chance of getting the preferred placement in a Troop or Service Leader role. Most Troops have already been compiled so only limited Line Leader roles remain available.
6. The Venturer Scout minimum age requirement will not be changed.

Certainly the more Leaders that apply, the better the experience for our Scouts and participating adults. So please register now and forward your application to the Contingent.

If you have any questions, please contact Phil Crutchley (NSW Contingent Leader - AJ2010) directly.

Silvia Shaw (Scout Leader 2nd Griffith) has kindly volunteered to undertake the role of RLL (Regional Liaison Leader) for Riverina region. If you are in Riverina region then please direct enquiries to Sylvia and she will ensure that your enquiry gets answered.

Silvia can be contacted on 6962 1398 or 0427 909 374 or by e-mail as ssh71511@bigpond.net.au.

The AJ2010 Parents Handbook has been released. This handbook contains information covering all areas of interest to parents and caresrs of Scouts attending Jamboree. This includes areas such as:

• How to handle homesickness.
• What Scouts should take to Jamboree (and what they shouldn't).
• Health and medication advice and procedures.

It is recommended that all parents and carers download and read the handbook.

Download parents handbook (version 1.1) from: http://aj2010.com/system/files/u2/AJ2010_Parents_Handbook.pdf (288KB)

Unlike past Jamborees the 22^nd Australian Jamboree will not be open to the public. As a result all persons wishing to visit must apply to enter the site. All Scouters who plan to wear their uniform must apply no later than 48 hours prior to their visit. All non Scouters must apply 5 days prior to allow for the compulsory clearances to be obtained. Failure to apply will mean access will be denied. It is also important to note that all visitors must be off the site by 6pm unless prior approval to remain has been granted by the JOC.

Any queries relating to the site access application process, please contact the Jamboree Organising Team directly via email at aj2010@nsw.scouts.com.au.

The AJ2010 Leaders Handbook has been released. This handbook contains information covering all areas of interest to leaders attending Jamboree. This includes areas such as:

• The different roles for leaders and what these entail.
• The organisation of a Jamboree troop site.
• What equipment a troop needs to bring and what the Contingent supplies.

It is recommended that all Leaders intending to attend AJ2010 should download and read the handbook. Each Jamboree troop should ensure they have at least one printed copy.

Download leaders handbook (version 2.3) from: http://aj2010.com/system/files/u2/AJ2010_Leaders_Handbook.pdf (746KB)

The NSW contingent badge for AJ2010 has been announced. The AJ2010 badge uses a stylised shape to represent the outline of NSW. This is a break from the tradition of using a more literal state outline.

Applications are now being accepted for AJ2010. To apply please go to the offical Jamboree site registration page.

To register you need to have a recent digital photograph of yourself to upload with your application. The requirements for the photograph are the same as those for a passport photo.

THE TONY BALTHASAR JAMBOREE FUND has money available to help scouts attend AJ2010 being held at Cataract Scout Park during January 2010.

For the first time at a Jamboree leaders may attend AJ2010 as day workers.