27,000 scouts close Zambales jamboree

BOTOLAN, Zambales — With songs, dances, and one final roaring campfire, more than 27,000 scouts from 19 countries bid farewell to Camp Zambales as the 33rd Asia Pacific Region (APR) Scout Jamboree came to a close on 20 December.

The jamboree’s closing ceremony centered on the lighting of the Grand Campfire at the camp’s Grand Arena, a moment that symbolized both celebration and goodbye. Botolan Mayor and Deputy Camp Chief Jun Omar Ebdane lit the campfire before thousands of scouts gathered from across the Asia-Pacific region.

The night opened with a lively dance presentation by scouts from Nueva Ecija, followed by a special campfire yarn delivered by David Robert Baden-Powell, the 5th Baron Baden-Powell and great-grandson of Scouting founder Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell. The campfire yarn, a long-standing scouting tradition, featured stories meant to inspire reflection, unity, and service among scouts.

As the jamboree wrapped up, international delegates showered praise on the Philippines — particularly Zambales — for hosting what is considered the region’s biggest Scouting event.

Vietnamese scout delegates commended the strong security arrangements, noting the courtesy and helpfulness of police officers and other security personnel throughout the weeklong gathering. They said the visible presence of security and rescue teams made them feel safe and well-supported during their stay.

Meanwhile, Malaysian scout delegates lauded the organizers for being attentive to their needs, especially in food preparation. They shared that Halal meals were readily available throughout the camp, a significant consideration for delegates from a Muslim-majority country. The group also expressed gratitude for the provision of a dedicated prayer room where they could worship without interruption.