This July, Solihull Scout County played host to scouts from the Netherlands and Switzerland as part of the 25 th International Scout Jamboree. The HoHo Team, co-ordinated by Paul Preece, provided an action packed couple of days for the visiting scouts, which began on Monday 23rd with the arrival of the Dutch scout troop.

The 30 scouts, aged between 14 and 17, were to be hosted at 1 st Solihull who welcomed them at their spotless HQ, in which even the ceiling had been vacuumed by a willing Chris Morgan-Cettler!

The Dutch stepped off their coach to a warm welcome, from Solihull Leaders and Explorers who made presentations of unique and much sought after HoHo neckers. After a moment's pause the silence was broken and firm friendships were soon being made.

Tuesday saw the arrival of the Swiss Scout troop; the scouts were to be hosted in pairs by local families. After a welcome of homemade cakes and gifts of more Ho Ho neckers, the scouts were introduced to their host families and whisked off to settle in. The Dutch troop, meanwhile, were treated to a trip into Solihull and along the canal in a traditional narrow boat, followed by a wild session at Lazer Quest.

On Wednesday, a trip to the Black Country Living Museum was arranged, in which both groups of scouts were able to experience amongst other sights coalmines, a Victorian school lesson complete with dunce's hat and chalkboards, and traditional fish and chips!

Meanwhile preparation for the week's main event, Mini Jam, was underway back at 1 st Solihull , with volunteers braving the rain to set up a giant marquee complete with stage and sound system. Thankfully the rain held off for the event, which exceeded expectations with over 600 people attending for a fantastic evening, including a delicious barbeque, entertainment from local rock bands, DJ, and a visit from the Mayor and Mayoress.

The evening provided a brilliant welcome to our visiting scouts, and also set the scene for the upcoming Jamboree, with a sing-along to the official jamboree song. The marquee, decorated with the Dutch and Swiss flags along with colourful bunting was alive with conversation, music and dancing – and it was evident that a good time was had by all. As the evening neared its close, the Dutch troop were rounded up by their leaders playing giant Dutch horns, and reluctant as they were to leave, were waved off as they made their way to the Jamboree after a memorable time in Solihull .

As the heavens opened on Thursday morning, the ever-willing HoHo team arrived back at 1 st Solihull to begin the clean up operation in the rain; drenched and tired but delighted with the resounding success of the evening.

The Swiss scouts were entertained by their host families, and despite the bad weather were able to experience a variety of activities including exploring Birmingham, bowling, a visit to a safari park, a mini beer festival and even a visit to a Halal butchers! As the troop was waved off on Friday morning, the emotional goodbyes, gifts and promises to write, spoke for themselves in illustrating the success of the event. After months of preparation, complication and anticipation, HoHo was officially over – and the team at a loss of what to do next!