Apparently, the relevance to Rising Sun to their ambitions or their philosophical scheme, gave us the event But, more than likely it was the reference to Rising Sun in their country’s song…

Our role was one of the host for the event: providing camp facilities, aquatics availability at both our camps, location to Philadelphia, Washington, DC and environs which were close to major Catholic dioceses plus the ability to camp the female Scouts at Ware and the male scouts at Horseshoe, yet having a good common meeting ground access. The first week was to be spent “in camp” taking advantage of programs, etc. The second week provided them opportunities to visit major cities.

Each of these events have their own stories but that of the present subject is perhaps the most intriguing because it was supported by so many of our own Council Staff and Volunteers.

The timing was unique: summer following an active season of our own Scouts. Fifty of our more seasoned staff were invited to stay on to form the basis for the camp leadership. Recruited were some 110 volunteers from the Council’s Unit Service and Executive Board group, a group of seasoned and experienced leaders. Under the leadership of Bill Hess, JB Rettew (newly elected Council President) and Hab Butler (newly elected Council Commissioner, a cadre of committed volunteers were on hand throughout all or most of the two week period.

Reading from the “Spirit of the Horseshoe”, the feeling this event created for all the workers from our Council is clear:

“For many of our 110 volunteers and 50 Reservation staff members, this was a truly ‘unforgettable experience.’ The sights and sounds of the ‘Zlot’ (Jamboree) were memorable and, at times emotional. Few will forget the opening march onto the Horseshoe Parade Field when over 1000 Scouts marched onto the field to the sound of drums, bugles and whistles. Leading the way, the many multi-colored flags of the various international Polish scout groups – the first singing of the Polish Scouting song – the tearful reunion of past jamboree groups on the Horseshoe field. The haunting melodies of the evening campfires and Catholic masses in the pine grove – and finally, that special moment on closing day when each Scouting unit marched passed and saluted the President of the Polish government in exile.” Bill Hess did an exceptional job in coordinating the event and devoting many long hours both in preparation for the Jamboree and at Camp to insure its success. He officially greeted the Jamboree at the Opening Ceremonies and was joined by Council President Rettew. The Commissioners Staff, under Hab Butler’s leadership, was always prepared and willing to serve. Many friendships between our service crews and the Polish Scouters were made during the encampment. Even serving for several days at the hectic Trading Post was the Council President’s wife, Ellie Rettew along with Sue Crouch and Sue Fisher. Ellie had a great time conversing in Polish with many of the Scouts.

There was a brief problem that had been unanticipated. The weather was hot as only Horseshoe can be in August. The Polish organization had delayed qualifying all their Scouts – boys and girls – for their swim tests. The result was that the showers were in continuous use for the first several days! As Bill Moffet on the service Staff put it: “Oh! Oh! No Water!” Well, thanks to some quick thinking and help from Camp Ranger Roy Cole, Bill and others, a water line was run to a remote well and we soon were filling the tanks at both camps. In the meantime, some restrictions had to be enforced… paper plates for meals and the ladies’ hair washing had to be halted briefly.

When talking with all the staff members who were there and the members of the Commissioners’ Unit Service group like Hab Butler, one will get a real sense of the impact it had on the lives of all who served.