The Kent International Service Team who, together, form the backbone of the festival.
You - alongside several hundred other KIST - will ensure every Scout, every Explorer, every Guide and every Ranger in our care has an outstanding experience at KIJ and that they take away with them memories that will last a lifetime.
Yep, our logo is an ant but there's no antagonism or antipathy to this: you being part of this team is your chance to work hard....but also have the chance to play too.
The Kent International Service Team brings together all staff across the festival and, whatever group you are working with, your booking is managed through this wider team.
The design of the festival for KIST (and for leaders) is changing quite significantly. It's a recognition that you are giving your time up as well as the young people in our care. As part of this all adults will have access to The Urban Hub.
As you'd expect, this zone will provide food, drink and entertainment. However, you'll also get you access to training, to programme and to a number of other activities and concessions.
After spending time running programme, managing facilities or looking after leaders, this will be your space to pause and recharge too: bring your mug and refill your cup at the complimentary tea and coffee station, then use the picnic benches, sit in the cafe or go over to the quiet space for a break with others... Inside the Urban Hub, you'll also find the KIST Hubcamp: this is our space for camping and for motorhomes/caravans with dedicated KIST washing facilities. With a Hubcamp and Welfare team based here too any support you need is close to hand.
If you've been busy all day - or all night - the last thing you want to think about is cooking! So we've looked to provide a comprehensive BEAST catering package that is both varied and substantial. You can add this to your booking for a hugely subsidised £50 or decide to self-cater: the choice is yours. We also recognise that many of you work before and/or after the jamboree and we'd like to say an extra thank you to you for your contribution here: there's no extra costs for being there in advance or after the festival and we'll also provide food too if you want it. All we need to know are your arrival and departure dates to ensure there is no waste.
To find out more about the BEAST
Above all, we do want you to feel a part of a team and to know you are really valued. As well as this dedicated space, we're working hard to ensure you have an exclusive merchandise package (that's not available to buy) and to enable all staff to have a scheduled day off too. You may decide this is used to do some (pre-booked) training, to check out the programme and craft ideas, to join one of the festival 'KIJ-Talks', to wander around the festival or, simply, to rest. The choice is yours.
We're also aware that many of you in KIST will be under 25. So, if you're on your pathway to your King Scout Award, we can support here and look forward to help you on some of those steps. There'll always be plenty of questions and the team will answer these through ongoing newsletters and directly for more individual needs. Book your place and become part of our army of ants!
As a member of KIST you can book individually, as part of a wider team of volunteers or as part of your group if they're attending. If it's either of the last two options, one invoice will be provided for the whole booking. Inside the booking you'll be asked for a range of information including the roles / areas where you'd want to work. There are three preferences here in terms of areas: please select in order or priority. Large numbers of people have already made applications and we are sifting through these now. However, we obviously need a confirmed booking to confirm a role too!
So now's the time to complete your full booking: we'll tie up previous 'expressions of interest' with job roles as well.
COST DETAILS: £100 for the week at KIJ. Select the week's food package for just £50. If you can help in advance and/or after the Jamboree, there are no further costs with food provided for this time too.
Total package includes: Camp Fees, Exclusive Merchandise Pack, access to The Hub, a scheduled day off and, most importantly of all, the hi-viz vest!
KIST
KIST FAQs
What do I need to bring?
You will need enough clothes to last your time on the jamboree: light, breathable and in the evenings warm (plus some spare). Please bring a waterproof coat and trousers too, shorts and a sun hat (you know what the British summer is like!) Footwear = trainers/sturdy shoes/boots, and flip flops or similar for use in the shower.
Sleeping bag, roll mat, pillow, torch, phone charger, power pack/solar charger, any medication you might need, sun cream, personal first aid kit, camping chair. A personal wash kit, including towel, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste.
Solar/battery fairy lights for your tent, you are attending the Festival of Scouting and Guiding, and we would like to create this atmosphere within the camping area by lighting it up at night.
A positive attitude and a smiling face, as this will help improve the experience for the young people.
What about my tent?
Your tent needs to be big enough to fit you and your kit and be comfortable for living in for the week, but not extravagant as we have plenty of socialising space within the Hub camp area. If you know someone else who is going and can share a tent that would be great.
Tent size single occupant = maximum 2 person tent; 2 people = 4 person tent. Note: this doesn’t mean bring a tent with enough space for a kitchen, lounge, porch…!!!
We are not able to provide tents.
What facilities are available?
The Adult Hub aims to provide all your needs, from the KIST catering hall (choose catering option when booking) to the Crooked Staff (pub), adult training area, café, social space, craft sessions and more. The KIST Hub camp will provide the usual toilets and showers, camping areas, as well as a quiet space, and phone charging points.
What is the camping area like?
The whole KIST camping area is a quiet zone, as KIST members will all have different shift patterns, as The Festival is active 24/7, so please be respectful to all and keep noise to a minimum around the tents. There will be plenty of areas for you to socialise in the Hub camp and Hub areas.
Who will I be camping with?
We will be looking at setting up the Hub camp so that you are camping in your teams but we may have to adjust this depending on how many KIST members we have on the site.
Why should I buy into the catering option?
If you've been busy all day - or all night - the last thing you want to think about is cooking! So we've looked to provide a comprehensive BEAST catering package that is both varied and substantial. You can add this to your booking for a subsidised £50. If you arrive during the build week or stay for the take down, you can add meals with no extra charge.
What support is available if I get into difficulty? Who do I speak to about….?
There will be a dedicated adult welfare and HR team within the Hub area, who will be available to talk to throughout The Festival. You can also come to the Hub camp HQ or Hub HQ to speak to a member of the KIST support team. First aid is available 24/7 via ScoutMed
I need support for medical reasons, how do I tell you?
When you register, please fill in the relevant section in as much detail as possible. You can also email volunteering@kij.org.uk to confirm details. If there are any specific needs beyond typical medication, it is essential that you contact us sooner.
Will there be somewhere to store my medication?
Yes, there will be a fridge and freezer in the Hub camp HQ that you will be able to store your medication. You will need to make sure that it is stored in a named box.
I’m an international staff member, and need help with visa’s and other bits?
If you are an international member of scouting or guiding and wish to be KIST at our Festival, then you need to contact our International Lead David Wraight, on david.wraight@kentscouts.org.uk to get help with all you need to do to join our Festival.
How do I choose a role?
Have a look on the website to gain some ideas of what roles are available and what is going on across the jamboree site that may interest you.
You then select your preferred roles when you book. If you’re not sure what you want to do, we can allocate a general role that allows you to experience The Festival to the full. If you have any qualifications, please list them.
When will I hear about what role I’m doing?
This is an ongoing process and staff will be added to roles step by step. As we move towards KIJ25 more and more staff will be allocated but we have to ensure we are staffing the needs of the jamboree so great care is taken in this process.
What if I haven’t heard about what role I’m doing?
Don’t panic: this is a slow process. You are not forgotten!
What is there to do if I’m not scheduled to do my role?
When you aren’t working, you can explore all the delights of The Festival, from Rio (village) to the arena and of course the Adult Hub. Where you will have access to Training, Programme ideas, craft, café, concessions, social area and a quiet area if you just need to relax.
You may also wish to join and support another team BUT it is very important that you have time with others and time for yourself.
What if my booking is with my group, but I’m registered as KIST, which set of merchandise will I get? Do I have access to the KIST Hub camp?
You will receive the KIST package which needs to be collected from the Adult Hub. Yes, you will be able to access the Hub camp and its activities for KIST members.
I’m self-catering, what do I need to bring/ what’s provided?
We will have a small, dedicated area within the Hub camp for cooking and washing up. We will be providing a limited number of gas stoves. There will be access to hot water, and cleaning products. There will be a freezer in the Hub camp HQ where you can store freezer blocks (please make sure that your name is on the freezer block).
There is to be no cooking elsewhere on the Hub camp.
I don’t turn 18 till July 2025, can I still sign up as KIST? And how do I get my DBS sorted?
Yes, you can register as KIST, you will just need to remember to add your scout membership number and DBS number when you have them. To get your DBS you will need to speak with your explorer leader or if you are taking on a leadership role within a group, speak to the leaders there. Please apply for your DBS in good time, as you will not be able to attend without it.
Can I still see my friends in Explorers even though I’m KIST?
Of course you can, however the Hub camp and Adult Hub are only accessible to adults and their family, so it would have to be on the main Festival site. Please remember that you are to follow the guidance of the Yellow card.
When do I get my KIST merchandise package?
You will receive your merchandise as part of the registration process.
When will I find out about the training opportunities?
The programme of training will be released in various stages. For elements that need to be booked, you will be informed when this is available on the booking portal. Several programmes will have limited spaces, so it is important that you book early. Remember that training is available to ALL adults not just KIST; they too will go through a similar process.
Some elements of the training programme have an additional cost; these are external courses and certificated. More details will follow.
Final date for registration/details filled in?
There isn’t a cut-off date to register to be KIST, however it is best to sign up ASAP so that we have time to sort out your role and make sure that we have everything in place for you, including all of your merchandise.
We will be contacting you to make sure that you have filled in all your details in the run up to the jamboree so that we know everything we need to know about you.
Are there shuttle buses to site? (arrival/departure days and supermarket runs)?
If you need a lift to the site, there will be shuttle buses available to book for arrivals and departures. The location and times of pick-ups/drop off is to be confirmed.
There won’t be any shuttle runs to the local supermarket, but you can get the supermarkets to deliver to the site.
Wi-Fi access?
Yes, there will be Wi-Fi on site that you will be able to access once on site through the hub camp. There are more details on the Main FAQs.
Are there any shops on site? (food, badges)
There are cafes and other concessions on site, as well as souvenir shops.
How do I pay for things onsite (café, bar, shops)? Where can I get cash out?
You will be able to use both cash and card on site (may vary per shop). But be aware that there is no ATM on site.
What is the alcohol policy for KIJ and the Hub camp?
Alcohol will only be available through the bar located in the hub camp. We wish our adult volunteers to have a great time at our Festival and ask that appropriate behaviour towards alcohol is adhered to and respect shown to all who attend. In all cases the rules regarding alcohol will be as per Scouting Policy Organisation and Rules (POR) and the Green Card.
This procedure is provided to give participants at KIJ clear guidance on the expectations of the organisers in relation to consumption of Alcohol Standards.
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase alcohol.
Any person under the age of 18 must not consume alcohol.
No participants under the age of 18 will be allowed in the licensed bar.
Anyone who attends the jamboree as a participant (under 18 at start of camp) remains a participant even if they turn 18 during the camp and therefore will not be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol for the full duration of KIJ.
Staff with children under the age of 18 will have a separate family area in the bar until 21.00
Any drink-related incident or complaint involving persons attending KIJ 2025 will be dealt with by the Camp Chief and the Management Team and, in an extreme case, may result in expulsion from the festival.
Alcohol should only be consumed in the licensed premises.
Smoking and vaping on site?
Please respect all those who attend, and we ask those who wish to smoke or vape to do so only in the designated areas.
Car parking?
See main jamboree FAQs. No cars on site during the event.
How far is it from the car park to the camp site?
It could be a fair distance depending on when you are arriving, if you have a foldable camping trolley it might be useful to bring with you to help carry your kit. There will be some available on the day.