5 Maryville Scouts To World Jamboree
The Maryville Daily Forum, July 23, 1963, Page 1. via Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-maryville-daily-forum-scouts-leaving/197191533
Five Maryville Boy Scouts were joined in Kansas City by a Hiawatha, Kas., Scout just prior to the departure for a picture. They are part of the contingent of Region VIII Boy Scouts of America attending the 11th World Jamboree, which will be held in Marathon, Greece, Aug. 1 through Aug. 11.
Shown above on the ramp, left to right are: Harold Poynter, Maryville; James Quinn, Maryville; Randolph Starr, Hiawatha, Kas.; and Robert Foster, Maryville.
On the ground, left to right, are Richard Hotchkin and Phillip Place, both of Maryville. The Scouts spent last weekend in pre-Jamboree training at Fort Slocum, N. Y., and left Idlewild Airport (JFK) in New York City today on a chartered jetliner for Zurich, Switzerland. The contingent will tour Switzerland and fly to Athens, Greece, on July 29.
More than 12,000 Scouts and their leaders were expected to make up the tent city in Marathon for the Jamboree.
Following the Jamboree, the Scouts will visit Venice, Lausanne, and London, before flying back to the United States on Aug. 20.
Highlights Summary
The Maryville Daily Forum, September 28, 1963, Page 6. via Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-maryville-daily-forum-1963-boy-scout/197191129/
For six weeks, Jim Quinn, Bob Foster, Phillip Place, and Dick Hotchkin toured Europe with 600 other American Boy Scouts. They attended the International Scout Jamboree on the Plains of Marathon in Greece for 13 days, alongside 14,000 other boys. Before the Jamboree, the travelers toured Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. They visited France and England after the camp. When asked what they enjoyed most about their trip, Quinn and Foster said that they found the historical features of Greece the most interesting.
Place and Hotchkin stated that Venice, with its gondoliers and canals, was to them the most enlightening and enjoyable. Phil brought back a gondolier’s shirt as one of his most treasured souvenirs.
- They went to the Plains of Marathon and were told to run a mile — they thought it was part of the jamboree fitness badge and sprinted for the souvenir tent.
- Jim said Greece was full of history; Bob said, “I didn’t realize ancient ruins came with a gift shop.”
- Phillip got a gondolier’s shirt in Venice — now every time he folds his arms people assume he’s plotting canal improvements.
- Dick tried to barter for a gondola ride with a pocketknife and a campfire story. The gondolier accepted the story and Rowed Anyway.
- At the jamboree, they were told to pitch a tent — they pitched a conversation with a scout from 14 different countries instead.
- The group photo caption read: “Six scouts, one map, zero sense of direction — but endless enthusiasm.”
- In Switzerland, they learned chocolate diplomacy: give a bar, get a new friend. They returned with diplomatic immunity and extra luggage.
- Bob asked which ancient Greek philosopher they most resembled. The guide said, “Socrates.” Bob replied, “Who’s Socrates?”
- They toured Rome and tried to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. The coins insisted on returning home.
- After England, Jim swore he’d perfected his British accent — until he ordered a hot dog and got a lecture on sausages.
- When asked the highlight, two said “Greece,” two said “Venice,” and the other two said, “Can we just agree the food was the real international language?”
- They learned the Scout motto in four languages — and used all of them to ask where the nearest bakery was.
- Jim kept saying “When in Rome…” and then insisted on leaving every time someone mentioned pasta.
- Phillip wore his gondolier shirt home and surprised the mailman, who promptly asked for directions to Venice.
- Bob claimed he found the Fountain of Youth in Greece — it was just a very strong espresso.
- Dick announced he could navigate by stars — until the first streetlight.
- They tried Swiss cheese fondue and formed an emergency committee: The Dip-and-Rescue Squad.
- At the jamboree opening, someone yelled: “Throw your hats!” They all obeyed — and a French scout caught one and started a hat collection.
- When their guide mentioned the Acropolis, Jim nodded solemnly and asked, “Is that near the gift shop?”
- Phillip’s souvenir shirt doubled as a flag — and also as proof he’d been to Venice when customs asked.
- Bob tried to trade a merit badge for gelato — it worked, but now he’s suspicious of all Italian currency.
- They asked an English guard for directions; he gave them a poem instead. They still found the museum.
- After three weeks of European roads, they concluded that maps are just suggestions with extra pictures.
- Dick promised he’d learn a local phrase in every country — he came home fluent in “Where’s the restroom?”
- At the jamboree closing, someone asked, “What will you miss most?” They answered in unison: “Each other’s bad directions.”