The 14th World Scout Jamboree, “Nordjamb ’75,” was held from July 29 to August 7, 1975, in Lillehammer, Norway, drawing 17,259 Scouts from 94 countries. This Jamboree was significant for its theme, “Five Fingers, One Hand,” symbolizing the unity and strength derived from international cooperation. The event was officially opened by King Olav V of Norway, with Crown Prince Harald also in attendance, underscoring the importance of the gathering.
The program at Nordjamb ’75 was diverse, combining traditional Scouting activities like hiking, orienteering, and camping with modern technology demonstrations, reflecting the evolving nature of Scouting. One of the unique features was the two-day hikes conducted by international patrols, which were carefully selected to include Scouts from different countries, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and communication. The Jamboree also offered cultural experiences, such as visits to the Maihaugen museum and participation in the Jamboree Country Fair.
A hallmark of this event was the “Home Hospitality” program, where many Scouts were hosted by families across Scandinavia, deepening the cultural exchange and fostering lifelong friendships. Despite preparations for typical Scandinavian weather, participants experienced an unexpected heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record highs, adding an element of challenge to the event.