International staff information

Across several teams, staff members work before, during, and after the camp. They organise activities for participants, work behind the scenes in one of the supporting teams, or help with setting up and taking down the camp. Many staff members from previous editions will agree: it is hard work, but also a lot of fun, not to mention the lifelong friendships you will make. 

Based on previous experiences, we have decided that international volunteers will be fully integrated into the teams and work alongside them throughout the camp. We believe this integrated camp experience will result in an even better overall experience. However, due to capacity limits, we need to restrict the number of staff members and can only accept staff who are available for the full duration of the camp. 

For staff members, the camp runs from Thursday 22nd July until Thursday 5th August. We expect you to arrive on site in the afternoon or early evening of July 22nd. On July 22, no dinner, only breakfast starting Friday morning. After breakfast on August 5th, everyone will start to leave.

There is a separate subcamp for staff, Subcamp Blue, where you can pitch your own tent. Each day, the team in the staff restaurant prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so there is no need to cook for yourself. Tea and coffee are also provided.

As a potential staff member of the Haarlem Jamborette, we invite you to explore the different teams and their roles. Through the link, you will find a overview containing detailed descriptions of each team. Based on this information, we ask you to make a well-considered choice and select your top three preferred teams. This helps us match you where you fit best and where you are needed most.

General requirements

  • Please note that international staff must be 18 years or older on July 22nd, 2027 (no exceptions possible).  
  • You will join as an individual in one of the teams. We do not accept group registrations, as we want to offer the best selection opportunities for each individual. 
  • We can select 30 IST’s, so we have ensured the selection process is as fair as possible. 
  • You are expected to be physically able to work at least 8 hours a day. 
  • You speak and read English, as all communication is in Dutch and/or English.

Camp fee

For staff members, the camp fee for the Jamborette is €145,-. This fee includes: 

  • A place for your tent in a separate staff subcamp (Subcamp Blue), with showers and toilets 
  • Three meals a day, including coffee and tea, from arrival until departure 
  • Camp scarf 
  • Two camp shirts and a Jambo mug 
  • Closing party 

VISA

For volunteers living outside Europe, obtaining a visa may be very difficult. Our experience is that, for people from African countries in particular, it is unlikely to get one. Before registering, please find out whether you can apply for a visa and whether you are likely to obtain one. 

 Obtaining a visa is your own responsibility, as unfortunately we are unable to help with that. However, if needed, we can send a formal invitation letter in which we invite you to join the Haarlem Jamborette. You can include this invitation as part of your visa application. 

Recommendation needed

Staff members must submit a recommendation from their NSO (National Scout Organization). This consists of a letter of introduction provided by us, to be signed by your international commissioner. 

We also ask you to sign a declaration of integrity based on the code of conduct from the Dutch Scout organization. Both signed documents must be e-mailed to us before the camp, and we would like to receive the original documents from you upon arrival at the camp site. 

We ask every volunteer to provide this proof of good conduct, as we carry a huge responsibility towards our participants. 

Travel

Near the camp site there is a train station called Halfweg-Zwanenburg. From Schiphol Airport, you can take a train to Amsterdam Sloterdijk, where you change to the train to Halfweg-Zwanenburg. From Amsterdam Central and Haarlem, there are direct trains to Halfweg-Zwanenburg. From the station, it is about a 15-minute walk to the camp site.

Good to know in advance 

  • Unfortunately, pets are not allowed anywhere on the site during the Haarlem Jamborette.
  • Family or friends cannot visit during the camp, except on the open day. 
  • Additional or personal amenities are not unlimited. We are very service-oriented towards our volunteers, but we cannot meet all personal wishes. 
  • Think carefully about the teams you choose. Consider changing, late or early shifts and physically strenuous work. 

Application proces 

  1. Register via the registration form on this website and indicate your team preference.
  2. Applications are screened. We cannot accept group registrations, applicants who are not 18 years old on July 22nd, 2027, or applicants from countries that do not issue visas. 
  3. The application process starts in early 2026. 
  4. We contact you to discuss your motivation and any relevant experience. 
  5. Registration closes in summer 2026. 
  6. After receiving the required items mentioned below, a further selection is made. 
  7. Selected applicants are invited for a FaceTime, Google Chat or Teams meeting to get to know each other and discuss background and experience. 
  8. Due to limited capacity (maximum 30 people), an additional selection may be necessary. Selected applicants will then be asked to provide the required recommendation. 
  9. Once the recommendation and final registration are approved, we match you with a team. From that moment on, you will be in contact with your team leader (end of 2026). 
  10. You can then plan your trip to the Netherlands.

If you would like more information, please send us an e-mail