Frequently
Asked
Questions
We have compiled answers to some of the most common questions we have received about Jamboree 2027.
If you don't find the answer to your question here, please feel free to reach out to our Jamboree team for further assistance at jamboree@ggnz.org.nz
General
Jamboree is a large, week-long camp open to all members across New Zealand, as well as international Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting groups. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make new friends, enjoy the outdoors, challenge yourself, and have fun!
Awa2027 will be held from 14–20 January 2027.
Jamboree 2027 will be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre in the Waikato region, in New Zealand’s central North Island. The venue is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Hamilton CBD and 2 minutes from Hamilton Airport.
Visit our location page to learn more about the site!
Registrations will open in early May. You’ll receive an email when registration becomes available.
The full Jamboree experience is open to all Guides and Rangers. Rangatahi must be 9 years old by 1 February 2027 to attend the Guide Jamboree.
Rangatahi who are 12 and a half years old as of 1 February 2027 will be part of the Ranger Jamboree.
Day visit opportunities will also be available for Pippins and Brownies to experience the Jamboree fun.
Yes, you can bring your phone to Jamboree. We have a phone policy which outlines appropriate times to use and not use your phone at Jamboree - this will be published on our website when finalised. Phones will need to be handed in before you go to bed each night.
Yes! There are plenty of ways to get involved in Jamboree 2027, and we’ll be advertising additional roles over the coming months on our vacancies page, so keep an eye out.
We’re looking for a wide range of adults with different skills and experience to help make the Jamboree a success. Please note that all adults attending Jamboree will be required to undergo police vetting, and current adult members will be prioritised.
Jamboree is an opportunity for our youth to grow their independence, confidence, and skills. Parents who attend in a helping role will not be in the same group as their child. However, there will be opportunities throughout the event to visit and spend time together.
Jamboree is all about meeting Guides and Rangers from across New Zealand and around the world. However, we aim to ensure that each youth member has at least one familiar face in their Jamboree unit.
When registering for the Guide or Ranger event, you will be asked to nominate a buddy. Please ensure your buddy is also attending Jamboree and, if you are a Ranger, has selected the same adventures as you.
Yes! We are very excited to extend an invitation to our international Guiding sisters to attend Jamboree. International visitors must be 10 years old by 1 February 2027 to attend Jamboree 2027.
No, there will not be an open day at Jamboree 2027.
The theme for Awa2027 draws inspiration from the Waikato Awa, a powerful symbol of connection, journey, and shared experience.
Our mascot, the tuna, represents movement, growth, and exploration, reflecting the journey each participant takes through challenge, friendship, and discovery at Jamboree.
Yes, the pre-jamboree challenge is coming and will include a special badge too! The pre-jamboree challenge has a list of activities to complete to prepare for Jamboree. This includes having some camping experience before Jamboree. Ideally, Guides and Rangers will have spent two consecutive nights on a Guide or Ranger camp (in a tent) before Jamboree.
Programme - General
Yes, there are scheduled breaks for food, rest, and downtime between activities
All activities are risk-assessed and supervised by trained and experienced leaders or qualified providers. Safety is always a top priority.
Activities are run by a mix of trained GirlGuiding New Zealand leaders, volunteers, and external providers with relevant expertise
The programme is structured to allow for downtime each day. This will give all participants some quiet time or a chance to meet up with friends in other units and groups.
The programme will continue in most weather conditions, with alternative plans or modified activities in place if needed to ensure both safety and enjoyment.
That’s completely okay! You are encouraged to give things a go, but you will be supported throughout and will never be required to participate beyond your comfort level.
Ranger Programme
Yes, when you register for Jamboree, you’ll be asked to pick your top 5 adventures, and you’ll be allocated to one of those. You and your buddy should pick the same top 5 adventures so you can share a tent.
You will be sharing with your Jamboree buddy and between you, you need to bring a Lightweight tent. There will be more information about this on the kit-list.
Rangers will be onsite at Mystery Creek for two days where all Rangers will participate in the same (or similar activities). For days 3-5 you will be away on your offsite adventures with your adventure group.
You need to choose a friend who has the same interests and wants to go on the same Ranger Adventures as you. If none of your Ranger friends want to do the same adventure as you, or you want to make a new friend, we can allocate you a Ranger buddy from round NZ or an International buddy.
Guide Programme
Yes! Each Guide will take part in a full rotation of activities throughout the event, meaning everyone has equal opportunities to experience everything that’s been planned.
Guides will follow a pre-planned rotation of activities. This ensures fairness and gives everyone the opportunity to experience all the activities on offer.
Each day is made up of a morning, afternoon, and evening programme, with a good balance of adventure, exploration, and time to relax and recharge.
Activities are usually run in half-day sessions, giving Guides plenty of time to fully enjoy each experience without feeling rushed.
Guides will take part in a mix of on-site and off-site activities in the surrounding areas, offering a wide range of experiences. These include water-based and adventurous activities, as well as STEM and mindfulness sessions, so there is something for everyone.
The Jamboree programme is designed to be fun, challenging, and adventurous, giving Guides the chance to try new things, build confidence, and make new friends along the way.
The programme is designed to support learning by helping Guides build confidence and independence, encouraging teamwork and leadership, and developing new skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Day Programme - Pippins and Brownies
Registrations for the Day Programme events are not open at this time. We will communicate details and let you know as soon as registrations become available.
No, the day programme is designed for Pippins and Brownies to pick a day that looks the most fun to them! You can come on more than one day
for a different programme, but please note there will be some repetition across the day programme days.
No. The Pippin and Brownie programme is a day-only experience.
While the Pippin/Brownie area is separate for safety, they will still be part of the wider Jamboree environment and may see older participants during certain activities.
Yes. While some base facilities may remain the same, the core activities will change daily to align with the theme of the day.
While participants will spend most of the day together in the same space, they will also be split into smaller groups for certain activities. This allows them to enjoy time with friends while also meeting new people throughout the Jamboree experience.
Fundraising and Fees
Guides: $1800
Rangers: $1800-$2000 depending on the adventure chosen
Adult Volunteers: $500
Pippin and Brownie Day Visit: $115
International Youth: $2050
International Adult: $750
Deposits for Jamboree are due by 1 June 2026 (or within one week of registering if you register after this date). Full payment is due by 12 October 2026.
You do not need to pay the full amount in one payment - regular instalments are welcome, provided the total amount is paid by the due date. If you choose to make regular payments, please ensure your child’s name, unique ID number, and “Jamboree” are included in the payment reference so we can identify the payment easily.
In line with our Debt Management Policy, if full payment is not received by 12 October 2026, your child will be unable to attend.
Visit our fees page to find out more!
Your Jamboree fee covers the full experience from Thursday 14 January to Wednesday 20 January 2027, including:
- A Jamboree kit (event T-shirt and hat)
- Five full days of activities and adventure
- Food and accommodation
- Transport during Jamboree
There are lots of different ways you can fundraise for Jamboree! All the information about fundraising is available here.
Using a single, centralised platform ensures consistency, transparency, and compliance across the organisation. It enables GirlGuiding New Zealand to meet its legal and financial obligations under the Charities Act, maintain clear audit trails, and ensure that all funds raised under the GirlGuiding name or brand are accurately tracked, reported, and managed.
The platform allows our Finance team to process funds efficiently, allocate them correctly, and issue accurate invoices in a timely manner.
It also means you can easily view how much your unit has fundraised at any time!
Each time funds are deposited through the online platform, a 2% fee is applied to cover third-party payment processing costs. GirlGuiding New Zealand does not retain this fee as income; it is passed on directly to cover the cost of providing a safe, reliable, and auditable payment system.
Applying a consistent processing fee across all deposits ensures transparency and fairness, and helps avoid the need for manual cash handling or ad hoc payment methods, which carry higher financial and compliance risks.
We understand that fees can be frustrating; however, this approach helps ensure funds are managed responsibly, fairly, and efficiently across the organisation.
If the money was fundraised as part of a group effort using the GirlGuiding New Zealand name, it will be allocated to the other members of the group who are still attending Jamboree.
If you have fundraised individually, we recommend contacting those who supported you to ask how they would like their donation to be used - for example, a refund of their donation, transferring it to another participant attending the event, or contributing it towards a future event you may attend.
Yes, parents may run their own fundraising activities independently, provided they do not use the GirlGuiding New Zealand name or imply organisational endorsement.
If fundraising is carried out separately from a unit or team, parents will need to manage and divide the funds between those involved and hold the money in their own bank account.
Any money deposited to GirlGuiding New Zealand will be split evenly between all attendees.
No, local units or teams cannot apply directly for grant funding. As units are not separate legal entities, all grant applications must be submitted through the National Support Team.
Please note that grant funding may be sought for group-benefit items such as camping or programme equipment. However, funding cannot be sought for individual attendance fees, in line with Department of Internal Affairs regulations that prohibit grants from directly benefiting individuals.
If a unit does not currently have funds available, consider seeking donations from local businesses for items such as bread, sausages, or butter. This can help reduce upfront costs and increase fundraising profit.
If a leader or whānau member pays for supplies upfront, clear records should be kept. They may then be reimbursed from the funds raised before the remaining money is deposited.
The finance system does not have this capability. Any funds raised as part of a unit or team effort will be split evenly among those attending Jamboree within that unit or team, including adults.
If a smaller group raises funds that they do not wish to be split evenly, they will need to hold the money in their own bank account and use it when it is time to pay the invoice. Please note that in this case, they will not be able to use the GirlGuiding New Zealand name.
Yes. In these situations, we suggest that parents of the families involved donate to your online platform, specifically to your unit. This helps ensure the funds are balanced appropriately, even if some members have not taken part in fundraising activities.
The $2,000 threshold is not a fundraising cap; however, approval is required for any fundraising activity expected to exceed this amount. Units may raise any amount.
If more than $2,000 is expected from a single event or activity, the online Fundraising Intentions Form must be completed to confirm alignment with guidelines and to ensure the Finance Team is aware of the expected amount.
Health and Safety
Yes, we welcome attendees of all abilities.
Please provide as much detail as possible in your registration form so we can best support your needs. We will contact you individually on a case-by-case basis to discuss your requirements and how we can ensure you have a positive Jamboree experience.
Very! It is a purpose-built events centre with well-maintained and secure facilities. We will also have 24/7 onsite security to ensure all participants remain safe throughout the event.
We have a comprehensive plan in place to cater to a range of allergies and dietary requirements. Please ensure all relevant information is included in your registration form so we can appropriately accommodate your needs.
Our Health, Safety and Welfare team will manage participants’ health needs on site. It is important that all health information is fully disclosed during registration so we can care for our members appropriately.
Please note that no one will be excluded on the basis of health information - this is collected so GirlGuiding New Zealand can ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.
Gear
Guides will be sleeping in tents during Jamboree, just like at any other Guide camp. These tents will be provided.
Rangers will be sleeping in lightweight tents (2–3 person tramping tents) that they provide. All other required gear will be listed in the Jamboree kit list and will be similar to other Guiding camp kit lists.
A lightweight tent is designed to be carried in a backpack and can sleep 2–3 people. There are many different tents available at a range of price points to suit different needs. We would not recommend a very cheap tent, as these are less likely to withstand poor weather conditions, including wind and rain.
Rangers should discuss their Jamboree tent requirements with their regular Ranger Unit Leader.