“All the children start as strangers, yet they come together and bond and become friends” Kaye McLaren, who is a team manager this year.

The jamboree, which involves under 12 girls and boys from NSW, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT, was all about being involved, Victorian participation manager Ashley Donaldson said.

“It’s not about winner takes all at the jamboree, its about participation” Mr Donaldson said.

“We don’t hand out trophies for the winners, we don’t tally the scores at the end of the day.

“We got rid of state versus state competitions and now all the kids wear the same colours, no matter where they are from.”

Albury is a convenient location for participants from Victoria, NSW and the ACT to travel to, Mr Donaldson said.

“We’ve also had managers and children come over from New Zealand to participate in the jamboree,” Mr Donaldson said.

Kevin McLaren has acted as a coach and manager for nine Albury jamborees and this year five members of his family came to help out.

“Ashley Donaldson is always on the lookout for volunteers and my family and I have come in to help out,” he said.

Mr McLaren’s wife Kaye, his son Trent, daughter Emily and nephew CJ, of have come from Warragul to help out, as well as Trent’s girlfriend Erin McNair from Albury.

“It’s great for the kids as they can add manager and coach to their resume and it’s also helping out their social skills,” he said.

“The kids at the jamboree don’t just play basketball, there is a pool night, a disco night and a skit night.” Mr McLaren said.

The jamboree, which finished yesterday, will be followed by the Australian Country Junior Championship in January, with players from five states.