2017 National Jamboree

[Ron Lime]

The 2017 National Scout Jamboree will be held from July 19 to July 28, 2017.

 

What is the jamboree?

In 2009, the BSA purchased 10,600 acres of property adjacent to West Virginia’s New River Gorge National River area in order to create the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The Summit is the new home of achievement, adventure, and innovation in Scouting. With world-class facilities and a focus on outdoor action sports, the Summit welcomed Scouts to a whole new jamboree experience in summer 2013. 2017 is the next national jamboree and The Summit will also be hosting the 2019 World Jamboree.

 

Activities:
Encampment at the Summit: Activities include whitewater rafting, zip-lining, forest canopy touring, rappelling, mountain biking, hiking, archery, buckskin games, confidence course, conservation programs, scuba, and more. Action centers with rappelling towers are truly popular, as are trap shooting, an American Indian village, and the opening and closing arena shows, not to mention many other activities. It's Scouting at its very best!

 

There are also sometimes opportunities to earn some merit badges, though that is not the main purpose of a jamboree. Scouts will be able to meet fellow scouts from around the country and several international visiting scouts also attend. Many scouts enjoy this aspect an trade patches with these scouts.

 

The Jamboree program areas are spread out over the 10,600 acres. Scouts typically walk several miles (5-10 depending on where they are going) each day with a day pack. There are fitness requirements (See below).

 

Financial Details:
The total estimated cost for each participant is $1,375. This cost is preliminary and subject to change if there is a significant change in transportation fuel costs. The cost includes transportation, special patches, patrol and troop equipment, and Jamboree training meetings. A payment schedule is used with installments due beginning with registration, and the final payment due December 2016. When National Scholarships become available the scholarship form will be posted.

 

How does it work:
Special temporary troops are built for Jamboree. Each troop consists of 4 patrols of 8 scouts, plus an SPL, ASPL, Quartermaster and Scribe (36 youth) along with a Scoutmaster and 3 Assistants. One of the Assistant Scoutmasters is 18, 19 or 20 years old. The troop meets, typically once a month, for about 1 year leading up to the Jamboree. During these meetings they elect youth leaders, form patrols, and prepare for the jamboree.

 

Scouts will only need to provide their personal gear, along with 2 complete uniforms. The jamboree fee includes a new tent (2 scouts per tent), dining flys, cookware and all other troop equipment. In fact, when we arrive at the Jamboree there will be 3 pallets of gear waiting for us that needs set up.

Attendance Requirements:
Scouts: Be at least a First Class Scout at time of attendance at Jamboree; must be at least 12 years of age by July 19, 2017 or an 11 year old that has graduated the 6th grade and have not reached his 18th birthday by 7/28/17. Be approved by unit Scoutmaster.

 

Venturers: Have graduated 8th grade or be at least 14 years of age by 7/19/2017, but have not reached their 21st birthday by 7/28/2017. Be approved by Crew Advisor.

 

Adults: There are opportunities for adults as contingent (Scoutmasters and Assistants) adults as well as Jamboree staff volunteer positions.

 

Medical: All scouts and adults must meet the Jamboree medical requirements, including additional documentation for certain medical conditions and BMI requirements. (Details at: http://www.summitbsa.org/events/jamboree/participants/ )

 

To learn more:
http://www.bsajamboree.org/jamboree

 

To register or view COUNCIL SPECIFIC information (including fees and payment schedule):
http://www.skcscouts.org/jamboree

 

National Jamboree’s are held only every 4 years. For some scouts, depending on their current age, will only be eligible to attend one Jamboree in their scouting career. I attended in 1977 and 1981 as a youth and it, along with Philmont, made a lasting impression on me. I was able to attend in 2010 with my son and again in 2013, both times as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

 

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me (rl...@columbus.rr.com). If you are interested, don’t delay. The council has been allocated only 5 troops. There will only be 180 Boy Scouts and 8 Venturers attending the Jamboree.

 

Ron

 

 

Ron Lime

| Assistant Council Commissioner

| Council Training Committee Chair

| Charter Organization Representative Pack/Troop/Crew 332

| Skipper Sea Scout Ship 280

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Simon Kenton Council

2012 Journey To Excellence GOLD Council

H 614.848.4816 | C 614.395.6356
rl...@columbus.rr.com