Fwd: Jamboree Key Facts and Figures

[Don Antenucci]

FYI

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: William Szilasi <szi...@mac.com>
Date: July 25, 2025 at 11:11:40 AM EDT
To: Bill Szilasi <szi...@mac.com>
Subject: Jamboree Key Facts and Figures

All,

Based on some initial questions I’ve received it seems like there may have been less knowledge about Jamboree out there than I thought. Please find a basic primer below that you are more than welcome to share with your scouts and parent communities.  If you know all of this that is fantastic and I apologize for spamming you. Again, any questions please reach out and ask!

Best,

Bill Szilasi

What:  The National Scout Jamboree is an event traditionally held every 4 years where Scouts from across the country and the world gather for 10 days at the ultimate Scout camp, the Summit Bechtel Reserve.  It provides an opportunity for countless activities as well as making new friends from across our council and with Scouts from truly all walks of life.

When: July 22 - July 30, 2026 (I promise once you’re there you’ll wish you had way more than 10 days!)

Where: The Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, WV.

Who: Jambo is for every Scout who will be aged 12-17 on July 22, 2026.  In short, f you’re 11-16 now you’re good to go!

Cost: $2800 which includes everything except money for snacks and souvenirs.

How do I register?: https://www.monmouthcouncilscouting.org/jamboree

Travel:  The Monmouth Council Contingent will travel together by bus from NJ to WV and return the same way, travel costs are part of the total fee paid to council.

Adult Leadership: Troops do NOT need to provide 2 deep leadership from their local team, it is not like summer camp. This is a council event and leadership, following all Scouting America policies and procedures, is provided centrally by Council.

Scholarships: Select scholarship opportunities are possible from National to cover a portion of the fees. This is handled by National directly and is out of Monmouth Council’s control. Please note these are far from guaranteed and will certainly not cover all fees.

https://jamboree.scouting.org/participants/

Can parents attend: Parents cannot attend except as Jamboree Staff on site or day Visitors.  Info on both can be found at https://jamboree.scouting.org/

What is there to do at Jamboree?:  SO much, so, so much!

• High-adventure activities like rock climbing, zip-lining, BMX biking, paddle boarding, and more.
• Cultural and leadership-building opportunities to help you grow as a Scout and a leader.
• Special celebrations marking the USA’s 250th anniversary, bringing together Scouts from all over the nation.
• Opportunities for Scouts to challenge themselves, make memories, and push beyond limits.
• Stadium Shows and Base Camp Bashes: Experience the Jamboree surrounded by a stadium full of friends celebrating Scouting, Large Jamboree wide gatherings as well as smaller gatherings in each base camp on multiple nights. 
• Patch Trading: It’s not just about scoring the coolest patches; it’s about meeting other Scouts from all over the United States and beyond.
• Adventure Sports: Skateboarding, mountain biking, range and target activities, hiplines, rock climbing, white water rafting, you name it they have it!
• Aquatic Adventures: Elevate your aquatic adventure with boating, stand-up paddleboarding, and tackling a thrilling water reality obstacle course.
• Merit Badges:Jamboree is not meant to be an advancement focused experience, but there will be opportunities for Scouts who are looking to work on some additional and unique badges

Why go now?: 

• Jamboree is traditionally held every four years which means any scout currently 14 is unlikely to have another shot as a Scout.  Even 12-13 year olds will likely be 16-17 when the next one rolls around and in the later phases of high school…
• Americana Extravaganza! Unique to this Jamboree is the alignment with the United States 250th birthday and Scouting America is putting on a show!
• Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!  Held the afternoon of July 26th (Sunday), the Americana Extravaganza will be one-part inspiring stage performances, one part lawn games, and one part engaging with civic leaders. Combine those three things together, and it is all parts fun!
• Stage performances will include military bands and demonstrations and other performers on the Summit Stadium main stage.
• Lawn games include classics like horseshoes, washer toss, cornhole, and more, in the Summit Stadium.
• Opportunities for civic engagement allows Scouts to engage with one of America’s longest traditions, that of democracy and self-governance. Plans are still being developed, but we anticipate that Scouts will be able to engage with those making a difference in their local communities, such as mayors and non-profit leaders, to learn how they can make a difference in their neighborhood and beyond. The Americana Extravaganza will end at 5pm, giving time for units to return to their campsites to cook and eat dinner before the evening’s fireworks display.