Boy Scouts Jamboree

The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America holds a Jamboree (gathering of scouts) every four years for thousands of boys to attend. The ten-day event for youth participation of activities is considered a highlight for boy scouts. Over 300,000 public participants attend as well.

How is it Organized?

The National Boy Scouts Jamboree is divided into the regions of Central, Western, Northeast and Southern. Each region is divided into subcamps. Individual subcamps are self-contained units with latrines, showers, and food facilities. The subcamps are designated by 3 or 4 digit numbers.

History

The first Boy Scouts Jamboree or gathering was held in 1937 in Washington D.C. and then not again until 1950 in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The jamborees became a way of marketing the Boy Scouts organization nationally. Since 1981, the jamboree has been held in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. The Boy Scouts of America are currently looking for a more permanent location for the 2013 Jamboree. The Boy Scouts of America have over 5 million members and was organized in 1910 by W.D. Boyce. The BSA attempts to develop character, self-reliance and leadership skills in each boy scout. Members are recognized for their achievements by advancement in rank and awards. Depending on the age level, units can be packs, troops, or crews.

Troops of Boy Scouts

Attending the Jamboree is an expensive task for any boy scout troop. Many volunteers help with fundraising, training, transportation and aspects of planning for the Jamboree. Boys are required to fill out an application and submit to the local council that will place each child in a certain troop. A troop is made up of four adults and four patrols of eight boys each. A leadership group of four older boys is also present. Once the boy scouts are assigned to a jamboree troop, they are given a troop number and patches. The training for the Jamboree begins a year before the event. Field trips to Washington, D.C.are often scheduled in preparation for attendance.

Some Jamboree Traditions