Jamboree 2010: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jamboree 2010?
In addition to being the 100th anniversary of Scouting in the USA, Jamboree is an every 4 year gathering of scouts from all over the US and the world. It is also camaraderie, merit badges, shows, camping, exhibits, scout history, Order of the Arrow. In short more fun and adventure than you can fit into 10 action packed days.
Where is Jamboree?
Jamboree will be held at Fort AP Hill in Virginia. Fort AP Hill is an active military base located between Washington DC and Richmond Virginia. The US army has graciously allowed Scouting to use part of the base every four years. In the future Jamboree will be held in another location.
When is Jamboree?
Jamboree will be held July 26 to August 4, 2010. We will meet on Friday, July 16th so that we can depart Early on Saturday, July 17th. This will allow us time to travel to and from Jamboree as well as some touring prior to Jamboree. Twin Valley Council’s troop will also engage in activities prior to departure to prepare and get to know each other.
Who can go?
Any scout who is 1st class and age twelve by July 1, 2010 and has been active in a troop for at least 6 months prior to July 1, 2010 may attend. Scouts must not turn 18 before August 3, 2010. You must apply and be approved by your scoutmaster and the council committee. Participation in pre-jamboree activities is also required. (National BSA requirements)
Any other requirements?
No, but there are some recommendations. Since this is considered a BSA high adventure trip, scouts should have a maturity to handle the time away from home, time on their own with a buddy exploring Jamboree, and high heat, humidity and miles of hiking each day. Please take these into consideration in planning your participation.
What does it cost?
Unfortunately Jamboree is not cheap, however it is a great value when you consider the time spent, the food and gear supplied and the once in a lifetime experience. The committee originally anticipated a cost of $2,500, but we have now been able to lower that to $1,995.
Why did it get cheaper?
The original estimate was $2,500 per scout and leader but with good gas prices, better than anticipated costs for travel, better than anticipated costs for equipment we have been able to reduce the costs. The council also wanted to be very cautious that the number released was not too low and would need to be increased later.
Will there be fund raising opportunities?
Absolutely, there are 3 popcorn sale times between now and Jamboree. The council has been able to make arrangements so that 50% for the sale funds go to the individual scout for this event. Scouts may also have resources through troop accounts. In the past, energetic motivated scouts have funded Jamboree expenses entirely through these activities.
What is included in the cost?
The cost includes all food, lodging, transportation and equipment from the time we leave until we return. The council plans to supply hats, uniform epaulets, troop numbers, position patches, council strips, Jamboree troop class B t-shirts as well as bags to pack your gear, and 1 pre-trip camp out, including food and support materials.
What is not included?
Personal spending money ($100 suggested), your scout uniform, sleeping bag, cot and personnel care items.
What about uniforms?
This is a high visibility uniformed event. Scouts will be in class A (Khaki) or class B uniforms at all times. This includes socks and pants. This policy is without exception. We are representing BSA and Twin Valley council to the nation and world.
Do the uniforms have to be the new ones?
No, any current uniform may be used. But they must be clean and in good repair. The older uniform has the advantage being available used and thus less expensive. Some of the new uniforms are made of advanced fabrics that help you handle hot, humid conditions better.
Will you allow electronic devices?
Perhaps devices such as ipods but only during travel. They will be collected and secured while at Jamboree. In short, electronics are discouraged as they do not support the interaction with people and the depth of experience that is part of scouting. They are expensive and loss or damage is a concern. Finally, cell phones in general do not work at the Jamboree site due to its size, location and military nature. Don’t bring or plan on using a cell phone, period. If emergencies occur there are many ways for us to get and send messages.
What about special needs scouts?
Special needs scouts are encouraged to apply and participate in this event. Each scout will be considered on a case by case basis. Please keep in mind the hot, humid, non air conditioned conditions as well as the extensive walking each day. If you have questions contact the council.
What about medical care at Jamboree?
Jamboree provides its own volunteer medical staff as well as support from the military and local hospitals. Each subcamp has a medical tent staffed 24/7 by physicians and nurses capable of treating almost all medical problems encountered by Jamboree participants. Medications will be handled by a designated leader in each troop.
Are there any health requirements for Jamboree?
Health and Fitness Requirements
All applicants will be required to submit a complete and detailed health history, meet immunization requirements, and undergo a thorough physical fitness examination between July 27, 2009 and March 1, 2010. Physical examinations will be by a licensed health-care professional and will be subject to review and evaluation by the jamboree subcamp, regional and national Medical Service. Not completing the fitness examination process by the March 2010 deadline may limit or even prohibit your jamboree participation, and you will be subject to being sent home at your expense. Participants are subject to a medical recheck upon arrival to verify provided information and current fitness. In the event a participant is found medically unfit at this time, he cannot serve and must return home at his own expense. See also the information available at: http://www.bsajamboree.org/prepared.html
Where do we stay at Jamboree?
Jamboree, due to its size, is organized in sub-camps. Each sub-camp houses 40 + troops. Troops camp in tents in a defined area by patrols. Each tent will house 2 boys and their gear. The council supplies the tents.
Where do we eat?
Breakfast and Supper are eaten by patrols at the troop campsite. The menu is designed so the food requires limited preparation and cleanup allowing scouts to fully participate in the activities. Lunches are eaten at sites throughout the jamboree. Participants use tokens to get a cold bag lunch wherever they and their buddy may be at the time.
What do we do at Jamboree?
Everything!!!!!!!!!!!!
There will be activity areas with rappelling, archery, BMX biking, adventure courses, the merit badge area featured over 102 merit badges many which could be earned at Jamboree, aquatics featured boating and sailing, a fishing lake was open and stocked, exhibits included reenactments of Brownsea Island, the first US scout camp, native American life, other exhibits were there from NASA, the coast guard, national parks and many others. Commercial exhibits were not allowed. One of the Jamboree highlights is the arena show with music, a stage show, unbelievable fireworks, 50 to 70,000 of your closest friends all in khaki, and occasionally the President will join us. Heard enough yet?
Can my parents come with me to Jamboree?
Families are certainly welcome to visit Jamboree and with luck and planning visit with you (remember there are 40,000 other boys in scout uniforms). However due to the size of Jamboree they are not able to stay overnight or eat breakfast or supper with you. If your family would like to visit they should make plans early and expect that all local hotels are already booked.
Can my troop go to Jamboree?
Sorry, but no. Jamboree troops are a special deal. Each troop has 4 patrols of 8 boys, 4 boy leaders and is formed from scouts throughout Twin Valley council. You can certainly recruit and encourage your friends to attend with you. In the past some troops have sent a large number of participants to Jamboree.
What are pre-jamboree activities?
Because Jamboree troops are a special deal, we want to have them work well together. Like everything else in Scouting, we want to be prepared. Thus, activities are planned to allow you to get to know the other members of the troop and your troop leaders, help select your boy leaders, train for Jamboree and get organized to go. In early summer of 2009 a mandatory Jamboree like campout will be held to help prepare for the experience as well as get used to the equipment.
Who are the adult leaders?
The adult leaders are also very excited to be going to Jamboree with you. In late 2008 4 adult leaders were selected by the council committee from many great applicants. They have a lot of experience and the decisions were very hard. You will have a scoutmaster, (naturally), a 1st assistant scoutmaster, who can step in for the scoutmaster and helps with program and activities, and a 2nd assistant scoutmaster, who helps the quartermaster and makes sure that the food preparation and cleanup is OK. Finally Jamboree troops have a 3rd assistant scoutmaster who is between 18-21 years old usually they have been to jamboree before. They help with scheduling and records. Jeff Adams will be our Scoutmaster, Phil Keithahn our 1st ASM, Doug Boomgarden our 2nd ASM, and Matt Dauk our 3rd ASM
How do we get to jamboree?
We will be traveling and touring in a coach bus.
Where will we be touring?
We will be spending some time in Washington DC. There will be other stops, but we have not made all those decisions yet.
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