2010 BSA Jamboree Bulletins

September-October 2009

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:38:00 GMT

COUNCIL CHECKLIST: WHERE DO YOU STAND?

Should Already Be Done

Second national fee paid by July 31.
Confirmed transportation and tour arrangements.
Finalized council fee and payment schedule.
Designed council shoulder insignia.

In Progress

Promote jamboree at roundtables.
Promote jamboree at troop meetings.
Make individual calls to Scouts who have indicated an interest in attending.
Hold monthly committee meetings.
Schedule Troop Junior Leader Training for early 2010.
Schedule the troop’s pre-jamboree training campout for late May 2010.
Prepare for the third and final payment, due January 31, 2010.

Next 30 Days

Order council shoulder insignia.
Order custom unit numeral.
Order equipment packages from Supply department.

Announcing new lower prices on canvas tents. Check out the updated 2010 Jamboree Package Plans brochure on MyBSA>>Resources>>Jamboree Information.

September 16, 2009: The first batch of Jamboree Health and Medical Records for those who are council-approved have been distributed. Before you ask or e-mail a question, please review not only this alert, but also all of the information about the process contained on this Web site.

Our hints for making this a better experience:

Mac users, please open the medical record with Adobe Reader 9, not in preview mode.
The password that you will receive is case-sensitive. Many users have found cutting and pasting the password is easiest. To date, we haven’t found a technical issue that prevents the medical record from being opened with the assigned password when entered correctly.
We suggest you download Adobe Reader 9 if you do not have it. It’s available for free; we consider that pretty thrifty: http://get.adobe.com/reader/.
If you have your spam filter in place and have not added jamboree.medical@scouting.org to your sender list, please correct this issue before you ask for another record.
The confidentiality of your information is important to us. Thus, the medical record is password-protected and encrypted. If you have a .mil address or a policy in place that does not allow encrypted password-protected documents to pass, we suggest you update your or your son’s registration to include a personal e-mail address that will allow the attachment through. You can do this yourself at www.scouting.org, MyScouting. We know the Army is filtering these records.
If you notice incorrect information after you open the file, type over it and print out the record.
Please complete the record to reflect the time the physical exam is performed.
Parents, you should receive a copy of your son’s medical record. If you used the same e-mail address for both of you, that is why you received two copies.
Leaders, if you let your youth use your e-mail address, then you’ll receive theirs as well. Each record is bar-coded with the participant’s member ID.
Council coordinators, you get a copy of all contingent members’ forms.
Council coordinators, please contact the jamboree registrar at 2010Jamboree@scouting.org if you need to remove a youth from your attendees list. Parents, please contact your council if your son will not be attending the jamboree.
We understand some of you inadvertently deleted the form. This is not a problem. If you cannot recover it, send us an e-mail, and we will resend it.
If you have general questions about the Jamboree Health and Medical Record, please review the FAQs (click the link below) before contacting us. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Resources/MedicalFormFAQs.aspx

There is still room: Despite rumors, there is still room available at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, both as participants and staff members. Prospective participants should contact their local council and get signed up as soon as possible. Prospective staff members need to fill out an application at www.MyScouting.org. After all, the 100th Anniversary comes only once. You don’t want to miss this one! Staff members should go to the staff section of this Web site, go to the bottom of that page, and click on “staff positions available–complete list” to view all of the positions available.

Troop Leader Guide: The 2010 National Scout Jamboree Troop Leader Guide is now posted on this Web site. Check out the “Publications” section on the left side to download and print a copy. Please remember this is a “living” document. If you printed a copy some time ago, you may want to print the newest version from our Web site.

Youth Protection Training: Leaders and staff, don’t forget to update your Youth Protection training so it will be current during the national Scout jamboree. Make sure you go through your “MyScouting” account so it will include the correct date. If you need assistance with your “MyScouting” account, contact the customer service center at 800-627-3025.

Travel Advisories: Soon it will be time to book your travel to Fort A.P. Hill. Information will go out via e-mail regarding travel advisories. It is imperative to housing, food services, and emergency services that a travel itinerary for every staff member and for every contingent troop be submitted to the Jamboree Transportation Services by the due date. Instruction on submitting this information and the due date will be included in the e-mail. Be sure to check your e-mail, including the junk/spam folder, regularly.

Recycling: One goal of the 2010 jamboree is to be the “greenest” jamboree to date.

Our refuse contractor has developed a waste removal and recycling program for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Each subcamp will have distinct containers for waste material and recycling of specific materials. Each container will be clearly marked, identifying the materials that should go inside.

The proceeds from these transactions will be utilized to offset the expense of hauling and disposing of non-recyclable materials.

Non-recyclable trash will be bagged and collected in a marked subcamp container that will be emptied regularly by our refuse company and disposed of at a landfill.

Dishwater and wet kitchen waste should be collected in pails and taken to the nearest grinding station for appropriate disposal by subcamp maintenance/environmental personnel. Scouts are required to do the same. Food waste recycling is being explored; guidelines and containers for this type of recycling would be made clear.

World Friendship Fund: A Good Turn opportunity for jamboree participants will be provided at breakfast on Thursday, July 29, 2010. At this time, a collection will be taken for the World Friendship Fund. The purpose is to make Scouts and Scouters aware of how the fund helps Scouts around the world and to give them a chance to contribute to world Scouting endeavors.

A collection bag will be given to each troop in a subcamp by the subcamp program officials prior to the collection. Follow subcamp instructions on how to turn in the collection bag after breakfast.

Scout Visitors to the Jamboree: Jamboree activities are made possible by the event fees paid by participating Scouts and leaders. To ensure all paying Scouts get ample opportunity to participate in all of the jamboree activities, visiting Scouts will not be allowed to participate in events and activities at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Participation in the activities at the action centers (action alley, air rifle, archery, bikathon, buckskin games, confidence course, motocross, pioneering, rappelling, and trapshooting) by members of visiting units will not be allowed. Other areas reserved for paid jamboree participants are the outback centers (conservation, fishing, and aquatics), mountain boarding, and the Order of the Arrow’s THE MYSTERIUM COMPASS. Visitors will not be able to work on merit badge requirements at the Merit Badge Midway. Visitors are allowed to watch the action, tour the various activity sites, and purchase food and awesome souvenirs at the trading posts.

June-July 2009

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:19:00 GMT

Should Be Done:

Start monthly committee meetings.
Complete selection of troop leaders (include in monthly committee meetings).
Confirm transportation and tour arrangements.
Jamboree troop leaders promote and conduct district jamboree promotion rallies.
Design council shoulder insignia.
Develop promotion for summer camp.
Ensure all council participants (youth, adult leaders, and staff) have completed an online registration application.

In Progress:

Promote jamboree at summer camps.
Promote jamboree at all district and council events, including Scout roundtables.
Promote jamboree at troop meetings.
Make individual calls to Scouts who indicate an interest in attending.
Monthly committee meetings.
Follow up on Scouts not adhering to council’s fee schedule.
Send July 31 council payment ($400 per person; $16,000 per troop).

Lower prices from BSA Supply—There are lower prices on some items in the 2010 Jamboree package plans. The new prices are located on www.MyBSA.org. Council professionals responsible for jamboree will have access to the new prices.

Jamboree patches—All council contingents that have paid the first $100 per person have received or should soon receive their adult leader and youth Scout patches. These are being sent directly to councils to the attention of the council jamboree contact.

Come to the jamboree—There is still room for participants to attend the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Check with your local council for details. Regions still have troop allocations that have not been fulfilled.

Second jamboree payment—The second payment of $400 per person is due to the National Council on or before July 31, 2009. Participant and adult leaders make payments directly to their council; staff must make their payment online. Late fees of $50 per person ($2,000 per troop) will be applied to those who do not make the payment on time. Don’t forget! Pay by July 31.

Council contingent coordinators—Councils with three or more contingent troops must appoint a council contingent coordinator. This person must submit an adult leader application. Once the council has approved the adult leader application, send that person’s name and contact information to 2010jamboree@scouting.org.

Troop numbers—Jamboree troop numbers are being assigned to councils by Boy Scouts of America regions. Councils have been instructed how to assign Scouts and leaders to troops and submit the troop number assignments, as well as the leadership assignments, to the Jamboree Department.

Approve leaders—If councils have not done so, now is the time to approve youth and adult leaders through the jamboree registration system.

Gateways—Jamborees are full of color and excitement, something in which troop gateways have always played a big part. Showing Scouts from other parts of the country what’s unique or interesting about a troop’s home area is a time-honored jamboree tradition. Troops usually design their gateways to reflect the most notable aspects of their home area—history, geography, industry, etc. This is often done in very creative and novel ways.

It’s important to plan ahead when designing and building the troop gateway. To ensure that all materials, tools, and equipment will be available, it is vital that plans be made early to transport everything that’s needed with the council contingent. The jamboree site is relatively remote. Once there, obtaining the simplest of tools or materials could be a real headache. Due to the lack of facilities or personnel to receive them, shipping separate materials or equipment to the jamboree is not an option. Everything must be transported with the council contingent. Troop gateways must not exceed 10 feet in height and must be of non-conductive material.

No holes—Federal authorities have prohibited the digging of holes of any kind, for any purpose, anywhere on the jamboree site. Applications for permits to dig holes for gateways will not be considered. This rule will be strictly enforced. All gateways must be designed with supports on the ground surface and must be secured by weights, staked guy lines, or other means not requiring holes in the ground. Storms are common at jamborees, and gateways should be designed to accommodate winds of up to 70 miles per hour. It is highly recommended that troops design, fabricate, erect, and test gateways prior to transporting them to the jamboree site.

Troop gateways—The height of troop gateways will be limited to a maximum of 10 feet and can have no electrical components. The 10-foot height restriction includes flagpoles, which must be of nonconductive material (wood, PVC, etc). There will be NO climbing allowed in the erection of the unit gateways. No tents or other unit components will be allowed within the "fall zone," the height of the gateway itself.
Metal poles for troop tents are permissible; however, no troop tents may exceed 10 feet in height.
Subcamp and regional gateways may not exceed 16 feet in height (including attached flagpoles or other amenities) and 20 feet in width, which is the existing design of the jamboree-installed wooden gateway structures. These are to be decorated per the site plans. Each subcamp and region must develop a detailed erection and demolition plan for decorating the provided gateway. No climbing on the gateway will be allowed, and no modifications to the structure are allowed.

Visitors—From Wednesday, July 28, through Tuesday, August 3, the jamboree will be open to visitors from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., with the following exceptions:

Wednesday, July 28: 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Saturday, July 31: 9 A.M. to 11 P.M. (to allow for arena show attendance only)

There are no accommodations on site for visitors, including RV, tentage, or fixed housing. Upon entering the jamboree site, guests will be directed to the visitors information tent in the main parking lot, where they will receive directions to regions, subcamps, or activity areas. Visiting Scouts will not be able to participate in action center and/or program activities.

Still have questions about jamboree? Check the jamboree Web site, www.bsajamboree.org or send an e-mail to 2010jamboree@scouting.org. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

April-May 2009

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Council Checklist: Where Do You Stand?

Should Be Done:

Start monthly committee meetings
Complete selection of troop leaders (include in monthly committee meetings)
Transportation and tour arrangements confirmed
District jamboree promotion rallies (jamboree troop leaders promote and conduct)

In Progress:

Promote jamboree at all council events
Promote jamboree at all district events including Scout Roundtable
Promote jamboree at troop meetings
Individual calls to Scouts that indicate an interest in attending
Monthly committee meetings
Develop promotion for summer camp
Design council shoulder insignia
Follow up on Scouts not adhering to council’s fee schedule

Jamboree Staff Opportunities

There are still several staff opportunities available for our 100th Anniversary jamboree. Our Retail Group has the best record so far with 88.1 percent recruited. However, there are opportunities in almost all of our groups. There are 208 service groups recruiting within the major jamboree groups: Administrative Group, Enterprise Risk Management Group, Food Service Group, Media & Corporate Alliances Group, Retail Group, and the Program & Regional Support Group. During the staff application process online, the entire list of group jobs is listed. All of the major groups still have staffing opportunities.

Some of the opportunities are: security and parking, retail food service, Good Turn for America, sub camp staff, the action centers, and the Order of the Arrow events. For a complete list, check the online list at the staff registration site. We encourage all troop leaders and registered staff members to assist us in identifying other Scouters who may have not applied for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Council Shoulder Insignia

It is time to design and order your council jamboree shoulder insignia. These can be ordered directly from the Supply Division on its new Web site. Here are the instructions:

BSAcustompatches.com Instructions

The following information can be used as a reference tool when obtaining quotes on the bsacustompatches.com Web site. Also included are instructions detailing the process of creating orders from quotes received via www.bsacustompatches.com. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the specified individuals below:

Questions about bsacustompatches.com quotes, deliveries, etc.: AB Emblem Service Team, 888-438-4071, bsateam@abemblem.com
Questions about a bsacustompatches.com order, order status, etc: AB Emblem Service Team, 888-438-4071, bsateam@abemblem.com
Requests for a custom emblem or patch not listed on bsacustompatches.com: Mike Clifton, 800-323-0732 (ext. 461), mclifton@netbsa.org
Changes to your established account or to set up a new account: Mike Clifton, 800-323-0732 (ext. 461), mclifton@netbsa.org
Questions about billing or payments for bsacustompatches.com orders: Mike Clifton, 800-323-0732 (ext. 461), mclifton@netbsa.org

What’s Going to be New at the Jamboree?

There has been a lot of discussion about what will be new at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, our 100th Anniversary jamboree. The jamboree gets bigger and better each time, and this one will be no exception.

For the first time, there will be swimming. Two new pools have been purchased for this jamboree. This is in addition to the four pools that will be in use for the scuba programs. Speaking of getting wet, the Order of the Arrow’s Mysterium Compass will give participants a chance to cool off at the end of their trek through the Compass.

Also, for the first time there will be a sporting clays event using world-class shotguns at the new Camp Thunder.

The staff coordinating the Merit Badge Midway tells us there is a huge effort being made to find a way for the most popoular merit badges to be represented. Experts in all merit badge fields are being recruited to assist Scouts at the midway.

A new, enhanced visitor plan will ensure a better jamboree experience for guests. Booths with information and refreshments will be available near the visitor parking lot. There will be an optional visitor packet with a map, a patch, and other items.

Food! There will be more refreshments stands with drinks, water, and lots of ice cream. There will also be a value added card that can be used like a debit card at trading posts and concession stands throughout the jamboree.

The opening and closing arena shows of the jamboree will be unforgettable. The closing will be all about the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary. This show is in development and will be produced by a professional entertainment company. You won’t want to miss it! In addition, there will be a show the night before the Scouts arrive to thank staff members for their great work in developing and staffing the jamboree.

The 2010 National Scout Jamboree will have lots of new things, but also the wonderful traditions of the past. Don’t miss this one. Sign up today!

March 2009

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is room for you!

As of the end of February 2009, we now have more than 18,500 youth members who have signed up online for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. That number was just 10,000 in December of 2008. That means that more than 140 scouts per day are signing up for the jamboree. Although that looks great, we have not come close to filling the jamboree. That’s almost half of our 2010 allocation for youth members. We have room for 925 troops each with 36 youth members and four adult leaders. Encourage those interested to go online and register now. This will be a wonderful, exciting, and historic jamboree. For those councils who have already filled your allocation, have waiting lists, and want additional troops, contact your regional office jamboree coordinator. There may be some additional troop allocations available to your council.

Again, the biggest issue with the jamboree application process is the way the MyScouting accounts are being created. As it states on the log-in page of MyScouting.org, "all jamboree applications must be submitted from the MyScouting account of a parent or guardian." (MyScouting accounts can be created by parents/guardians even if they are not registered with the BSA.) Some accounts are mistakenly being created with the youth’s BSA member ID number in the profile. This will result in an “invalid member ID number” error. While some councils are close to completing their recruiting efforts, most have not. Council recruiting success stories often revolve around some type of jamboree rallies for recruiting new participants, however, nothing takes the place of recruiting “one on one” by jamboree adult leaders. The following are some ideas your council may want to use to promote the jamboree.

If you need additional jamboree promotional materials, the video, or the jamboree brochures, contact your regional office. The video is short, and has great pictures of the 2005 Jamboree and ideal for use at troop meetings and summer camp. Boys’ Life’s own Pee Wee Harris is talking to his friend about the jamboree. As he is talking, 2005 Jamboree highlights are being shown.
Most councils are publishing a monthly jamboree newsletter on their council Web page. Each Scout and troop leader should have timely communication about the jamboree. Parents should know when their payments are due and exactly what kind of supplies and uniforms are required for the jamboree. There is no requirement for participants or staff to wear the new uniforms introduced in 2008.
Emphasize new program features of the jamboree. There will be a new shotgun “five stand” along with the new Mountain Boarding program and, of course, the incredible 100th Anniversary arena shows that are being planned.
Talk about the entire contingent trip including any side visits to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York, etc. as part of your council’s jamboree experience.
Assist parents who have questions or trouble with the online registration process. Council coordinators should feel free to contact the Jamboree Department at 2010jamboree@scouting.org for questions concerning the registration process.

February 2009

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Let’s Get Ready for the Jamboree!

There have been many calls and e-mails concerning the new BSA medical form that must be completed between July 27, 2009, and May 1, 2010, in order to participate in the jamboree. The first thing that may be noticed on the new Annual Health and Medical Record includes a height/weight chart. This is for high-adventure activities or outdoor events that take you more than 30 minutes from ground transportation http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety.aspx. This chart will not be used for the 2010 Jamboree.

However, the height/weight chart does give reason for thought and excessive body weight is a risk factor at the Jamboree. As with jamborees in the past, this 100th Anniversary also promises that everyone will be walking at least five miles per day. In order to make this the best, most exciting, fun-filled, safest jamboree ever, being prepared and being in the best possible Scouting shape is a must. With the event getting closer, now is the time to SEE our way to the jamboree. The following are some Safe, Effective, and Easy hints that will help with this important preparation.

Mental preparation:

Have the desire to go to the jamboree. It needs to be something you want to do.
If the desire is there, but you have one or more risk factors listed under the “Be Prepared” section on www.bsajamboree.org, please set up a consultation with your physician. Find out if it is safe and practical for you to attend.
If it is safe, and there are changes that need to be made in your current lifestyle, make those changes and stick with it. Remember, SEE your way to the jamboree. Ask yourself: Are these goals Safe, Effective, and Easy?
You can do it!

Physical preparation:

There are several fitness programs that can help you work up to walking at least five miles per day in the hot, humid Virginia environment. The key is starting now. This is a great opportunity for units, districts, and councils to come together in planning.
See these Web sites for suggestions on increasing your activity level:
www.scouting.org/Media/Publications/PhysicalFitness.aspx
www.fitness.gov/
www.mayoclinic.com/health/fitness/HQ00171
Don’t forget to include eating healthy. Nutrition plays an important role in your preparation. SEE www.nutrition.gov.
Get active! Eat healthy!

Spiritual preparation:

From the very beginning, the Scouting movement has encouraged its members to be faithful in the practice of their religious beliefs. As you adopt the idea of healthy eating and becoming more active, extra help may be needed. Spiritual guidance can help in this process. Set up a meeting with your spiritual advisor and share your aspirations and goals. (http://www.scouting.org/applications/religiousawards.aspx)
Maintain a balanced life!

January 2009

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary Jamboree—A Historic Event

It is exciting for all of us to be involved in the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. This historic event will always be remembered by those who attend.

The first Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree was scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C., in 1935 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Scouting in America. Unfortunately, the jamboree was canceled due to a polio outbreak in Washington. When the first Jamboree was finally held in 1937, Dan Beard lit the opening campfire using flint and steel. Scouts from all 48 states brought the wood that was used in the campfire. There were some 27,232 Scouts camped on the National Mall under the Washington Monument. Since that time, 16 national jamborees have been held, the last in 2005.

All jamboree groups are currently planning programs and activities for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Many are having a special recognition to mark the 100th Anniversary. The closing arena show will be unlike any other jamboree arena show in history. It will be big, bold, interactive, and unforgettable! You won’t want to miss it! Plans are to Web cast the show, allowing anyone with Internet access to virtually join in this huge celebration. Councils are already planning one or more gatherings at large local venues that evening to invite Scouts, Scouters, families, alumni, business and community leaders, and supporters to participate. More details on this are forthcoming, and more information on the jamboree celebration plans will be shared with councils in the near future.

A reminder: The first payment of $100 per person is due to the National Council by Jan. 31, 2009. Councils should continue approving youth and adult participants online. Contact the Jamboree Department at 2010jamboree@scouting.org if you have problems. Remember, the primary issue we are having with online registration is that parents are trying to use their son’s myscouting account to register their son for the jamboree. Parents must use their own myscouting account. BSA registration is not required to have a myscouting account.

As of Jan. 1, there will only be 570 days left before the jamboree. Let’s get ready!
Here are the dates of all the Jamborees held since 1937 and attendance.

Year	Dates	Location	Attendance
1935	(Canceled)	Washington, D.C.
1937	Jun 30–Jul 9	Washington, D.C.	27,238
1950	Jun 27–Jul 6	Valley Forge, PA	47,163
1953	Jul 17–Jul 23	Irvine Ranch, CA	45,401
1957	Jul 12–Jul 18	Valley Forge, PA	52,580
1960	Jul 22–28	Colorado Springs, CO	56,377
1964	Jul 17–Jul 23	Valley Forge, PA	50,960
1969	Jul 16–Jul 22	Farragut State Park, ID	34,251
1973	Aug 1–Aug 7	Farragut State Park, ID (both jamborees)	73,610
1973	Aug 3–Aug 9	Moraine State Park, PA (both jamborees)	73,610
1977	Aug 3–Aug 9	Moraine State Park, PA	28,601
1981	Jul 29–Aug 4	Fort A.P. Hill, VA	29,765
1985	Jul 24–Aug 30	Fort A.P. Hill, VA	32,625
1989	Aug 3–Aug 9	Fort A.P. Hill, VA	32,717
1993	Aug 4–Aug 10	Fort A.P. Hill, VA	34,449
1997	Jul 28–Aug 6	Fort A.P. Hill, VA	36,015
2001	Jul 23–Aug 1	Fort A.P. Hill, VA	42,002
2005	Jul 25–Aug 3	Fort A.P. Hill, VA	43,000

December 2008

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jamboree Tours

Anything the Boy Scouts of America does requires promotional effort. Often, council and district activities are successful and well-attended, but many people register late and often try to register “at the door.” That seems to be common in our movement. Unfortunately, there is no “at the door” registration for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.

Almost 11,880 youth members have signed up to join us at Fort A.P. Hill in 2010 for our 100th Anniversary Jamboree. That’s almost one-third of our 2010 allocation for youth members. We expect 925 troops, each with 36 youth members and four adult leaders. Encourage those interested to go online now and register.

Once again, the biggest issue with the jamboree application process is the way the MyScouting accounts are being created. As it states on the log-in page of MyScouting, all jamboree applications must be submitted from the account of a parent or guardian. (MyScouting accounts may be created by parents/guardians even if they are not registered with the BSA.) Some accounts are mistakenly being created with the youth’s BSA member ID number in the profile. This will result in an “invalid member ID number” error.

While some councils are close to completing their recruiting efforts, most have not. Council recruiting success stories often revolve around some type of jamboree rally to recruit new participants; however, nothing takes the place of recruiting “one on one” by jamboree adult leaders. The following are some ideas your council may want to use to promote the jamboree.

Use the jamboree promotion video. It’s short, has great pictures of the 2005 Jamboree, and is ideal for use at troop meetings and summer camp. In the video, Boys’ Life’s own Pee Wee Harris is talking to his friend about the jamboree while video highlights of the 2005 Jamboree are being shown. These DVDs were sent to councils in July.

Display or distribute the 2010 Jamboree brochures that were sent to councils in July. Give them to those individuals or parents interested in having their son participate in this great event.

Publish a monthly jamboree newsletter on your council Web page. Each Scout and troop leader should have timely communication about the jamboree. This way, each participant will be well-informed and be the best possible representative of your council and Scouting.

Emphasize program features of the jamboree. Talk about the 100th Anniversary program and how it ties in with the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. “Celebrate 100 years of Scouting.”

To quote Pee Wee Harris: “Come with me Dude! We’ll have a blast!

November 2008

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jamboree Tours

Most council contingents take time to visit areas close to Fort A.P. Hill when attending national Scout jamborees. Popular visiting sites have been Washington, D.C.; New York City; Williamsburg, Va. to visit the Jamestown Settlement; and various Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields. The United States Military Academy at West Point and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis are also popular sites.

In the Transportation and Tour Guide available to councils on MyBSA, there are many details on contingent visits, including address and contact information for Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Virginia, New York, Maryland, and other convention and visitor bureaus as well as the Federal Tourist Center at Independence National Historical Park. In the guide, there is also information about inexpensive overnight accommodations at military instillations and colleges and universities. To access the guide, log into MyBSA, go to Resources>Jamboree Division>Transportation & Tour Guide 2010. This guide will help a great deal in developing your tour.

Most councils have already planned and budgeted several days to make these visits, but perhaps have not fully planned their itineraries. Often, this is the only opportunity many of the Scouts will have to visit the United States Capitol and their congressman’s and/or senator’s office. Many members of Congress like to meet Scouts and their leaders, and will often arrange tours of the Capitol.

The White House is always a popular visit. Public tours of the White House are available for groups of 10 or more people. Requests must be submitted through one's congressional representative and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays), and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis approximately one month in advance of the requested date. We encourage you to submit your request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available. All White House tours are free of charge. For the most current tour information, call the 24-hour line at 202-456-7041. Please note that White House tours may be subject to last-minute cancellation.

A great resource to help plan your Washington, D.C., visit is the U.S. House of Representatives Web site. It contains useful information and links to popular tourist sites in the city. See http://www.house.gov/house/Visitors.html.

The official tourism site for Washington, D.C., is www.washington.org.

Other Web sites that may help in planning for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree are:

United States Military Academy at West Point: http://www.usma.edu/visiting.asp

United States Naval Academy: http://www.usna.edu/visit.htm

Williamsburg, Virginia: http://www.visitwilliamsburg.com

September 2008

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Things are really picking up for our 100th Anniversary Jamboree. Approximately 45,000 Scouts, leaders, and staff from all 50 states, territories, and some foreign countries will have the opportunity to live, work, and play together in an atmosphere of Scouting fellowship at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, July 26–Aug. 4, 2010. Council contingents will arrive on Monday, July 26, 2010, and will depart on Wednesday, Aug. 4. The setting for the jamboree is Fort A.P. Hill, near Bowling Green, Va. This is a historic area near Washington, D.C. Other nearby cities are Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown, Richmond, and Fredericksburg, Va.

Information and registration instructions are on the jamboree Web site, www.bsajamboree.org. There is a lot of information on the Web site, including Scout and leader qualifications, how to sign up, a promotional video, a map of the jamboree, and our famous jamboree countdown clock!

Online registrations now number more than 12,000, including staff and leaders. More than 6,000 youth participants have applied and have been approved by local councils. Registration issues have been resolved with the approval process running smoothly.

The biggest issue with the jamboree application process is the way the MyScouting accounts are being created. As it states on the log-in page of MyScouting, all jamboree applications must be submitted from the account of a parent or guardian. (MyScouting accounts can be created by parents/guardians even if they are not registered with the BSA.) Some accounts are mistakenly being created with the youth’s BSA member ID number in the profile. This will result in an “invalid member ID number” error.

Contact your local council for contingent information, travel plans, and fees. If you are interested in serving as one of the 8,100 staff members, go to MyScouting.org and create an account (if you don’t already have one) and follow the registration procedures listed below.

Adults (volunteers) registering to serve on staff: Download Instructions