The Jamboree
Radio Station - QBSA - with Scouts as DJ'sFor a look at a few of the hundreds of campsite gateways from the Jamboree click here.
This year's Jamboree will be remembered, in part, for the tragic accident that took the lives of four adult leaders from the Western Alaska Council, electrocuted with a pole of the tent they were raising came in contact with a power line. The thoughts, prayers, and condolences of Scouts around the world go out to the families and friends of these Scouters.
Held every four years at Fort A.P. Hill near Bowling Green, Virginia, the National Jamboree brings together Scouts from across the United States and around the world for ten days of Scouting activities and camaraderie. Special troops are formed by Scout Councils to participate in the Jamboree and three Troop 1018 Scouts are participating in this year's Jamboree as members of Jamboree Troop 516 from the National Capital Area Council.
Each troop builds a gateway to their campsite just for the Jamboree -- all are unique and many are quite elaborate. For pictures of some of this year's gateways, click here.
One of the highlights of this year's Jamboree was a visit from President Bush. Mr Bush spoke at the closing arena show to an enthusiastic crowd of about 75,000 Scouts, Scouters, and visitors. For the text of his remarks to the Scouts (from the White House web site) click here.
The activities were many and varied with the following pictures only touching on a few of the hundreds of booths, exhibits, and activity centers.
The Jamboree
Radio Station - QBSA - with Scouts as DJ's
The Boys' Life exhibit area . . . . . . and that's Pedro the burro that answers all of your questions each month
Smokey the Bear meets William the Scouter The rappelling tower
What would a Scouting event be without a monkey bridge?
Outside the NASA exhibit One of the astronauts? "I want a school to be named after me"
Subcamp 5, home to the National Capital Area Council contingent
The Troop 516 gateway
Troop 1018 Scouts; temporarily members of Troop 516
A replica of America's first Scout camp.
Science and Arts Expos
K2BSA - The ham radio station operating from the Jamboree (note the satellite antennas pointed skyward above the tent
Gear from the South Pole; one Eagle Scout is selected every other year to live and work with the scientists deployed to the Antarctic. One of the leaders at this exhibit had participated several years ago -- great stories!
William learns to use a sextant -- life before GPS
One of the archery ranges . . . . . . and a pellet rifle range
The Outdoor Adventure Place, courtesy the Order of the Arrow
Closing the arena show was a fabulous fireworks display and laser light show