HISTORY
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 because of 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 27,232 Scouts camped on the National Mall under the Washington Monument. Since that time, an additional 18 national jamborees have been held, the last in 2017.
About National Jamboree
Every four years, Great Alaska Council puts together a Jamboree Contingent. The Contingent consists of anywhere from 7 to 15 units, comprised each of 36 youth and 4 adult leaders.
Besides the Jamboree experience itself, there are many costs that are incurred in preparation for the event. These costs include (but may not be limited to):
- Airfare to and from the east coast
- Luggage fees
- Hotel and security
- Jamboree training, meetings, and other events
- Jamboree gear, including all troop/crew specific gear (flags, unit numerals, waterbottles, hats, shirts, jackets, backpack, duffle bag, patches)
- Jamboree event fee
- Dedicated Scouting professional and support staff to facilitate and assist in a successful Jamboree experience
- Bus transportation to all tour locations and to and from Jamboree with dedicated bus drivers
- A tour team to organize and facilitate all touring aspects
- Troops and Crews will take a 3-day tour of part of America’s history including Washington, DC and other historical locations.
YOUTH PARTICIPANTS
The Jamboree is open to all who are qualified on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualifications to attend the National Jamboree include:
- Registered member of a Scout Troop, who has completed the 6th grade, or will be at least 12 years old (but who has not yet reached their 18th birthday by 8/1/2023) and a first class Scout by July 1, 2023. –OR–
- Registered member of a Venture Crew who will be at least 14 years old (but who has not yet reached their 21st birthday by 8/1/2023).
- Must live and abide by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Must abide by the Jamboree Code of Conduct.
At the time of registration, Scouts will be placed in a Jamboree troop/crew that is closest to where you live, unless that troop/crew is full. If that troop/crew is full the Scout will be placed in the closest available troop/crew. Each Scout will be a member of a patrol within their unit. Every contingent member will be required to participate in and have the following:
- Monthly troop or crew meetings
- A completed National Jamboree Medical form signed by a licensed physician
- Attend the all-contingent gathering
- Attend an overnight training encampment.
- Have all fees paid no later than June 1st 2023.
PRICING AND REGISTRATION
2023 Jamboree with touring is $4200 for participants. Jamboree fees include everything listed above. Other out-of-pocket expenses may include (but are not limited to) additional uniforms, patches, and spending money.
A non-refundable reservation fee of $300 must accompany the initial registration. Once you click on the registration button, you will be prompted to “choose participant type”. Once you begin your registration process.
The registration process has a payment schedule to follow. Full payment must be received no later than June 1, 2023 in order for the participant to attend. The following is the payment schedule for the 2023 National Jamboree (although more may be paid in advance) Registration and the payment schedule can be found HERE
If for some reason a participant is unable to attend, a refund may be considered minus the non-refundable amount according to the payment schedule (for example, if you cancel after 3/1/22 $825 will be non-refundable). If for some reason a participant is unable to attend and is able to fill his/her spot with another eligible participant, a full refund minus the initial $250 deposit will be approved.