Please visit https://jamboree.scouting.org/ for the latest information and FAQs.

Don’t miss the experience of a lifetime!

EVENT CONTACTS

Dave Ishikawa - (916) 217-1367
sm-380@comcast.net
2026 Jamboree Contingent Leader

Bill Whitton - (916) 929-1417
Bill.Whitton@Scouting.org
2026 Jamboree Staff Advisor

AN EPIC EVENT
WITH 20,000 FRIENDS

Why National Jamboree

EVENT DETAILS

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 al 48 states brought 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 20 national jamborees have been held, the last in 2023.

ABOUT NATIONAL JAMBOREE

Golden Empire and Marin Council’s are putting a Jamboree Contingent of Scouts to attend the National Jamboree. The Contingent consists of 3 or 4 units, comprised each of 36 youth and 4 adult leaders. Unit will include Male Troops, Female Troops and Venture Crews.

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 (flag, unit numerals, water bottles, hats, shirts, jackets,, backpacks, duffle bag, patches)

• Jamboree even 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

KEY DETAILS FOR THE 2026 JAMBOREE:

• Dates and Locations: The 2026 National Jamboree will be held Wednesday, July 22 through Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve (The Summit) in Glen Jean, West Virgina. Contingents will arrive on July 22nd and depart Friday, July 31st.

• Estimated Cost: $5,000 per person.

• Attendance the 2026 National Jamboree: Approximately 20,000 Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scout, unit leaders, JST (staff) and visitors.

• To attend the National Jamboree, a Scout must: Be a currently registered member of Scouting America in a Scout BSA troop, Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship. If attending as a member of Scouts BSA, a Scut must be at least 12 years of age and no older than 17 years of age with at the Jamboree.

• To attend the National Jamboree as a contingent adult leader, an adult must: Be a currently registered member of Scouting America NO LESS THAN 21 YEARs of age. Note: Assistant Scoutmasters aged 18-20 are encouraged to register for JST (Staff) or register and participate as a member of a Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship.

PRE-JAMBOREE TOUR

With 2026 being the 250th Anniversary of the United States, you have the opportunity to check out some of our Nation’s historical sites before arriving at the National Jamboree. Our contingent will tour East Coast cities and landmarks as part of our National Jamboree experience. Whether it is visiting Fort McHenry in Baltimore, our Nation’s Capital, Colonial Williamsburg, Gettysburg’s National Battlefield, or any other of America’s wealth of historic and cultural landmarks, the Pre-Jamboree Tour can e a memorable part of each Scout’s National Jamboree experience.

Activity Areas

The National Jamboree showcases the broad range of activities available within Scouting! Those activities are conducted at many adventures venues found at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. While youth attending the National Jamboree will have the chance to experience some of these adventures venues, capacity constraints and the sheer number of attendees will make their very different than one received during a Summit high-adventure experience. Contingent leaders should help youth and parents understand that the National Jamboree is primarily a social event that celebrates Scouting, not a high-adventure experience.

Adventure Valley is home to The Rocks (rock climbing), Low Gear (cross-country mountain biking), Alexander Eagle Fight (formerly known as Big Zip) and lake kayaking.

Thrasher Mountain is home to The Park, The Trax and Bows and Barrels. The Park houses the Summit’s first-rate skateboarding facilities. At The Trax participants will find the thrilling BMX Course. The Bows and Barrels will offer the widest variety of ranges and target activities ever; shotguns, rifles, pistols (age and program restrictions apply), 3-D archery and sporting arrows.

Aquatics activities will be located Goodrich Lake and Tri Dave Lake. Goodrich Lake will be home to fishing, basic kayaking, paddle boarding and an expanded Water Reality obstacle course. Tri Dave Lake will be home to advance kayaking.

Summit Center adventures venues feature climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, skateboarding, canopy tour, BMX, Trading Post, Merit Badges, and much more.