What goes on at the Jamboree

The 2010 program specifics have not been released.  However, at the 2005 National Scout Jamboree, "amaze and delight" is what greeted the Scouts.

CHECK OUT THE ACTIVITIES ON THE INTERACTIVE CAMP MAP !

Go to www.bsajamboree.org  and click on the red "Camp Map" tab next to the Jamboree Patch in the top left corner.  Explore the various activities at the Jamboree by floating your mouse over parts of the map and clicking on the activity you'd like to learn more about.

WARNING !   Better plan on spending 15-20 minutes exploring the Jamboree Camp Map … it’s captivating !

Here is a sampling from the last Jamboree:

Special Events

Arena Shows

The arena shows were scheduled for Wednesday and Sunday, in 2005..  A grand official opening of the Jamboree was held in the giant arena on Wednesday. That show was built around patriotism and a lot of flag waving. Both shows were packed full of entertainment.

Daily Stage Shows

Daily nonstop entertainment featured rock, country, and bluegrass bands; military drill teams; shows; Scouts from other nations; and many other surprises. It is located on A.P. Hill Drive by Mahone Area.

Order of the Arrow (OA) Special Venue

The Order of the Arrow's live theatrical production at the 2005 National Scout Jamboree was entitled 123 (12 Cubed). It is the successor to the OA's prior Jamboree productions (Odyssey of the Law and Scoutopia), and  explored with the Jamboree audience the ingredients and essential elements of character. Together Scouts came to realize that the term "values" has application not just in mathematical equations, but ethical ones as well.

123 represents the value obtained by applying to one's life both the 12 points of the Scout Law and the three promises of the Scout Oath: a multiplication, if you will, which has an exponential effect upon that life.

123 is a formula for values, an equation for life. And it will be presented live at the 2005 National Scout Jamboree.

Daily Ceremonies and Scout Band

Daily Ceremonies is responsible for raising and lowering the flags at the national Jamboree headquarters' Court of Flags each day during the Jamboree. In addition, our official Jamboree Scout Band composed of youth staff members provided lively music throughout the Jamboree.

 Mountain Boarding

This was a new program using modern technology was introduced at the 2005 Jamboree.

National Exhibits

Merit Badge Midway

The Merit Badge Midway is located along Thomas Road and occupies the east end of the parking area. Close to a hundred booths filled the Merit Badge Midway. The midway featured many exciting hands-on activities for Scouts. It is designed to stimulate their interest in a wide variety of merit badges, including auto mechanics, skiing, communications, energy, aviation, and computers. Scouts had an opportunity to practice many skills related to the merit badges. Scouts met some of the requirements of the badge at the Jamboree and then complete the requirements

Boys' Life

Boys' Life packed several tents with displays, as well as skill and activity events related to Boys' Life articles, including Code master, whittling, lamination, Drugs: A Deadly Game, and the infamous Pedro, the Boys' Life "mail burro." Boys' Life sponsored the traditional patrol flag contest in which each patrol designs its own flag.

Daily Activities

Arts and Science Expo

More than a thousand Scouts participated  in the Arts and Science Expo. Art categories included photography, sculpture, crafts, painting, printmaking, computer graphics, drawing, and literature. Science entries were based on any merit badge subject that is science-related. All exhibits were judged by experts, and appropriate ribbons were awarded. Arts and Science is located by Trading Post A on A.P. Hill Drive.

Brownsea Island Camp

This historical re-creation of the first Boy Scout camp, conducted by Baden-Powell in 1907 on Brownsea Island, off the coast of England, featured demonstrations, games, and activities conducted by a select group of Scouts dressed in the costume of the time. British and Canadian Scouts also were involved in the Brownsea Island experience. It is located on A.P. Hill Drive across from Mahone Drive.

American Indian Village

Experience life in an American Indian setting and see the daily routines, children's games, food preparation, and homes representing the customs/culture of our native Americans. It is located by the Merit Badge Midway.

Diasbility Awareness (Scouts With Disabilities) Challenge

Hands-on activities from the Disabilities Awareness merit badge were offered in and around the Heth area. This daily activity can greatly improve understanding of the challenges and opportunities people with disabilities face. The Disability Awareness Challenge is located by Trading Post A.

Order of the Arrow American Indian Village

American Indian-style dance performances and demonstrations were presented during mornings of the Jamboree. In the afternoons, the staff demonstrated and taught various crafts such as beadwork and porcupine quillwork, and teach Indian games. At the Indian village, Scouts had the opportunity to work on the Indian Lore merit badge. Evening pow wows took place on different occasions. Scouts who are dancers were invited to bring their dance outfits and join the dance circle. Everyone was invited to sit under the arbor and watch the vivid colors and skilled movements of the different styles of American Indian dancing.

The Outdoor Adventure Place (TOAP)

Scouts were given the opportunity to test their camping and outdoor skills. The latest BSA camping equipment also will be on display.  It is hosted by the Order of the Arrow.

Amateur (Ham) Radio Operators    Q2BSA

Amateur radio can be an excellent source of communication during emergencies. You might not need a ham radio operator's services, but it is good to have them available just in case. Information on specific frequencies will be announced later so operators can prepare their equipment for the Jamboree.

 America's First Scout Camp

Many dropped by this unique campsite along Thomas Road adjacent to Jamboree headquarters at Heth. There they found the first Scout camp in America, which was operated at Silver Bay in New York state beginning in 1910.

 Jamboree Radio     KBSA, The Voice of the Eagle     FM 90.3

Scouts’ own radio station – QBSA – run for Scouts by Scouts.  Tune in for the latest Jamboree news and weather.   Or try your hand at hosting your own radio program.   That is what QBSA provided the Scouts at the 2005 Jamboree..

Sub-camp Activities

5K Fun Run

Four 5K runs were conducted simultaneously, one in each region, at 6:00 a.m. in the cool of the morning on Friday, in 2005. The events were fun runs/walks; Scouts and Scouters were encouraged to participate, and everyone who completes the course will receive recognition. Water and first aid was available on each course, and the course will be free of moving vehicles

Action Centers

Because A.P. Hill is such a big Jamboree site, there are four action centers—one at each regional site. The four action centers offered identical program events and activities: 

Air-Rifle Shooting

This activity was operated as a standard rifle range following National Rifle Association and BSA requirements. Target shooting took place on the range, and safety techniques were taught in the waiting area. Participants received an orientation to target-shooting safety and the proper care and maintenance of target-shooting rifles. A 15-foot air-rifle shooting range with NRA-approved targets was in each action center. 

Action Alley

Action alley is a full obstacle course. Although most Scouts were able to complete the course successfully, only those who are more physically fit were able to post the best times. 

Archery

Jamboree participants who visit the archery range enjoyed shooting with the latest in target-shooting equipment. Participants received instruction in safety techniques for this exciting sport. The archery ranges are designed to accommodate 40 archers at one time. 

Bikathlon

In the bikathlon, competitors ride specially geared mountain bikes cross-country. At designated stations, Scouts were required to target-shoot air rifles. As in the modern Olympic bikathlon, success in the bikathlon is measured in riding times and shooting scores. 

Buckskin Games

The buckskin games are a set of competitive activities that men participated in during the early 19th century. The games feature instruction in and firing of muzzle-loading guns, a tomahawk throw, a knife throw, a bucking bronco event, bullwhip cracking, and branding. 

Confidence Course

The confidence course is designed to promote and reinforce the participants' confidence, physical and mental awareness, endurance, fun, and competition. The course included a series of "low course" COPE activities. 

Motocross

In bicycle motocross, one of the fastest growing sports in the country, Jamboree participants tested their skill at riding bikes along a motocross course with a series of obstacles. The course was designed to the specifications of the National Bicycle Motocross Association. Those who had never participated in motocross will be instructed in proper methods. 

Pioneering

In this activity, the patrol worked as a team using simple tools and practical pioneering skills to move objects, build structures, and play games. Participants learned the use of pulleys and the block and tackle, and will use slip hooks, quick links, and shackling to complete the tasks. This was a hands-on area. 

Rappelling Tower

This artificial mountain allowed participants to rappel (descend using ropes) a vertical wall. Special mini-towers aided in the instruction. While waiting to ascend the tower, Scouts could practice on a horizontal climbing wall. 

Trapshooting

Many Scouts handled a shotgun for the first time at the trapshooting range. Before trying to shoot the fast-moving clay "pigeons," they were instructed in the proper shooting techniques and safety. 

Outback Centers

Conservation

Scouts were offered a wide range of hands-on opportunities to experience the latest in environmental developments and to become involved in conserving our world's natural resources. Nearly 25 government and private agencies supported this program. 

Fishing

More than 20,000 bass, channel catfish, bluegills, and other fish were stocked in Fishhook Lake. Assisted by experts, participants fished here throughout the Jamboree.  

Aquatics

The aquatics center provided opportunities for participants to row, canoe, kayak, snorkel, and scuba dive. Aquatics activities included the following:

• Canoe Slalom. A two-Scout crew will run through slalom gates using canoeing skills over a timed course
• Canoe Sprint. A two-Scout crew will race a canoe through a set of buoys over a timed course, testing maneuvering and speed.
• Discover Scuba. Scouts have an opportunity to enjoy the underwater world, led by experienced instructors from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
• Kayak Fun. Participants will learn basic kayak-handling skills and run a set course for time.
• Racing Shell Fun. Two Scout crews in sleek, lightweight racing shells will race each other down Upper Travis Lake.
• Raft Encounter. Two Scouts per raft meet in a multiraft challenge, in a splash-and-dash hand-paddle experience where everyone gets wet.
• Snorkel Search. Following a short instruction on the use of snorkeling equipment, participants will find souvenirs in a clear-water pool.