What’s one of the most exciting activities at the national Jamboree? It’s patch trading! For first time Scouts and Scouters, it can almost be overwhelming. Everywhere you look, Scouts are trading patches. They set up along roads and paths; they trade in lines at the Trading Posts; and, they trade at the arena shows. Every where!

The most popular patches are the Jamboree Shoulder Patches – sometimes called "JSP’s". That’s probably because they are so plentiful with so many troops attending. Next, is probably the Order of the Arrow patches and prior Jamboree patches – including World Jamborees. You will find all kinds of patches to trade for your collection.

Each Council creates a unique Jamboree patch for its contingent troops. Some Councils create very unique patches based on where they live. For example, the Salt Lake Council created a dinosaur patch a number of years ago and the Snake River Council created a patch with a rattle snake on it. Both were very popular and great trading patches. Perhaps the most popular at the 1997 Jamboree was the Harley-Davidson patch from the Milwaukee Council. They even had a rare jacket patch.

Trading will likely occur immediately upon departure for the Jamboree, perhaps even earlier. The rules are simple: Scouts only trade with Scouts. Adults only trade with Adults. Each trade ends with a handshake and perhaps even a name, address and phone number exchange.