Eagle Scouts Host Naval Academy Merit Badge Jamboree

Each year, the United States Naval Academy (USNA) welcomes Boy Scout troops to the USNA STEM Merit Badge Jamboree.  Members of USNA’s chapter of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) share their expertise with troops during an adventure-packed weekend.

The upcoming jamboree is scheduled for January 15-17, 2016, and attendance is expected to be huge. More Scouts will participate in the event this year than ever before; in fact, so many troops wanted to join in on the jamboree, the event coordinators had to implement a wait list for hopeful attendees.

This opportunity for skill sculpting isn’t just about STEM merit badges.  In addition to learning sessions, this year’s jamboree will include specialized programs on topics like youth training and awards. Scouts may also choose to go on a personal tour of USNA’s campus to get a feel for the academy’s fascinating history.

Midshipman Zach Cammer, who is the Commanding Officer of the event said that for him, the best part of the jamboree is Saturday morning when the Scouts participate in observing the morning colors.  Cammer explained, “Colors is a tradition that we take very seriously and it means a lot to me to be able to share this tradition with the Scouts who visit us.”

The entire event is managed by Midshipman members of the academy’s NESA chapter, so Boy Scouts who attend the jamboree will learn skills directly from Eagle Scouts.

Cammer expressed that his time in Scouting set him on the track to becoming a Midshipman. He said, “By running the Jamboree this year I hope to set other scouts on similar paths to success.  When I look across Tecumseh Court at the crowd of Scouts I see the future Eagles who I know will be the ones to step up to the challenges presented to them, and our country.”

Take a look at the USNA’s Jamboree webpage for more details about this epic event!

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