24th World Scout Jamboree Will Be Once-In-A-Lifetime

Scouting family, we have reached a historic milestone. 2019 is brimming with opportunity, and one of the greatest moments yet is arriving today… along with 45,000 Scouts and leaders from around the world.

The World Scout Jamboree is upon us, and it’s set to be the largest in the history of Scouting. Across our nation and around the world, Scouts, Scouters and volunteers have been preparing for the BSA to jointly host the 24^th World Scout Jamboree with Scouts Canada and Asociación de Scouts de México at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Attendees are ready to experience outdoor adventure, undergo leadership training and develop international friendships as they explore what it means to be a global citizen.

This is the first time the U.S. has hosted in 50 years and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunities this event offers to our youth. This world jamboree is an experience unlike any other. Scouts meet others from all around the globe without ever leaving their camp site. They experience hallmark events of a world jamboree including the Global Development Village and World Point, learning spaces where they can explore other cultures and nations. They get to trade patches and neckerchiefs, learn about conservation and experience incredible outdoor activities in one of the most beautiful places in our country. Among many other adventure options, the Summit offers one of the longest zip line courses in North America, acres of protected wildlife for hiking and mountain biking, and sports facilities ranging from a BMX facility and skate park to a water obstacle course. It is a gem and it’s an honor to be able to share it with so many visitors.

When we built the Summit, this was the vision for what that beautiful slice of land could become: a place for Scouts to experience the outdoors and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities; a place for leaders to train and grow; a place to build friendships that last a lifetime. This year, we’ll see that purpose fulfilled at a global level.

To those who are fortunate enough to attend the 24^th World Scout Jamboree, I hope you choose to engage in this program with gusto. Serve, explore, try new things, meet everyone you can. If you aren’t attending this year, I hope you will follow along on social media and our various Scouting publications to soak up some of the experience virtually. And I also would encourage you to look for opportunities to come to another program at the Summit or mark your calendar for the World Scout Jamboree in 2023 in Saemangeum, South Korea. Whatever you do, make the most of right now. This is a special time.

Yours in Scouting,

Mike