National Scout Jamboree: Going Big and Getting Wild

More intense! Big and wild! These are words that we’ve been sharing for months – yes, even years – about how we’d like to deliver a quality Scouting experience at the 2013 National Jamboree. And now, it’s here.

Hello again, everyone! We are planning to generate some serious energy – more than any previous Jamboree – as we launch this year’s National Jamboree at its new home – The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia.

And wild it will be! Our Scouts can try their hand at 3-D archery, BMX, kayaking, climbing and rappelling, sporting clays, skateboarding, whitewater rafting, and hiking. Once they’ve caught their breath, they can take on Zip Zilla – five parallel zip lines over 3,000 feet long – one of the longest zip line courses in North America. This wilderness wonderland is spread across 10,600 acres of Summit land, along with 70,000 acres of the National River.

Image courtesy of Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve Flickr

Image courtesy of Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve Flickr

Image courtesy of Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve Flickr

Image courtesy of Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve Flickr

Without a doubt, we are absolutely ready for the huge crowds of eager Scouts who will be among the first to experience the wonders of the New River Gorge region at our fourth and newest High Adventure camp. We’re expecting about 40,000 Scouts, Venturers, volunteers and staff to take part in this historical moment for Scouting. Joining them during the course of the jamboree will be up to 50,000 visitors.  We’ll be the fastest growing city in West Virginia!

And the beauty of the New River Gorge region will be the perfect canvas for our Jamboree masterpiece. A rugged whitewater river flows interwoven with remarkable rock formations. Spectacular scenery featuring multiple forest species including oak, hickory, maple, yellow pine, and many hardwoods surrounds the gorge. Living among these wonders of nature is a diverse wildlife population that will provide hours of fun discoveries and viewing for our Scouts and visitors.

Let’s also remember that amidst the “big and wild” are the traditional values of Scouting that will carry us into our next century and beyond. Our Scouts can expect a full test of their abilities when they enter the wonders of The Summit, and we are ready to guide them along this fascinating trail of outdoor adventure.

How well does The Summit meet your expectations of outdoor adventure? You may not have that answer yet, but if you are lucky enough to join us for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, I’d like to hear from you!

Watch for Jamboree updates here and on my official Twitter!

Wayne