News and updates about the Summit Bechtel Reserve and National Scout Jamboree. https://www.summitbsa.org/enhancing-range-target-activity-education-at-the-summit/ Redefining Shooting Sports and Conservation Awareness The Joe Crafton’s Sportsman’s Complex at Summit Bechtel Reserve  At the heart of the Summit Bechtel Reserve, the newly renovated Joe Crafton’s Sportsman’s Complex stands as a state-of-the-art interpretive center that not only teaches safe and effective shooting skills but also underscores the vital role hunters play in conservation. Through the support of The NRA […] Summit Blog Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:05:58 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/prepping-for-adventure-new-river-experience/ Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the New River Experience at the Summit Bechtel Reserve? This thrilling 50-mile paddle trek through the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve promises unforgettable moments, from navigating Class I to IV rapids to camping under the stars. To ensure you have the best experience possible, it's crucial to gear up properly. Summit Blog Thu, 08 May 2025 17:04:26 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/mountaineerclassic Summit Blog Tue, 02 Aug 2022 15:59:23 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/covidresponse/ 2022 Participant Screening and COVID-19 Protocols (06/01/22) Our CommitmentAs you prepare for arrival at the Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR) the following procedures have beenimplemented to address the current public health crisis impacting our communities. All participants willparticipate in this plan. Your participation is important for the success of this endeavor, health and safety is each […] Summit Blog Wed, 01 Jun 2022 14:20:00 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/blog_winterweekends We are excited to welcome scout groups to stay with us at the Summit Bechtel Reserve during select weekends this winter, 2021. There are so many things to see and do not only at the Summit, but also in the surrounding community that can make your visit a truly special one. Click here to view event details. Keep reading for information […] Summit Blog Tue, 15 Dec 2020 21:06:26 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/shootingsports-training-update/ The Summit Bechtel Reserve recently conducted training for their Shooting Sports Programs which included staff members from Barrels, Bows and Hunter’s Education. The training was under the direction of Ryan King, Program Manager for Shooting Sports with support from Art Scott, Seasonal Director of Barrels and Bows and Chris Perkins, Program Manager for Hunter’s Education. […] Summit Blog Fri, 26 Jun 2020 15:37:30 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/aditl-screening/ Pre-Arrival Medical Screening Our Commitment As you prepare for arrival at the Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR) the following procedures have been implemented to address the current public health crisis impacting our communities. All participants will participate in this plan. Your participation is important for the success of this endeavor, health and safety is each of […] Summit Blog Fri, 29 May 2020 18:41:59 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/business-as-usual-at-summit-bechtel-reserve/ Since the planning stages, The Summit has been designed and laid out to host scouts. All scouts. Our facilities are tailored to host National Jamborees, HIgh Adventure, Scout Camp program and this year a World Scout Jamboree.   Since our grand opening we have hosted female scouts in both venturing and exploring events and even […] Summit Blog Tue, 05 Mar 2019 21:01:29 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/summit-visits-cmi/ On Wednesday February 6th the Summit was invited to visit the CMI (Colorado Mountain Industries) factory in Franklin, WV for a tour and to discuss the development of climbing and zip line gear. This company manufactures a variety of rescue and climbing gear, right here in West Virginia. It is great to have such an innovative neighbor. […] Summit Blog Fri, 08 Feb 2019 15:32:16 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/2019-high-adventure-planning-guides/ Summit Blog Thu, 17 Jan 2019 16:21:30 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/welcome-thom-merkle/ Summit Blog Wed, 16 Jan 2019 18:44:49 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/MidlandTrail The Midland Trail High School Football Team recently visited Summit Bechtel Reserve for a day of “exploration, education and excitement”. The local team from Fayette County often participate in weekend outings to promote and foster team camaraderie among players. The visit included a guided tour of the SBR Scout Exhibit in the Scott Visitors […] Summit Blog Wed, 31 Oct 2018 14:40:19 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/west-virginia-trifecta-presented-west-virginia-tourism/ AUG 25-26, 2018 https://www.spartan.com/en/race/detail/3510/overview Summit Bechtel Reserve is widely known for its natural beauty, its unbeatable white-water rafting, and the fact that every four years, its 10,000+ acres of pristine land play host to the National Boy Scouts Jamboree. This year, SBR’s rolling hills welcome a different kind of gathering: their first-ever Spartan Race. Top […] Summit Blog Tue, 21 Aug 2018 15:10:57 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/usa-cycling-summit-bechtel-reserve/ Spandex and Carbon Fiber? You may have wondered about the group that was ripping around the Summit a while back with fancy bikes and tight clothing. That was the USA Cycling East Coast Mountain Bike Talent I.D. Camp, an invite-only training camp for advanced riders aged 13-17. Camps like this are part of something they […] Summit Blog Fri, 20 Jul 2018 19:29:09 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/summit-bechtel-reserve-participants-help-beckley-elementary/ On July 9 and 16 groups of participants here at Summit Bechtel Reserve did their Service and Conservation project at Beckley Elementary School.  Overgrowth was cleared along the fenced border and the grounds in front of the school were also cleaned up.  In total over 60 people worked for over 4 hours on the project. […] Summit Blog Mon, 16 Jul 2018 20:55:24 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/venturingfest-app/ We are counting down the days till Venturers from all across the country come together at the Summit for the 20th Anniversary at Venturingfest. Participants will be doing full days of fun and exciting program. The Venturingfest App is one of the smallest items you need to pack. If you’re an Apple iOS or Android […] Summit Blog Thu, 14 Jun 2018 19:43:49 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/team-summit-bechtel-reserve-volunteering-camp-sawyer/ This week a team of Summit Bechtel Reserve employees are down in Florida, but not on vacation.  The team, consisting of members across all departments of our staff, our volunteering to help Scouting America South Florida Council’s  Camp Sawyer recover after Hurricane Irma hit in 2017. Camp Sawyer suffered significant damage as Irma’s eye wall came […] Summit Blog Thu, 25 Jan 2018 19:48:33 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/2018-provisional-registration-live/ PROVISIONAL PROGRAMS The Paul R. Christen High Adventure Base will offer its Summit Experience and Focused programs on a provisional basis the week of July 29th through August 4th, 2018. Provisional programs are for individual participants who do not have a group attending but still want to experience The Summit. Participants must be at least […] Summit Blog Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:38:53 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/2018-high-adventure-planning-guides-live/ Here are the Planning Guides for the 2018 High Adventure Season 2018 Council and Unit Planning Guide 2018 New River Trek Planning Guide 2018 Bikepacking Trek Planning Guide Summit Blog Sat, 11 Nov 2017 17:16:18 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/thanks-attending-2017jambo/ Putting on a Jamboree takes a ridiculous amount of work. With all the coordination of activities, discovery of staff and organization of participants, it is nothing short of a miracle that everything went so smoothly. To the over 30,000 participants and leaders who made this an unforgettable and amazing jamboree: “Thank You.” On behalf of […] Summit Blog Thu, 27 Jul 2017 18:04:22 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/base-camp-charlie-leads-way-world-friendship-fund-collection/ Thanks to the generosity of the Scouts at the 2017 National Jamboree, more than $10,000 has been donated to the World Friendship Fund. Base Camp Charlie, which raised over $1,000, won the challenge to see which Base Camp could raise the most money. The fund was developed by Scouting America during the closing days of […] Summit Blog Thu, 27 Jul 2017 17:44:23 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/thank-jamboree-staff/ Putting on a jamboree takes a ridiculous amount of work. With all the coordination of activities, discovery of staff and organization of participants, it is nothing short of a miracle that everything went so smoothly. To the approximately 6,000 staff members who put in thousands of hours of work preparing for the jamboree: “Thank You.” […] Summit Blog Thu, 27 Jul 2017 16:41:59 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/https-jamboree-scouting-org/ Staff members who purchased jamboree tents and/or bicycles should pick up their item(s) on Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The items will be available to be picked up on site and/or at the Ruby Welcome Center. On Friday, the inventory at the Ruby Welcome Center will not be fully stocked […] Summit Blog Thu, 27 Jul 2017 16:39:22 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/thank-you-to-our-sponsors/ It takes a lot to produce a National Jamboree. Thousands of volunteer staff members contributed thousands of hours of planning and hard work to ensure that the Scouts in attendance had the times of their lives. But the Jamboree should express its gratitude to another group as well — the corporate partners that made this […] Summit Blog Thu, 27 Jul 2017 16:00:35 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/work-sbr-2018/ If you have enjoyed being at the Summit, consider signing up to serve as a seasonal staff member for the summer of 2018. During normal operations in the summer, the Summit requires over 200 seasonal staff members to operate smoothly. The Summit is looking for dedicated individuals who pride themselves on doing good work for […] Summit Blog Thu, 27 Jul 2017 15:51:24 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/summit-treehouse-not-typical-treehouse/ For most adults, the notion of a tree house evokes nostalgia for a childhood of skinned knees and endless summers. But for Frank McCallister, a treehouse has become a way to pair technologies of the future with traditional Scouting values like conservation, thriftiness and efficiency. “Sustainability will be one of the core principles as Scouting […] Summit Blog Thu, 27 Jul 2017 15:43:43 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/attending-summit-high-adventure/ The Summit offers two high-adventure programs: The New River Trek and SBR Mountain Bike Trek. The New River Trek is a 50-mile trip along the New River in inflatable kayaks and rafts. Participants experience class I to V rapids and enjoy the natural beauty of the New River. Participants can fish and explore the banks […] Summit Blog Wed, 26 Jul 2017 20:11:32 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/50-years-jamborees/ Few, if any, have attended more national Scout jamborees. Monsignor John B. Brady, a Roman Catholic chaplain in Base Camp Delta, has attended jamborees since his first visit to one, in 1937, with his father at age 8. “It was at Washington, D.C., right in the middle of the city. The only jamboree they ever […] Summit Blog Wed, 26 Jul 2017 19:43:54 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/kayaking-towards-smile/ Kayaking is located on Bravo Lake. From the Summit Center, head from the main entrance east towards the Big Zip landing, go across the dam on Bravo Lake, and the kayaking area is south on the trail. You’ll see the kayaks as soon as you get to the landing. You can’t miss them! Bring clothes […] Summit Blog Wed, 26 Jul 2017 18:36:07 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/staff-departure/ Departure day is around the corner. Details are below for departures on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. As always, please check with your team lead for specific instructions for tear down and departure. Thursday’s Departure Schedule Tear down starts at 4:00 For those wishing to leave, there will be buses from Echo to Ruby beginning at […] Summit Blog Wed, 26 Jul 2017 17:30:01 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/international-did-you-knows/ Scouting is a worldwide organization. How does that work? Two words – WOSM and NSO – sum it up pretty well. So what is a WOSM, and what is an NSO? WOSM is the World Organization of the Scout Movement, a confederation of 166 National Scout Organizations. WOSM, through the World Scout Bureau located in […] Summit Blog Wed, 26 Jul 2017 17:18:50 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/taking-care-property/ As the 2017 National Jamboree wraps up, keep this point of the Scout Law in mind: A Scout is Thrifty. Take care of the possessions that you’ve brought with you to jamboree. Loss and theft unfortunately are always possible at a large event like jamboree. You can minimize the chances of that happening to you […] Summit Blog Wed, 26 Jul 2017 17:12:42 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/jamboree-safety-moment-fatigue/ “I’m tired of having accidents and getting hurt” Fatigue and tiredness cause many accidents and injuries. Although the Jamboree is exciting and fun, it also can be tiring, if you’re trying to do too much without proper rest. That’s when accidents are more likely to happen. When your body is tired, it sends you signals, […] Summit Blog Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:52:39 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/interpreter-patches/ Scouts and leaders who are knowledgeable in a language other than English can test for an interpreter strip at the International Scouting Exhibit at Action Point. Strips can be earned for 11 different target languages including Arabic, Cantonese, Danish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai. To earn an interpreter strip in a […] Summit Blog Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:49:00 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/last-day-program-areas/ As the 2017 National Jamboree nears its end, Thursday will be the last day you’ll be able to attend the various activities and exhibits that are hosted throughout the Summit Bechtel Reserve. The outstanding activities in Adventure Valley offer experiences unlike anything else at the jamboree. These include Low Gear, the Ropes, the Rocks and, […] Summit Blog Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:38:14 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/motor-pool-vehicle-turn-procedure/ Vehicles that were checked out from the jamboree motor pool may be returned starting at noon Thursday. Vehicles will be accepted from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday. All Vehicles Must Be Turned In By 10 a.m. Saturday To return UTV’s of any size […] Summit Blog Wed, 26 Jul 2017 09:30:57 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/stem-quest-has-it-all/ Interested in getting hands-on with something like robotics or welding during your final days at this Jamboree? Would you like to hear noted experts speak about their careers in science? The STEM Quest area has many options for you! Chemistry, engineering, electronics, robotics, puzzles, welding, and NASA are just a few of the areas represented […] Summit Blog Tue, 25 Jul 2017 20:03:48 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/the-need-for-speed/ When you really need speed, nothing is better. Thanks to medical pioneers such as Texas native and Eagle Scout Dr. Red Duke, injured civilians have the option of medical evacuation via helicopter. To give jamboree Scouts a look at the technology, Pilot Geoffrey Field parked his Aeromedical Services Eurocopter EC135 P2+ helicopter in a landing […] Summit Blog Tue, 25 Jul 2017 20:01:57 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/18404-2/ In 2014, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reported that West Virginia’s fatality rate for home fires was well above the national average, and growing. “For us, that’s unacceptable,” says Barry Simays, area lead for the 2017 National Jamboree’s fire marshal’s group. So when Simays and his team realized they’d acquired a small profit from selling […] Summit Blog Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:56:34 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/world-record-dreidel-game/ Summit Blog Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:53:33 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/favorite-adventure-area/ With the jamboree already half over, the Scouts in attendance have had plenty of time to roam around and explore all the Summit Bechtel Reserve has to offer. We were curious: Which parts of the Summit have been wowing them the most? JamboLink surveyed 50 Scouts at Jambopalooza Sunday afternoon with the question, “What’s the […] Summit Blog Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:51:30 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/mountain-biking-staff-chooses-jamboree-national-competition/ Staff member and Venturer Kaitlyn W., from Vancouver, Washington, had a particularly tough decision about whether to attend the 2017 National Jamboree. Kaitlyn, a staff member at Low Gear, was qualified to participate in Nationals for mountain biking. However, she decided to become Jamboree staff member instead. “I decided that riding mountain bikes for two […] Summit Blog Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:49:36 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/jamboree-app-can-help-navigate-activities/ Popular programs at the 2017 National Jamboree sometimes have a long wait, but the Jamboree mobile app can help: It lists the wait times for each of the major programs at the Jamboree. The times are updated every 10 minutes if they change significantly. Be aware that most aerial sports stop taking participants earlier than […] Summit Blog Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:45:11 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/oa-oral-history-project-jamboree-2017/ The Order of the Arrow and the National Scouting Museum’s Scouting Memories Project have partnered to jointly host the Jamboree 2017 Oral History Project. Youth-focused and led by the four 2017 OA region chiefs, our group attracted great stories big and small, old and new. The stories that we captured were all significant, some told […] Summit Blog Tue, 25 Jul 2017 15:31:58 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/special-guest-caroonist-marcus-hamilton-dennis-menace/ The special guest comic today is the daily Dennis the Menace by long-time Scouter Marcus Hamilton. Dennis the Menace was created by Hank Ketcham over 60 years ago and is carried in over 1,000 papers internationally. The daily single-panel cartoon is done by Marcus Hamilton, with the Sunday multi-panel cartoon is drawn by Ron Ferdinand […] Summit Blog Tue, 25 Jul 2017 04:00:58 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/avoid-poisonous-plans/ West Virginia is home to many different poisonous plants. The most common is poison ivy, which can be recognized by its three-leaf design. It can be found anywhere since it is a vine. Another poisonous plant in West Virginia is the stinging nettle. This plant has square stems, heart shaped leaves in opposite pairs and […] Summit Blog Mon, 24 Jul 2017 23:19:50 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/momentary-de-feet-preventing-foot-problems/ By the end of the Jamboree, you may think that your hiking shoes look like these. But in reality, a good pair of properly fitted, closed toe and heel hiking shoes will be worth their weight in gold. If you take care of your shoes, your feet will appreciate it. Some of the injuries that […] Summit Blog Mon, 24 Jul 2017 23:09:33 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/steel-drums-international-scouting-exhibit/ Scouts can hear music from Trinidad and Tobago played on steelpans (steel drums) Tuesday at the International Scouting Exhibit. Talented Scouts from the Trinidad and Tobago were selected to attend the Jamboree in order to present the music the country is known for. The steelpan originated in the late 1930s on the island of Trinidad […] Summit Blog Mon, 24 Jul 2017 23:07:37 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/writing-home-2017-national-jamboree/ Summit Blog Mon, 24 Jul 2017 23:01:06 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/daniel-carter-beard-recognition/ The Summit Center at the jamboree boasts several interesting booths and activities, ranging from merit badges to information on the 2019 World Jamboree. At the Commissioner’s Corner booth, an award is offered for both youth and adults who can complete just a few simple requirements. The Daniel Carter Beard Recognition is a simple award that […] Summit Blog Mon, 24 Jul 2017 23:00:06 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/scout-catches-world-record-fish/ For the first time since he was a Cub Scout, Mark S. went fishing Friday at the jamboree — and he broke the world record for catching the largest grass carp with a fishing rod without a reel. The fish weighed in at a whopping 22 pounds and was 39 inches long. Mark is a […] Summit Blog Mon, 24 Jul 2017 14:22:44 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/shuttle-drivers-impressed-jamboree-scouts/ You’ve seen them shuttling participants and staff members around key places at the jamboree: the drivers behind the wheel of the jamboree shuttle buses. Dwayne Rucker is one. For him, driving the Boy Scouts around has been positive. “It’s been a great experience. It has been an honor. It’s so organized here, and I’m looking […] Summit Blog Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:37:09 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/special-guest-cartoonists-john-anne-hambrock/ The special guest cartoon today is “The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee,” by John Hambrock. Anne Morse-Hambrock, his wife, colors the strip and works in many other capacities to keep the strip running smoothly. Today’s cartoon was created specifically to run in conjunction with the 2017 National Jamboree in celebration of Boy Scouting and Venturing. […] Summit Blog Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:04:09 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/oa-program-forum/ Are you a Scoutmaster or leader of a unit that does not participate in the Order of the Arrow? If so, the OA would like to hear from you! On Tuesday, July 25 at 1PM, the OA will host an open forum for leaders whose units do not participate in the OA program. The forum […] Summit Blog Mon, 24 Jul 2017 00:29:00 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/celebrating-20-years-jamboree-staff/ At the 1997 National Scout Jamboree, Teesie King, Craig Brasher and Brenda Hanson Smith met while serving on medical staff in Base Camp Charlie. Little did the three know that they would go from being complete strangers to closest friends: As of this summer, they have worked together on six jamborees in the same base […] Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 18:14:59 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/wonders-from-the-ropes/ Navigate swinging logs, cargo nets and rope bridges at the Ropes Challenge Course. It’s a jungle adventure that combines obstacles with heights; trees with adventure. It’s not all risk though, first stop is the orientation, where scouts learn about the activities ahead, and how to minimize the risk involved. Next participants go on to ground […] Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 18:11:50 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/summit-center-buzzing-activity/ Many fun activities are located at the Summit Center, a central hub across the lake from Base Camp Charlie. The myriad of activities and tents located near the gorgeous Goodrich Lake vary enough so every person walking around will find something to fit their fancy. For those who are interested in soaking up as much […] Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 17:47:02 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/patch-trading-basics-2/ The National Jamboree is a great time to interact with Scouts from all over the nation and the world while sharing fun activities and crazy adventures. One of the most popular ways to interact with others at the Jamboree is through the ancient art of patch trading. Patch trading started as a way to show […] Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 17:44:33 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/special-guest-cartoonist-ron-ferdinand-dennis-menace/ Ron Ferdinand is the cartoonist behind the Sunday Dennis the Menace comic strip. As with the daily strip, Dennis the Menace runs in over 1,000 newspapers internationally. This particular Sunday ended up not being available, however, Ron specifically wanted to be sure they did not miss this opportunity and created a special strip just for […] Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 15:37:39 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/staff-member-designs-archery-gear-penning-novel-sport Dale Morrell, a staff member at The Bows, has an idea that he thinks could reshape how Scout camps and others use compound bows. Morrell, the chief executive officer and president of Morrell Targets, the top archery target provider in the United States, is working on a project called the Individual Shooting Code (I.S.C.) numbering […] Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 15:17:26 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/patchscan-app-jamboree/ BSA has just published new updates to the BSA’s PatchScan App for the App Store and Google Play platforms. Patch traders at the jamboree can use the app to verify the authenticity of patches up for trading. Information and downloads are available from http://www.patchscan.com/ An online patch catalog is available at http://www.patchscan.com/patches/ Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 15:15:44 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/the-jamboree-band/ If you’re hearing sousaphones in the stadium, bass drums in your base camp or clarinets on the CONSOL Energy Bridge, you’ve likely run into the Jamboree Band, the Summit Bechtel Reserve’s preeminent musical ensemble. Made up of 75 Scout and Venturer musicians from across the United States, the band has been known to try anything […] Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 15:11:11 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/new-trading-cards-jambo-know/ The 2017 National Jamboree has added a new activity that encourages Scouts to be active and involved in meeting others: card trading. Each Scout at the Jamboree should have received 13 packs of WP Trading Cards, in hopes that the Scouts would try to trade cards and get all one hundred in the numbered set. […] Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 15:05:28 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/irish-scouts-teach-dancing-international-campfire/ Three Scouts from Dublin, Ireland, gave an impromptu Irish jig dance lesson at the international exhibit yesterday. The three were visiting the jamboree for a couple of days as they travel across the United States. While visiting the exhibit area, they were thrilled with the Scouts’ interest in Ireland. After a little prodding they agreed […] Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 14:55:48 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/amtrak-prince-station-departures-jamboree-staff/ Jamboree Staff needing transportation to Amtrak Prince Station when departing Jamboree, please do the following: Contact Motor Pool (323-895-6974) as soon as possible and let Motor Pool know your name, date/time your train leaves, and your cell phone number. You must provide this information to the Motor Pool at least 24 hours before your departure […] Summit Blog Sun, 23 Jul 2017 03:05:18 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/zip-staff-fun-academic/ As the scope of activities at the jamboree has grown, so has West Virginia University’s footprint at the Summit. For some, it’s a match made in “Almost Heaven.” “I worked here at the first Jamboree in 2013,” Ryan Campione said while preparing to greet an anxious group of Scouts at the Canopy zip line course […] Summit Blog Sat, 22 Jul 2017 19:11:16 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/best-lunch-items/ After a busy morning of hard work at the 2017 National Jamboree, nothing tops a delicious Summit2Go lunch to refill you for the afternoon. After a whole week of experiencing them, we were wondering which tasty treats make our staffers happiest at lunchtime. JamboLink surveyed 60 staff members with the question, “What’s the best item […] Summit Blog Sat, 22 Jul 2017 18:28:30 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/avoid-luring-bears-campsite/ After the Foxtrot Base Camp Bash, a lot of leftover hamburgers needed to be discarded. The bag was too heavy for a staff member to lift into the dumpster, so the bag was left next to the dumpster to be thrown away later. By morning, the burgers were found spread around the field with the […] Summit Blog Sat, 22 Jul 2017 18:02:37 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/jamboree-offers-activities-scouts-physical-emotional-challenges/ Some of the Scouts attending the National Jamboree have challenges that make some of the fun activities difficult or impossible. What are some activities these Scouts can do at their own pace? Scott Hellen has some ideas. Hellen is a staff member at the jamboree’s Disabilities Awareness Challenge Course, where participants can visit 20 stations […] Summit Blog Sat, 22 Jul 2017 17:49:20 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/alpha-phi-omega-scholarship/ Alpha Phi Omega awarded a scholarship to Emily Wunnenberg, a recent graduate of Millikin University, to serve as a staff member at the 2017 National Jamboree. While at Millikin University, Wunnenberg majored in history with a minor in political science. She heard about the 2017 National Jamboree through a webinar hosted by Alpha Phi Omega, […] Summit Blog Sat, 22 Jul 2017 17:40:08 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/special-guest-cartoonists-mason-mick-mastroianni-b-c/ Mason Mastroianni is the mastermind behind the B.C. comic strip, with writing assistance from his brother Mick. B.C. was originally created by Mason’s grandfather, the late Johnny Hart. The comic strip is carried in newspapers worldwide. Today’s cartoon was created specifically to run in conjunction with the 2017 National Jamboree in celebration of Boy Scouting […] Summit Blog Sat, 22 Jul 2017 17:32:47 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/special-guest-cartoonists-mason-mick-mastroianni-wizard-id/ The team behind today’s special guest comic Wizard of Id, is Mason Mastroianni, who serves as the illustrator and Mick Mastroianni, who is the writer of the comic strip. The strip was originally created by Johnny Hart and illustrated by Brant Parker in 1964. The tradition now continues through Johnny’s grandsons. Today’s cartoon was created […] Summit Blog Sat, 22 Jul 2017 17:11:11 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/how-long-did-you-travel/ After a very long day of arrivals, check-ins, and campsite set-ups, we’re just glad to be here in West Virginia. But with the long journey still fresh in our minds, we were wondering how Scouts from all over the country had experienced the long haul. On Thursday, JamboLink surveyed 50 Scouts at Action Point with […] Summit Blog Sat, 22 Jul 2017 15:36:11 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/three-generations-eagle-scouts-help-soar/ When your grandfather’s an Eagle Scout, your dad’s an Eagle Scout, your uncle’s an Eagle Scout, and you’re male, it doesn’t take much guessing to figure out what award you’re expected to earn by the time you’re 18. Such was the situation for Tim Ward, a third-generation Eagle Scout and National Eagle Scout Association exhibit […] Summit Blog Sat, 22 Jul 2017 14:45:06 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/earn-newest-merit-badge-2017jambo/ The 2017 National Jamboree is offering the newest merit badge, Exploration, to all Scouts who are attending. The Exploration merit badge was released in January and will be taught at the jamboree in partnership with National Geographic at the Scott Summit Centers Stadium Stage Tent SS03. To complete the merit badge, a Scout must understand […] Summit Blog Sat, 22 Jul 2017 14:43:02 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/mid-session-staff-departurearrival-day-schedule/ All bus loading will take place at the transportation hub in front of the dining hall (in front of Echo flag poles) Loop to Staff Parking (from Echo transit to Staff parking) 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Outbound Departures from Echo: 1 Bus to Yeager Airport, Charleston, WV (CRW) at 1 p.m. 1 Bus to […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 21:02:40 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/big-zip-adventure/ If you’re soaring over the Summit Bechtel Reserve at 50 miles per hour, you might be a majestic falcon. Or you might be a lucky Scout careening down one of the longest zip lines in North America: the Big Zip. But to gain access to those 3,000 feet of wire, you’re going to need to […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:32:41 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/world-friendship-fund-collection/ A Jamboree tradition will continue Saturday, as Scouts learn about and take up a collection for the World Friendship Fund, which was developed by the Boy Scouts of America during the closing days of World War II. At that time, there was a great need to rebuild Scouting in nations that had been wracked by […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:30:17 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/stemquest/ Lots of cool things are happening at StemQuest this summer. Jamboree participants will have multiple opportunities to meet professionals and see what they do in their career. More importantly, participants can learn how they themselves could do it too. Presenters will include a clinical pharmacist, a computer engineer, a rocket scientist, a roller coaster designer […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:27:00 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/stadium-show-722/ Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:15:19 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/fire-safety/ Fire safety is a critical part of the overall safety of a National Jamboree. Jamboree contingents should pay close attention to the possible fire hazards in their camp and cooking area. In particular, keep grills away from tents. While in tents and buildings that use electricity, use extension cords properly. Do not use plug an […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:09:49 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/lightning-safety/ When it roars, get indoors. Lightning strikes are one of the most unpredictable weather occurrences, and lightning strikes can be lethal. When a lightning alert is issued at the Summit, find shelter immediately. Good places for shelter include the centers of buildings, exhibit tents and large administration tents. Jay Cash, Base Camp safety liaison, said […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 17:06:07 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/shortcuts-can-cause-pain/ It is easy to understand why some Scouts, Scouters and visitors might try to take a shortcut rather than staying on the trail. It looks quicker, but leaving the trail can be dangerous. Slipping and falling in a shortcut can cause sprained ankles, scrapes, bruises and even broken bones or head injuries. These injuries will […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 16:02:27 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/commissioner-discusses-additional-bsa-options-young-women/ The BSA’s top leadership is actively considering the question of how the organization can serve more young women, National Commissioner Charles Dahlquist II told a packed tent of Scouting leaders on Thursday. On the topic of Family Scouting, which Dahlquist described as “young ladies joining Scouting,” the BSA is in listening mode, collecting candid evaluations […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:52:22 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/secretary-state-national-jamboree Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 07:30:43 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/international-campfire-provide-fellowship-across-cultures/ Meeting new people and making new friends are highlights of the jamboree experience. On the evening of Friday, July 21st, the OA Recreation Committee is hosting a campfire-style international gathering at 7:30pm for jamboree youth staff and Basecamp Foxtrot-based participants. This is a unique opportunity to meet new friends and exchange cultures, neckerchiefs, patches and […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 00:48:14 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/starting-conversations-scouts/ Throughout the Jamboree, staff members will constantly be seeing Scouts and Scouters on the trail, in program areas and everywhere else throughout the Summit. Because staff members are supposed to be good hosts to the participants, they should have enthusiastic conversations with the Scouts. Here are six simple steps for interacting effectively with a Scout: […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 00:33:08 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/arrival-day-2017-national-jamboree/ On Wednesday, July 19th, participants from across the country and world voyaged to the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Through all of their travels which ranged vastly in mileage and time spent, every participant came to the Summit Bechtel Reserve for an experience unlike any other in Scouting. In Wednesday’s predawn, Base Camp Alpha was quiet […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 00:21:48 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/lost-found-followup/ Have you lost something? Clayton M. from Troop 3141 volunteered to assist the Lost and Found Staff demonstrate the process of reclaiming lost items, so we gave him a water bottle for him to “lose.” When an item is found, it should be turned in to the nearest Lost and Found station right away. Not […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 00:05:41 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/scout-travels-high-adventure-bases/ Visiting one high adventure base can be the pinnacle of adventure, giving Scouts an experience they will never forget. Some manage to visit all four bases over the course of their lifetime, but Ben Pycraft was crazy enough to visit all four bases in a single summer. Ben started his journey on June 2, leaving […] Summit Blog Fri, 21 Jul 2017 00:03:10 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/proactive-not-reactive/ Ed Lynes, the JamboLink Area Lead, has said that “a good staffer responds to problems; a great staffer anticipates problems.” Every staff member has a responsibility to make sure that others have the best possible Jamboree experience. Make people more comfortable now rather than waiting until help is needed. “It’s all about being good hosts,” […] Summit Blog Thu, 20 Jul 2017 23:58:41 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/bmx-gears-fun-safety-mind/ BMX bikers say two things about their sport: it’s one of the most dangerous and by far one of the most fun. The Action Point Extreme Sports staff, keeping that in mind, is working hard to make sure their program reduces the danger as much as possible while ratcheting up the fun. Given that BMX […] Summit Blog Thu, 20 Jul 2017 20:19:54 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/messenger-peace-day-service-update/ Fred Hyslop, area lead for the Messengers of Peace Day of Service, has some important reminders for all the participants during their day of service: Bring your lunch, the troop first aid kit and your water. Once your group gets to your bus, get your project packet from your bus driver. Call the phone number […] Summit Blog Thu, 20 Jul 2017 20:15:25 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/west-virginia-university-offers-scholarships-eagle-scouts/ Becoming an Eagle Scout or earning the Gold Award are among the greatest achievements that a youth can earn. In an effort to reward that achievement even more, West Virginia University is providing a scholarship for first-time freshmen who have achieved the rank of Eagle or have completed the Gold Award. The requirements are fairly […] Summit Blog Thu, 20 Jul 2017 20:09:04 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/tips-maximize-fun-aerial-sports/ Aerial sports at the Jamboree offer a range of adventure opportunities. A few easy steps will ensure that participants get the most from these experiences. When riding on the Summit’s Big Zip, bring your backpack. Wearing the backpack will cause the participant to go faster on the zip line and have a better ride. As […] Summit Blog Thu, 20 Jul 2017 19:59:26 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/snapchat-at-the-jamboree/ As tens of thousands of Scouts participate in the 2017 Jamboree, many will be using Snapchat as a way to share experiences with their friends at Jamboree and back home. But there’s more to using Snapchat at Jamboree than meets the eye. Scouts who use Snapchat may not be surprised to find Snapchat Geofilters for […] Summit Blog Thu, 20 Jul 2017 18:44:12 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/journal-program-inspiring-scouts/ In 2017, the jamboree program will encourage Scouts to intentionally reflect and record how Scouting has impacted their lives and communities in journal entries throughout the experience. Scouts will also collect program stamps in their journals. Trek Guides will be instrumental in introducing the program to Scouts on arrival day and facilitating the program on […] Summit Blog Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:22:35 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/18207-2/ If you’ve ever wanted to meet BSA’s national commissioner, today is your chance: Charles W. Dahlquist II will hold a meet-and-greet at 1 p.m. today in the Commissioner’s Corner, and he will deliver a talk at 2 p.m. today at the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) exhibit, focusing on using Scouting skills to achieve goals […] Summit Blog Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:10:50 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/international-scouting-2017-national-jamboree/ Although most Scouts and Scouters at the Jamboree are from the United States, more than 700 international Scouts and Scouters also will be joining in the fun. The Scouts who are traveling from across the globe come from 59 different countries. Saleh G., the youth leader of the Egyptian contingent, is looking forward to the […] Summit Blog Wed, 19 Jul 2017 20:42:31 GMT Summit Blog https://www.summitbsa.org/staff-solar-showers The new solar-heated showers in Base Camp Echo are an almost unanimous hit with staff members. But they’re not always perfect, so we were curious — what’s the best time to use them? JamboLink surveyed 40 randomly-selected staff members with the question, “What’s the best time of the day to use the new solar-heated staff […] Summit Blog Wed, 19 Jul 2017 23:53:34 GMT Summit Blog