Scouts & Parents,
At a Troop meeting and the Court of Honor in December, Ken Reiter and I provided an overview of the upcoming 2013 BSA National Jamboree. With the holidays past us, it is time to once again to give this event some thought if you are interested in attending. The attached brochure provides some basic information about the Jamboree and where to find additional information.
In July of 2013 the National Jamboree will move to the Summit, Scouting’s newest high adventure base and new home of the National Scout Jamboree near Beckley, West Virginia. The Summit sits atop some of the best, most beautiful outdoor terrain in the world. The National Scout Jamboree is the BSA’s iconic event, and one of the most gratifying experiences a Scout can have. Since 1937, the jamboree has provided an occasion for Scouts from all backgrounds, faiths, cultures, and parts of the country to come together around shared values, and to gain invaluable learning experiences through adventure activities. A few facts about the jamboree:
- The jamboree is 10 days long, and occurs every four years. The celebration in 2010 was moved to coincide with the BSA’s 100th Anniversary.
- The jamboree program reflects the skills of Scouting — physical fitness, environmental conservation, our national heritage, and the true spirit of Scouting.
- A wide variety of activities are available during the jamboree including whitewater programs (rafting, canoeing, kayaking), bike & board programs (skate & BMX), target sports (archery and shooting), zip lines, challenge courses, numerous merit badges, and so much more…..
The Palmetto Council has been granted spots for 3 Jamboree troops and 2 Venture patrols for the 2013 Jamboree. Each Jamboree troop will consist of 36 Scouts and 3 adult leaders over 21 years old and 1 adult leader 18-20. Each Venture patrol will be comprised of 9 youth and 1 adult or 8 youth and 2 adults depending on the male/female crew make up. Ken and I have been selected to serve as two of the adult leaders.
Below are links to two websites that will provide you additional information about the 2013 Jamboree and The Summit:
https://summit.scouting.org/
http://www.palmetto-bsa.org/
The Council is now accepting applications for 124 youth positions for the 2013 Jamboree. The only place where you can apply to attend is at the Summit webpage: https://summit.scouting.org. You must have a MyScouting account before you begin the registration process. MyScouting accounts for youth applicants must be set up by the youth’s parent or adult guardian. Before you apply, you will need to read the following documents located on the Palmetto Council’s website:
- Be Prepared
- Application Instructions
The Palmetto Council has set the 2013 Jamboree cost at $1,250 for youth and $425 for adult leaders 18-20. This cost is based on the National Jamboree fee and additional council cost to mobilize the Council contingent to the Summit Jamboree site. Once you have completed your online application, you will be directed to print off a registration form and record your registration ID number. This form must be signed by your scoutmaster or venture crew leader and submitted to the Council office with a $150 deposit. The complete Council Jamboree payment schedule is located on the Palmetto Council link above.
Our goal is to fill all three Troops by early March. But don’t wait as applications are already beginning to come in to the Council. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Scouting’s next High Adventure Century. Join us at being the first on the Summit!
For more information about the 2013 Jamboree, please feel free to contact either Ken Reiter at Ken.Reiter@supply-vision.com or Todd Whitaker at ttwhitaker@gmail.com
Yours in Scouting, Todd Whitaker Assistant Scoutmaster