Scouting’s flagship event is one-of-a-kind. It’s a gathering of approximately 40,000 Scouts, leaders, and staff that showcases everything that is great about the BSA and its members. Held every four years, the Jamboree is an amazing opportunity for participants, volunteers, and visitors to experience the best of Scouting, all in one place. Features include; one of the longest zip line courses in North America, a world-class skate park, ATV offerings, tree-top canopy tours, rock climbing, patch trading, stadium shows, and much more!

HISTORY

The first Boy Scouts of America National Scout Jamboree was scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C., in 1935 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Scouting in America. Unfortunately, the jamboree was canceled because of a polio outbreak in Washington. When the first National Scout Jamboree was finally held in 1937, Dan Beard lit the opening campfire using flint and steel. Scouts from all 48 states brought the wood that was used in the campfire. There were 27,232 Scouts camped on the National Mall under the Washington Monument. Since that time, an additional 18 national jamborees have been held, the last in 2017.

BE A TRAILBLAZER

For the first time, the Lake Erie Council will send participants to attend the 2021 National Scout Jamboree. Our LEC National Scout Jamboree Contingent will consist of troops made up of Scouts from across the Council. For the 2023 Jamboree, there is no longer a limit on the number of adults a contingent brings as long as the contingent is made up of at least 50% youth members. This means if your troop is interested in bringing part or all of your troop with adult leaders, you will be accommodated. For Scouts who don't have a troop going to Jamboree, we will find a troop that consists of members that are close to you. All adult leaders must be approved by Lake Erie Council.

FACE THE CHALLENGE

Besides the National Scout Jamboree experience itself, there are many costs that are incurred in preparation for the event. These costs include (but may not be limited to):

• Ground Transportation to and from the Jamboree
• Tent/Room and Board
• Jamboree training, meetings, and other events
• Required Training
• Jamboree gear, including all troop/crew specific gear Jamboree event fee
• Dedicated Scouting professional and support staff to facilitate and assist in a successful Jamboree experience

YOUTH PARTICIPANTS

The National Scout Jamboree is open to all who are qualified on a first-come, first-served basis.  Qualifications to attend the National Scout Jamboree include:

Registered member of a Scout troop, who is at least 12 years old (but who has not yet reached their 21st birthday by 7/28/2023) by July 19, 2023. --OR--

• Registered member of a Venturing Crew.
• Must live and abide by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Must abide by the Jamboree Code of Conduct.

Each Scout will be a member of a patrol within their patrol. Every contingent member will be required to participate in and have the following:

• Mandatory troop or crew meetings
• A completed National Jamboree Medical form signed by a licensed physician
• Attend the all-contingent gathering
• Attend an overnight training encampment.
• Have all fees paid no later than March 31, 2023.

ADULT LEADERSHIP

Unlike the past, the 2023 National Jamboree no longer has a restriction on the number of adult leaders that can attend. The 2021 National Jamboree was canceled which may have been the only opportunity for some youth members to attend. This new policy allows council contingents to bring more adult leaders and will give these adult leaders who were eligible to attend in 2021 as youth members a chance to participate. Each contingent troop will have at least two adult leaders over the age of 21. All adult leadership registering for the Lake Erie Council contingent will be screened and approved by Lake Erie Council.

Contingent Leadership, such as the Scoutmaster for each contingent troop, and the contingent leader will be selected from the pool of adult leaders who have been approved to attend the National Jamboree.

PRICING AND REGISTRATION

$2100. Jamboree fees include everything listed above. Other out-of-pocket expenses may include (but are not limited to) additional uniforms, patches, and spending money.

A non-refundable reservation fee of $250 must accompany the initial registration.

Full payment must be received no later than March 31, 2023 in order for the participant to attend. 

The following is the payment schedule for the 2023 National Jamboree (although more may be paid in advance):

Payment Schedule:

• $250 deposit per registrant of registration
• 5/31/2022 - Payment 1 - $250
• 7/31/2022 - Payment 2 - $250
• 8/31/2022 - Payment 3 - $250
• 9/30/2022 - Payment 4 - $250
• 10/31/2022 - Payment 5 -  $250
• 2/28/2023 - Payment 6 - $250
• 3/31/2023 - Final Payment - $350

If for some reason a participant is unable to attend, a refund may be considered minus the non-refundable amount that has been paid to the National Jamboree. If for some reason a participant is unable to attend and is able to fill his/her spot with another eligible participant, a full refund minus the initial $250 deposit will be approved.