Visiting the Jamboree
Doug Gentry (dwgentry@POLARCONSULT.COM)
Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:12:23 -0800
George - [with a copy to Scouts-L for anyone contemplating visiting the
Jamboree with their Scouts.]
I saw your question about visiting the National Jamboree with your scouts,
posted for you by Gary Hendra on Scouts-L.
I'm the List Akela for the Jamboree discussion list, Jambo97.
Visitors, including Scouts, are welcome to the Jamboree during the day, and
including evenings when there is a big arena show.
Visitors can see the exhibits, Merit Badge Midway, the Conservation Area,
see the Arena Shows, buy stuff at the Trading Post, and soak up the
atmosphere.
They can't participate in the active events, such as the Action Centers,
Aquatics, etc.
Scout groups traveling in the vicinity of the Jamboree need to get National
Tour Permits. National will not approve a tour permit that has the Scout
group camping within 50 miles or so of the Jamboree. National also works
with nearby public and private campgrounds to make sure this rule is
enforced.
Obviously your Jamboree visit would be curtailed to some degree, but it
could still be worthwhile, when combining it with visits to any/all of the
great historical sites in the Mid-Atlantic area. It's important though, for
your guys to recognize that they wouldn't be getting a true Jamboree
experience - just a peek.
If you go, plan on bringing strong hiking shoes/boots, good double layer
socks, hats, water bottles, and rain gear. The Jamboree site is huge (you
can easily walk 5-10 miles in a day, just going to various locations within
the site.) The weather is hot and humid, and dehydration is a big problem
(not solved by drinking lots of soda - everyone needs to drink water.) and
Virginia weather is unpredictable and likely to include rain.
Hope this gives you enough information.
We're building some Web pages - unofficially - in support of the Jambo97
discussion group. You're welcome to visit and see if there is any
information of value. We're building, but they aren't ready yet, some
answers to Frequently Asked Questions, but you'll also find other resources
there now.
Go to: http://www.polarconsult.com/jambo97/
You can also get information from these pages on signing up for the Jambo97
list.
...Doug Gentry
__________________________________
Doug Gentry - dwgentry@polarconsult.com
510-654-1837 fax: 510-654-3706
ASM - Troop 1 - Piedmont, Calif.
Jamboree Committee Chairman - Piedmont Council
Somewhat mangy Buffalo (twice! - CS & BS)
Jambo97 List Akela
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
