What is the National Jamboree?

It’s everything great about scouting, all in one place for 10 days with thousands of scouts from all over the U.S. (and world). Here are just a few of the many things you can do:

  • Mountain biking
  • Shooting sports
  • A 2-mile zip line
  • Amazing floating water park
  • Visit the original OA ring from Treasure Island
  • Hike to the Chick-Fil-A at the top of a mountain
  • Service projects
  • Earn Merit Badges
  • Patch Trading
  • Big shows in the evening at a huge outdoor arena

When & where does the Jamboree take place?

The 2023 National Jamboree is confirmed for July 19-28, 2023.

The permanent home of the National Jamboree is at the amazing Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. It’s a beautiful location located in the New River Gorge area, and it’s dedicated to Scouting. It’s so amazing, it has its own website: for more info, visit summitbsa.org.

How often is the National Jamboree held?

The National Jamboree is normally held every 4 years, which means youth can attend once or twice during their years as an active scout. However, the 2021 Jamboree was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the 2023 Jamboree will take place 6 years since the last one in 2017.

It’s an opportunity to experience Scouting at its absolute peak. Don’t miss it!

How do you go?

You sign up to be a part of the contingent from Denver Area Council (new name is the Greater Colorado Council).

  • We create Provisional Troops that exist only for the purpose of going to Jamboree.
  • You become part of a troop with youth from other troops throughout the area.
  • Most youth join with a friend or two (or more) from their own regular troop, but even just one person can sign up to join a Jamboree troop. You’ll make new friends in your Jambo troop.
  • The structure is the same as your regular scouting troop. You form patrols and elect youth leaders. You’ll have an SPL and adult leaders specific to your troop.
  • You’ll have troop meetings to prepare for Jambo and get to know the other scouts in your troop.

What’s it cost?

Current estimated cost: $1,500 (National BSA fee) + travel and equipment costs = $2800.
For participants who registered during BSA’s “early bird” time frame, the cost is $2600.

Here’s the travel plan: You’ll fly directly from Denver Int’l Airport (DIA) to a major city near West Virginia (we are planning to fly to Pittsburgh). Then we’ll all board buses to take us to the Summit Bechtel Reserve. You’ll spend 10 days at Jamboree, including the day you arrive. The last day, you’ll hop on a bus, head back to Pittsburgh, and then catch a flight back to Denver.

Please note:

  • The price may change based on travel costs. We are still arranging travel now (as of February 2023).
  • At one point, we were planning on several options. We have decided on one option for all scouts attending with our contingent.

Who is qualified to go?

Youth scouts who are current members of BSA. You must be at least 12 years of age by the first day of the Jamboree but not have reached your 18th birthday by the last day of the Jamboree. Scroll down to see a full list of requirements.

Adult leaders and adult participants may attend as well. Scroll down to see a full list of requirements.

I was scheduled to go to the 2021 Jamboree, but it got canceled, and now I’ve turned 18. Can I still go as a participant in 2023?

Yes. There is an accommodation for young adult participation up to 21 years of age to attend within a Council Contingent.
Youth Participant Qualifications
  • MUST have a current BSA membership.
  • MUST be at least 12 years of age by the first day of the Jamboree but has not reached their 18th birthday by the last day of the Jamboree.
  • Be approved by the local council.
  • MUST have appropriate parent/guardian to complete the online parental consent.  (An email will be sent to the parent/guardian of any applicant currently 17 years of age or younger during the application process.)
  • Participate in pre-Jamboree training experience with local council and unit leader.
  • Submitted BSA Annual Health & Medical Record using the on-line Jamboree submission process.  The AHMR must be dated on or after July 1, 2022.
  • Submit all registrations fees per the local council’s payment schedule.
Young Adult Program Participant Qualifications
  • MUST have a current BSA membership.
  • MUST be at least 18 years of age by the first day of the Jamboree but has not reached their 21st birthday by the last day of the Jamboree.
  • MUST be housed as an adult due to chronological age, while allowed to participate in program consistent with a youth participant.
  • Be approved by the local council.
  • Participate in pre-Jamboree training experience with local council and unit leader.
  • Submitted BSA Annual Health & Medical Record using the on-line Jamboree submission process.  The AHMR must be dated on or after July 1, 2022.
  • Submit all registrations fees per the local council’s payment schedule.
Adult Leader Participant Qualifications

All Jamboree Scoutmasters, First, Second, Third Assistant Scoutmasters, Unit Care Provider, and Adult Chaperones MUST meet the following requirements:

  • MUST have a current BSA membership in a local council unit.
  • All leaders regardless of assigned position MUST be at least 21 years of age by the first day of the Jamboree.
  • Be approved by the local council.
  • Scoutmaster, First, Second or Third Assistant Scoutmasters MUST currently be serving in any unit leadership position.
  • Scoutmaster applicants MUST have completed appropriate leader specific training.
  • All adult leaders MUST be current with Youth Protection Training.
  • All adults must register online through the Jamboree registration system as a “Leader”. The council will designate specific leadership or chaperone positions at the time the Jamboree units are assigned.
  • Participate and assist in planning the pre-Jamboree training experience with local council.
  • The Unit Care Provider must be one of the Unit Leaders (SM or ASM) and is required to hold either current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certificates or a current healthcare license (MD, DO, APRN, RN, PA, Paramedic, EMT). This unit leader’s responsibilities include providing for the safety and well-being of each unit member by a) reviewing their AHMR and maintaining a binder/file containing all of the Unit’s AHMRs, b) maintaining the Unit First Aid Kit and providing first aid treatment within the unit and c) overseeing administration of required medications.
  • Submitted BSA Annual Health & Medical Record using the on-line Jamboree submission process.  The AHMR must be dated on or after July 1, 2022.