2013 National Jamboree

Page updated: May 7, 2012

Plans for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree are being developed now.  Dr. John Weltmer, a veteran of four National and World Jamborees, has been appointed by Scout Executive Ron Green to represent our council as our contingent leader.

When: July 15 -24, 2013
Where: The Summit Bechtel Family National Scouting Reserve, Beckley, West Virginia

The National Council recently purchased and is currently developing a 10,600-acre site in West Virginia as a permanent location for National Jamborees, the 2019 World Jamboree, annual high-adventure treks, and a training center.  Located adjacent to the acclaimed New River Gorge, the Summit will feature whitewater, climbing, mountain-biking, and a host of other terrific activities.

Check out drawings and photos of the Summit on Facebook.  It looks really great!

The 2010 National Jamboree Contingent was composed of more than 200 Scouts and leaders from our council.  Besides the Jamboree, our group toured sites in and around Washington, DC, including the Capitol, National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and Monticello.

For the first time, male and female Venturers are invited to attend, too.  Special programming is planned exclusively for Venturers.  We hope a strong Venturing presence from our council will showcase the great Venturing program we have.

How much does the Jamboree cost?
The cost is $1,900 per Scout, Venturer, and adult leader.  Fees include Jamboree registration, equipment, food, travel, lodging, and pre-Jamboree tour activities.  Participants may elect to bring additional money for incidental expenses, but the $1,900 fee covers most expenses associated with the trip.  Each Jamboree troop may decide to create their own t-shirts and neckerchiefs or participate in special pre-Jamboree activities for an additional expense.

A payment schedule will be established in early 2013, however, families are strongly encouraged to begin saving now.

2013 National Jamboree GSLAC Promo Flyer

Is financial assistance available?
Camperships will be available on a very limited basis for families who demonstrate a financial need.  No "full-ride" camperships will be offered.  Families should plan to pay the full price and should not rely on assistance.  Families seeking camperships will complete an application and brief interview.

The National Council is accepting campership applications until October 1, 2012.  Applications and communication are not handled by the Greater St. Lousi Area Council.

2013 Jamboree Nat'l Campership Application.pdf 

Greater St. Louis Area Council campership opportunities will be announced in Fall, 2012.

It is unrealistic to expect a combination of campership opportunities to pay the entire Jamboree fee.  Scouts receiving assistance from one campership source likely will not receive additional assistance from a second source.

How do I register for the Jamboree?

Camper and staff registration are now open!  Click this link for detailed information!

Before you attempt to register, you must first create a user account via the National Jamboree website.  (This is unique for the Jamboree, and it is not related to your MyScouting account.)  Once you have created this account, you may register for any of the available options.  Be prepared to have a recent digital photo to upload before you begin.  After completing your registration, a $150 deposit will be due.  Payment can be made at one of the council service centers or via mail to the MacArthur Service Center.

Having problems registering?  Check out these helpful instructions to get back on track

How to I register to be a leader for our council's contingent?
Adults are needed to serve in leadership roles for our Scouts and Venturers.  Interest Scouters should apply online and submit a resume to Jamboree Staff Adviser Mike Zolezzi.  All interested adults will be interviewed before final selections are made.  Adults not selected will be able to apply for Jamboree staff-at-large positions.

Leaders are expected to be selected in early 2012.  Leader applicants will be placed on a 'waiting list" within the Jamboree registration system until final selections are made.


I registered for the Jamboree.  What's next?
Adult leaders must be selected and troops formally created.  For youth members, limited activity will occur before 2013.  Major announcements in the interim will be sent via email.  Scouts will be placed into a temporary troop during the approval process.  Final troop assignments will be made later once leaders are selected.  Your temporary troop number may not be your final troop number.  Check this page often or contact John Weltmer or Mike Zolezzi with specific questions at any time.

Primary Adult Leadership Named
Contingent leader John Weltmer has announced that seven very capable Scouters have been selected to give leadership to our participants.  These leaders have accepted a great responsibility to form six troops and one Venturing Crew with youth members from across our council.  These leaders are:

Clay Ahlfield -- Scoutmaster
Bob Baronovic -- Scoutmaster
Mike Burns -- Scoutmaster
Steve Fleming -- Scoutmaster
Paul Ke -- Scoutmaster
Tony Smee -- Scoutmaster
Tim Yahl -- Crew Advisor

These Scouters will be recruiting assistant leadership and promoting the Jamboree without the youth ranks to fill our contingent.


Tentative Timeline
Now
Interested Scouts, Venturers, potential troop leaders, and youth and adult staff register online and pay $150 deposit.  Scouts and Venturers will go through local, regional, and national approval process.  Troops will not form until late 2012.  Scouts are placed into a temporary troop within the Jamboree registration system.

Late 2011 / Early 2012
Troop leader candidate interviews conducted and leaders selected.

Spring 2013
Jamboree troop meetings with Scouts and adult leadership.

July 2013
Jamboree departure.

Questions?  Need to know more information?  Who do I contact?

Questions may be sent to John Weltmer or Mike Zolezzi.  Mike can also be reached at 314-256-3074.