FORWARD!  Is the theme of the 2023 National Jamboree, Scouting’s one-of-a-kind flagship event. It’s a gathering of tens of thousands of Scouts, leaders, and Jamboree Service Team members that showcases everything that is great about the Boy Scouts of America.  

The Suwannee River Area Council will be sending a contingent Scout Troop to the National Scout Jamboree consisting a total of 40 participants.  The  Jamboree will take place from July 19 – 28, 2023 at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve.  We will leave a few days early to have some fun as we travel to the Jamboree!

On August 28th we held our initial Jamboree Orientation meeting and the registered scouts in attendance made a lot of progress toward the Jamboree planning.  At our next meeting they will select their Senior Patrol Leader, the youth that will represent them as a part of the planning committee.  They began the process of planning for the patch sets and other memorabilia that will be a part of the Jamboree experience.  They also determined the itinerary for the trip to the Jamboree.  

Our trip will include:

• July 16 – Board our bus and travel to Atlanta and visit Six Flags over Georgia
• July 17 – Travel to Oak Ridge, TN and visit the Oak Ridge National Labratory
• July 17 – Continue on to Pigeon Forge, TN for a tour and dinner at the Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede
• July 18 – Travel to Beckley, WV and spend the night before the Jamboree in fellowship with other scouts from all over the country and enjoying a dinner buffet, patch trading and music.

YOUTH PARTICIPANTS

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

• Registered member of a Scouts BSA troop or Venturing Crew, who will 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.

• Must live and abide by the Scout Oath and Law.

• Must abide by the Jamboree Code of Conduct.

YOUNG ADULT PARTICIPANTS

There is an accommodation for young adult participation up to 21 years of age to attend within a Council Contingent. Qualifications to attend the National Jamboree include:

• Registered member of a Scouts BSA troop or Venturing Crew, who will 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 live and abide by the Scout Oath and Law.

• Must abide by the Jamboree Code of Conduct.

ADULT LEADERSHIP

Scoutmaster: Bradley Perry from Pack and Troop 118.   Bradley brings a deep base of scouting knowledge to the team over his tenure as a youth and adult member.  He has participated and led High Adventure trips in both his youth days, as well as his adult tenure.  

1st Asst Scoutmaster: Thomas Smith from Troop 115.  Thomas is the current Scoutmaster for his troop.  He brings over 10 years experience in scouting to the team and a wealth of knowledge planning and coordinating trips for scouting groups.   Thomas will be Bradley’s “second in command”, will be advising our ASPL and is or Unit Care Provider for the Jamboree.

2nd Asst Scoutmaster: Chuck Laslie from Pack and Troop 201.  Chuck is an Eagle Scout and current Cubmaster of Pack 201.  Chuck has been involved in scouting, since he initially joined Cub Scouts, as a youth.  He comes to us with a vast array of experience working with youth and an amazing attitude. Chuck will be advising our logistics team and Troop Quartermaster.

3rd Asst Scoutmaster: Daren Hoffman from Troop 22.  Daren comes to us with a vast knowledge of scouting and high adventure activities.  Daren will be our communications liaison and will be advising out Troop Scribe.

There may still be openings for more adults to attend the Jamboree.   Our committee is looking at the options for more adult participation now.  Note to parents: All adult participants/leadership registering for the SRAC contingent are background checked by the BSA and screened and approved by council’s Jamboree committee. 

https://jamboree.scouting.org

Jamboree Committee Chair: Ken Griffin

Jamboree Contingent Leader: Bradley Perry

Jamboree Staff Adviser: Terry Whitaker

Questions? Please contact one of the leadershoip above or call 850 576-4146