In 2017, the jamboree program will encourage Scouts to intentionally reflect and record how Scouting has impacted their lives and communities in journal entries throughout the experience. Scouts will also collect program stamps in their journals. Trek Guides will be instrumental in introducing the program to Scouts on arrival day and facilitating the program on the Day of Service and trek to Garden Ground Mountain.

Inspiration for the program comes from National Geographic Fellow Paul Salopek, who is on a 21,000 mile “Out of Eden Walk” from Africa to South America. As he treks, he reflects on his own life, and on the people and events around him.

Two Scouts or Venturers will have the opportunity to join Salopek for two days on his trek in Asia. Applicants must attend either the 2017 National Jamboree or a 2017 trek at Philmont Scout Ranch, and write an essay about the value of slowing down to absorb one’s surroundings, record milestones from their jamboree or Philmont experience, and finish other Out of Eden Walk tasks.

One Scout has already joined Salopek on his walk; you can read about Boy Scout Nicholas Fahy’s September 2016 walk with Paul in Uzbekistan. For more information, you can also read Bryan on Scouting’s blog entry about this opportunity.

Operation Arrow leadership invites you to learn more about this program and to think about how character, citizenship and cheerful service impact your life as part of Scouting!

Originally posted on oa-bsa.org/jamboree.