Since the planning stages, The Summit has been designed and laid out to host scouts. All scouts. Our facilities are tailored to host National Jamborees, HIgh Adventure, Scout Camp program and this year a World…
On Wednesday February 6th the Summit was invited to visit the CMI (Colorado Mountain Industries) factory in Franklin, WV for a tour and to discuss the development of climbing and zip line gear. This company manufactures a…
All of our High Adventure Planning Guides for 2019 have been updated and can be found at: https://www.summitbsa.org/programs/national-high-adventure-base/high-adventure-overview/ or here 2019 Council & Unit Planning Guide 2019 New River Trek Planning Guide 2019 Polaris…
All, Please join us in welcoming Thom Merkle to The Summit Team as the Wheeled Sports Program Manager. A little about Thom: Thom is a northern Minnesota native who has lived in…
The Midland Trail High School Football Team recently visited Summit Bechtel Reserve for a day of “exploration, education and excitement”. The local team from Fayette County often participate in weekend outings to promote and…
AUG 25-26, 2018 https://www.spartan.com/en/race/detail/3510/overview Summit Bechtel Reserve is widely known for its natural beauty, its unbeatable white-water rafting, and the fact that every four years, its 10,000+ acres of pristine land play host to the…
Spandex and Carbon Fiber? You may have wondered about the group that was ripping around the Summit a while back with fancy bikes and tight clothing. That was the USA Cycling East Coast Mountain Bike…
On July 9 and 16 groups of participants here at Summit Bechtel Reserve did their Service and Conservation project at Beckley Elementary School. Overgrowth was cleared along the fenced border and the grounds in front…
We are counting down the days till Venturers from all across the country come together at the Summit for the 20th Anniversary at Venturingfest. Participants will be doing full days of fun and exciting program….
This week a team of Summit Bechtel Reserve employees are down in Florida, but not on vacation. The team, consisting of members across all departments of our staff, our volunteering to help Boy Scouts of…
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMS The Paul R. Christen High Adventure Base will offer its Summit Experience and Focused programs on a provisional basis the week of July 29th through August 4th, 2018. Provisional programs are for individual…
Here are the Planning Guides for the 2018 High Adventure Season 2018 Council and Unit Planning Guide 2018 New River Trek Planning Guide 2018 Bikepacking Trek Planning Guide
The Third Annual Veterans Appreciation Day was last weekend here in Fayette county to show support for those who sacrificed their lives for the U.S. We had a whole host of activities and events out…
Introducing our newest feature at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, the Linear Inversion Elevator (commonly referred to as L.I.E.) which will be bringing the Big Zip to new heights! With the ground breaking technology developed by…
Aerial Sports Program Manager Troy Phillips recently walked us through the process of tying the illusive Dragon Bowline. The bowline knot is popular among mountaineers, climbers, sailors and others. Use the bowline when you need…
Retirement Dinner Last night we celebrated the tenure of Dan McCarthy as Director at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. Staff and their families came together to pay tribute to a man who took…
Shooting Range Safety! Today we have Ryan King, SBR’s Shooting Sports Manager, educating us on the “3 ALWAYS” of any NRA shooting range ALWAYS Keep The Gun Pointed In A Safe Direction ALWAYS Keep Your Finger…
2018 marks the 5th year of operation for the Christen National High Adventure Base at The Summit Bechtel Reserve. That’s a big milestone for us, and we are excited to share it with you! With this…
How do I check the brakes on my mountain bike? How do I safely carry my arrows? How do I combat strange smell coming out of my gym shoes after a long day of hiking?…
You asked and we delivered! Our 2018 Christen HAB menu will have two trek programs for you and your unit to choose from and BOTH will allow Scouts, who complete the treks, to be eligible for…
Spring is in the air! Oh wait…it’s still winter -_- But our BSA Mountain Bike Program Development Training Course will be offered this Spring! 5-15-17 to 5-19-17 If your council offers any sort of mountain…
We had some exciting news get announced last week! Spartan Race will be crowning the 2017 Spartan U.S. Championship Series winners AND first-ever age group champions here at the Summit Bechtel Reserve on August 26 and 27, 2017. NBC Sports…
ATTENTION You’ve asked and we delivered! A regular request that we’ve heard from our customers has been “When will you be offering a traditional trek program?”, well this is it! 2017 will be the PILOT…
THANK YOU VETERANS! With today being Veterans Day we wanted to show our appreciation for our men and women of the United States Armed Forces by announcing our third annual Veteran’s Appreciation Day! Veterans and their…
Scoutmaster B.J. Jordan with Troop 510 from Bowling Green, KY was taking a graphic design class while his Troop were the first participants to go through the James C. Justice Scout Camp here at Summit…
(UPDATE: REGISTRATION IS NOW LIVE adventure.oa-bsa.org ) During Staff Training at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, OA Foremen taught volunteer staff proper trail-building techniques during a half-day service project building mountain bike trail for the New River Gorge…
On Saturday July 2nd as many others enjoyed their long weekend or prepared for a celebration, the people of Rainelle, WV attempted to recover whatever they could after the recent flooding. In Rainelle, it is…
Friday 6/24/16 we were informed of 160 displaced residents of Rainelle had been taken to Ansted Baptist Church in Ansted, WV. They were in need of cots blankets and towels. Needless to say, our staff…
With the Summit Visitors Pass, we’ve got you covered. The Summit is opening up to visitors one more time this summer! A visitors pass is a great time for family and friends, and open to the public….
Here in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia, Scouts have unforgettable adventures at the Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR). Our site has become a pinnacle of the Scouting experience, with incredible outdoor programs and state-of-the art facilities that offer Scouts…
YEAGER AIRPORT ANNOUNCES SUMMIT SHUTTLE SERVICE Getting to The Summit just got a little easier. We are excited by the news that the Yeager Airport in Charleston, WV has announced free shuttle service to and…
With the Summit Visitors Pass, we’ve got you covered. The Summit is opening up to visitors this summer! A visitors pass is a great time for family and friends, and open to the public. We’re all set…
Attention Veterans! In an effort to strengthen Boy Scouts’ Duty to Country, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has teamed up with several veterans organizations, including The West Virginia National Guard, Paralyzed Veterans of America…
As the snow begins to melt off the skate park and zip-line platforms, we know that the summer season is swiftly approaching! What short-term camping adventures does your unit have planned? Based in the James…
In early May we began construction on some new structures to help participants, and staff, in each of our Adventure Areas here at The Summit. Each Adventure Area now has a brand spanking new pavilion! I had a…
The Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association recently released their Fall 2015 newsletter. Dave Hyink wrote an article for the newsletter about the Honorary Life Membership that was awarded to Paul R. Christen. Below is the article. At its February…
Happy New Year!!! Wow, 2015 just flew by but what a great year it was. With this being only our second year of running a summer program, we had all sorts of new milestones. We…
Happy Holidays everyone! We are now three weeks into December and last week it was dang near 70 degrees outside, not that we are complaining, just that it’s hard to believe this year is almost…
Seasonal Positions Available! Apply Now! Do you have a passion for outdoor sports and have wanted to pass that on to youth? Do you love being a part of a large family of diverse, enthusiastic…
Attention Scouters…It’s back! We will be offering our Early-Bird Discount again for the 2017 the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base at the Summit Bechtel Reserve! Some of you may have thought “Well, with National…
Last year we held the first ever Girl Scout Jamboree. With more than 11 different chapters and over 250 Girl Scouts in attendance, these young ladies bounced, and I mean bounced, between every activity we offer…
Ah yes, it is one of the best times of the year. Time to give thanks for all the amazing things we have in our lives. Time to give thanks to the family and friends…
What does The Summit’s Aquatics Program Manager Isaac Colvard like to read on his (minimal) time off? Well funny you should ask, he is a huge history buff and when I asked him this very…
The Summit’s Scott Visitor Center has a new attraction — a giant mural entitled “B-B-Bear!”. Josh Cochran and his assistant Courtney Menard spent a whole week here at The Summit and built an amazing mural showcasing the wide variety…
Senior Scout Camp It is a beautiful time of the year. Leaves are falling, school is starting back up, and Scout units are getting together and working out their plans for the next year. Where…
Attention Scouters! Register now and take advantage of discounts on 2016 fees at the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Groups that register for the 2016 High Adventure season…
The Summit Bechtel Reserve is excited to announce it will celebrate the Order of the Arrow’s centennial as an ArrowTour host. ArrowTour is an interactive event for Scouts, volunteers, and Scouting alumni that will travel throughout…
2016 Council Contingent Info It’s here! 2016 council contingent information for the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base. The Summit’s a big place and there’s a ton of fun and development to be had…
As you may already know, The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, or just SBR for short, is guided by four core values: leadership, training, sustainability and adventure. Scouting itself is an adventure of many kinds,…
The Summit National Training Center is set to officially open in 2016, but hey, that doesn’t mean we’re skipping 2015. Next summer, you can elevate your game with a new spate of rock-solid development and adventure training courses….
THE catalog for choosing the right Summit program for your Scouts and Venturers. Ready to plan? The latest Summit program catalog delivers the goods on everything going on in 2015 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. This catalog is divided into three sections for your…
The first season of programs at the Summit Bechtel Reserve is in the books. Scouts and Venturers from all over pushed themselves further this summer and took their Scouting to a new level. For a…
Scout camp—the learning, the merit badges, the advancement—it’s pretty cool, a classic Scouting experience. The new Walter Scott Summit Center at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve—with its lakes, trails, zip lines, boulder cove,…
A trip to The Summit not in the cards this year? No worries. You can still get your hands on Summit gear. Whether on a day hike or a week-long trek, check out 37 North…
Opening week of 2014 high adventure programs at The Summit Bechtel Reserve kicked off June 8, 2014 and we’ve captured some of the sights. From setting up camp to mountain biking to shooting sports, participants…
With the Summit Visitors Pass, we’ve got you covered. The Summit is opening up to visitors this summer! A one- or two-day visitors pass is great for the Scouting family and friends. We’re all set and can’t wait…
If open water is your thing, check out Sea Scouting‘s newest base. Sea Scout Base-Galveston has been hosting high adventure trips since 2011, but the facility is expected to be completed this year. As with most…
Sure, spring’s swirling around in a mess of snow and sunshine, but before you know it, summer will be here and with it Summit high adventure programs. To get the most out of your experience…
So. The Summit. If you visit the Summit Blog, you know that last year’s jamboree marked the grand opening of a really cool place. You probably know that The Summit is in the West Virginia…
There’s fun. And then there’s fun that challenges you, the kind that brings with it a satisfaction that lasts way beyond the activity. The Ropes venue at The Summit is all about that kind of fun….
Shooting Sports At Its Best Catch the excitement of The Barrels in this latest video from The Summit. The Barrels is a comprehensive shooting sports venue where you can hone your safety and marksmanship. Sign…
There’s a brand new program at the Summit called the Mountaineer Weekend. What sets this apart from the other high adventure options is that it’s a weekend program where Scouts can experience a wide variety of…
The Summit has taken the best of rock climbing in the New River Gorge in West Virginia and, with the help of Eldorado Climbing Walls, brought it onsite to create a climbing haven. Introductory climbs? You…
Hey, Boy Scout troop leaders and Venturing crew leaders: check out the river. The New River, that is. Alright. Technically, the New River is not on the Summit grounds. However, it is a key part…
GIS: A geographic information system (GIS) lets us visualize, question, analyze, interpret, and understand data to reveal relationships, patterns, and trends. We posted earlier about the 2013 jamboree story map, a project that combines the…
The Summit is a big place. No doubt about it. And the adventure, well, it has a way of bringing out the best in Scouts and Venturers, of taking them to the next level. To…
Few things are cooler–or more fun–than zip lining from platform to platform in the forest canopy. Check out the video above for a glimpse. Pretty cool, yes? The Canopy is one of four venues at…
So. You’ve seen the trick shot video shot right here at the Summit, right? Well, we kicked around with the guys from Dude Perfect while they were on-site working their trick shot magic. As you…
The guys from Dude Perfect have made taking crazy trick shots an art form. No, it’s true. “So?” you might say. “What does this have to do with the Summit?” Well, when we turned Dude Perfect…
There’s something about rivers that captures our imagination. Could be the way it curls and breaks and sluices through and over the rocks. Could be the sound, the way the river almost seems to sing…
High adventure comes in many forms. It can mean hiking the New Mexico backcountry or exploring your local state park’s trails. It could be scuba diving off the Florida Keys or going off the diving…
Getting the word out to your council about 2014 high adventure programs at Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base at the Summit has never been easier. The team at the Summit has put together…
You like high adventure? Well, belly up to the visual smorgasbord over at the Summit’s YouTube channel. Get amped for all the high adventure waiting for you in 2014 at the Paul R. Christen National High…
So. The Summit. For the last three years we’ve been talking about all the cool stuff there, all the activities that would be available for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. And now, with the jamboree…
The 2013 National Scout Jamboree was pretty amazing. Judging from some of the pics, people had a hard time saying goodbye. Well, cheer up, because we’ve put together a souvenir book from the first-ever jamboree…
Wow. Is it really possible to pack this many awesome activities into 10 days? Well, I guess it is. We all just spent it doing those activities. The recap of events? ATV, BMX, canopy tours,…
You may have seen Mike Rowe, from the TV show “Dirty Jobs,” speaking at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. If so, you know that he’s all about working hard and smart, rolling up his shirtsleeves,…
Shooting sports have always been integral to the plans for the Summit. Because the Summit is home to the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base, you can be sure it will include more than…
On Saturday, 40,000 Scouts, Venturers, volunteers, and staff from across the United States and the world gathered for the closing show of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit. Best-selling rock band 3 Doors…
Food is key to any active lifestyle. With all the high adventure and walking at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, getting enough to eat was critical to having fun. Here’s a glimpse into how Scouts…
Friday was Airborne Day at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. The airborne group of the armed forces is an elite assembly of warriors who are trained in advanced techniques of parachuting. These soldiers can be…
Pretty sweet, right? Scouts from first timers to veterans are all over the BMX and skate courses at the Summit and having a blast. If you didn’t get your fill of skating and BMX during…
You’re going to like this. It’s super simple. There are two ways to see the big show at the AT&T Summit Stadium. 1. Go to the Summit. Anyone can go. Seriously. Learn more about how…
There are tons of ways to keep up with all the action on various social media channels. From images to articles to video, it’s almost as awesome as being there. Almost. Without further adieu, here…
As I drove to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree on Sunday, I went from the mountains of New York to the farmland of Pennsylvania before I came upon something special: the hills of West Virginia….
From the opening flag ceremony to climbing to zip lines, there’s so much to see at the Summit this jamboree. Patrol Z is on the ground, immersed in the full-on jamboree experience and documenting it all…
Check out the gallery above. The jamboree at the Summit is all about scale. From the smallest detail to the pageantry of the AT&T Summit Stadium, this place is amazing. Remember to check back throughout…
With the jamboree coming right around the corner, we at Patrol Z can’t wait to start covering all of the excitement! Here is how you can make sure you don’t miss a minute of it:…
Without an underlying system of core values, the Paul A. Christen National High Adventure Base at the Summit is just another camp to do fun stuff. Really, really fun stuff. As the new 2014 high…
Grab your climbing gear and head to the Summit to spend seven days on the No. 1 ranked zip and challenge course facilities in the United States with the Helmets and Harnesses program at the Summit, one of six programs offered next…
We just celebrated 150 years of statehood in West Virginia on June 20 and today—the fourth of July—we celebrate the nation’s 237th birthday. As we prepare for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, we invite you…
Transform wheeled mobility into an art form with Wheels, one of four high adventure programs offered at the Summit in 2014. Check out the video above for a taste. Wheels is a smorgasbord of, well, wheels. Seriously. You’ll feast…
Hey fellow Scouts! With Jamboree just around the corner, I am sure you all are getting anxious to start packing. I know I am! We covered packing when the jamboree duffel was unveiled, but it’s…
Hygiene at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree is serious stuff. Meaning, no one would appreciate it if you skipped the showers. Keep in mind some basics about hygiene when putting together your gear for the…
What’s beyond the 2013 National Scout Jamboree? Check out the video above for a hint. That’s just a glimpse of the action you’ll find next summer at The River, one of four programs offered at the Summit from…
If you’re pumped about the 2013 National Scout Jamboree and all that action packed into the Summit but can’t swing all 10 days of the event, head on over to VisitJambo.org to sign up for one-day or multi-day jamboree…
The Ropes challenge courses at the Summit are nearing completion and will be ready for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. These courses are all about helping Scouts and Venturers develop leadership and teamwork skills and learn more…
The 2013 National Scout Jamboree is no weekend camping trip. You’ll have a chance to experience all kinds of amazing ways to test your physical fitness and mental skill and ability with the activities offered….
Get ready to roll because The Trax BMX activity area is going to be off the chain at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. Still not convinced The Trax will be ready? Check out the video above. If…
Walking is the way to go at the Summit. Here are a couple of pointers for taking care of your feet while getting around the 2013 National Scout Jamboree: It’s All About the Shoes While…
Whether you’re heading to the Summit as a jamboree participant, staff member, or visitor, the Jamboree Summit App is one of the smallest items you need to pack. If you’re an Apple iOS or Android…
Summit high adventure programs—why waste words telling you about what’s coming in 2014 when you can see it with your own eyes? We dare you not to be fully stoked. Ready to get your high adventure…
You know that dream you have of flying? If you’re coming to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, you’ll have a chance to live that dream at The Canopy. Seriously. Check out the video above for…
The 2013 National Scout Jamboree still needs staff. It’s going to take a bunch of dedicated people willing to help out to make this year’s event shine. That’s where you come in. We’re putting out…
With the new permanent home of the national Scout jamboree set to officially open in July, questions abound. We’ve sent roving reporter Haynes out in the field to answer the most common questions we’ve received…
Develop expert skill, accuracy, and precision at The Barrels shooting sports activity area at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. This amazing shooting sports venue is on target (see what we did there?) to be ready for…
This is just a friendly reminder to complete your curriculum choices for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree by May 14, 2013. Still undecided? Check out the curriculum posts right here on the Summit Blog to…
If you dig shooting sports and variety, you’ll dig The Barrels. There are tons of ways to test your marksmanship this summer at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. If you select this curriculum, you get…
Like Frisbee? And golf? Combine the two and you have disc golf, a fun sport making its jamboree debut at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Staged on Mayhem Mountain, this sport…
The key to the success of any program, whether it’s disc golf at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree or day camp at your community park, is the people who run it. If a program leader…
Details are still coming in for the mountainboarding elective at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, but one thing’s for sure: this wildly popular all-terrain action sport will be delivering thrills this year. Never heard of mountainboarding? It…
The dirt is flying to get the Summit ready for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. The Park skateboarding haven is coming along nicely. Before you know it the jamboree will be here and you’ll be…
If you are a Scout or Venturer with journalistic aspirations and you are heading to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, you can register as a Hometown News correspondent. What does that mean? It means you…
Our hearts and prayers go out to the many families affected, both directly and indirectly by the two horrific tragedies in the northeast recently, both of which involved children. Words cannot adequately express the many…
At The Trax, explore the pure joy of rolling on two wheels over primo BMX terrain. Rollers, berms and downhill courses are calling your name. BMX Curriculum When you arrive at The Trax, you’ll receive…
2013 National Scout Jamboree visitors are in for a big treat at the Summit Center, but might be left wondering what adventures await beyond the Summit? If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place. There…
Water is everywhere—there’s no escaping it. Going with the flow? That’s all about water. If you can’t beat it—and really, why would you want to?—you might as well join it by learning as many ways…
As preparations for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree continue, we have been simultaneously working on the development and marketing of the 2014 high adventure program that will be headquartered at the Christen High Adventure Base…
Many of you have asked about the status of the Merit Badge Midway for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. Get ready because we have some answers. Two things: It’s no longer called the Merit Badge…
Archery rules. Robin Hood. Green Arrow. Katniss Everdeen. Famed archers, all. Sure, they’re fictional characters, but still. What if you could get a taste of that archery awesomeness? Well, you can. In addition to sporting…
Ahh, medical forms. They’re always a pain to finish filling out. And that due date always seems to sneak up on us. Speaking of which, the deadline for turning in medical forms for the 2013…
As part of your 2013 National Scout Jamboree registration, you received the Osprey Transporter BSA duffel bag. What’s the deal with that? For 10 days—from July 15 to 24—Scouts and Venturers attending the 2013 jamboree…
Are You Tougher Than A Boy Scout? is a show that’s coming up on the National Geographic Channel. Here’s the deal: The six-episode show starts at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. Central) on Monday, March 4,…
Being an expert marksman is all about discipline. Develop that and your skill, accuracy, and precision will fall in line. Feeling like you’re dialed in? Then you can help others by volunteering for a staff…
The Ocean Rules. No Pun Necessary. Is there a better place for high adventure than the high seas? Not likely. That’s why Sea Base exists. If it has to do with the ocean, and it’s…
For one day of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, you’re doing a day of service. Here’s the deal with that: First, you’re a Scout. It’s what you do. Pitching in and helping—it’s in your blood….
The Park is taking shape at the Summit. Check out the slideshow above for a peek. Dirt has been shaped and concrete forms have been, well, formed. As of this post, the first pours of…
Sporting arrows are not only new to archery in Scouting, but also to the archery world in general. Similar to clay target shooting, sporting arrows are centered around automatic target launchers that throw 10-inch diameter…
As I write this we are 180 days away from the opening of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit. We remain on track for close to 40,000 attendees as registrations grow and the…
Construction at the Summit continues full steam ahead. Seriously. Check out what’s going on at The Rocks, the Summit’s climbing area. Eldorado Climbing Walls’ ingenuity drops the look and feel of New River Gorge rock…
Here are three apps I think you’ll be glad you have when you get to The Summit.
So we want to spill a little secret – our challenge course at the Summit provides some big benefits.
Because we overheard on Twitter that we have some Scouts who love journalism, we wanted to get some insider tips for you.
Kayaking or SUP in your wheelhouse? Then sign up for an aquatics staff position and be like Gandalf, imparting wisdom to all who venture into your domain. Maybe we love playing around in water so…
Mountain biking. It’s fun to experience, but hard to describe. You can talk rolling over flowy trails and watching the woods blur by in your periphery. Or picking your way through a gnarly rock garden…
The most important skill is taking careful notes. Go with the “more is more” approach. It’s better to take too many notes or get too many quotes than the opposite.
A piece of rope is like a Swiss Army knife. Without the spoon. But only if you know your knots. Here’s a great tool to learn them.
You can totally tap your inner Ewok at Jambo 2013. Just volunteer to be staff for the zip lines at The Summit during the 2013 Jamboree.
Love mountain biking but want to try something a little different?
Think both mountain biking and BMX biking are all about the ups and downs with two wheels and some dirt? Think again!
Summary: You’ll have plenty of adrenaline-filled days here at the Summit.
What’s a national jamboree without some challenge thrown in?
The Summit is gearing up for all levels of BMX enthusiasts, whether you’re an actual pro or just testing the rounds for the first time.
To build the best skatepark, we’ve teamed up with one of the most recognized names in skatepark design: Spohn Ranch.
The Summit is here to give you as much skateboarding as you want. From a “just a taste” to full out lessons, we’ve got you covered.
In July at the Summit Shakedown we did one of the coolest activities that you can do at the anywhere: we went whitewater rafting.
Check out how Elaina, who shows off some sweet moves in the New River Gorge, successfully took her climbing skills from plastic to the cliff.
Luis, 16, and Jaymes, 15, two Scouts who participated in the trip, were brand new to all these high-adventure sports. But it didn’t take them long to warm up to the action-packed activities.
…keep an eye on the Summit website for a full explanation of the 2014 program schedule and a chance to be among the first to register your unit for the Summit’s 2014 high-adventure programs.
Wondering how you’re going to pack all the gear you’re going to need for the 2013 National Jamboree? Let us ease your mind a bit.
When most people think high adventure they think of backpacking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. But, as participants at the Summit shakedown learned, high adventure can be much more than the standard fare.
[tube]BP2GZhRca4o[/tube] We couldn’t resist posting more reactions from recent visits to the Summit. As we rolled through the grounds of the future home of the 2013 National Jamboree with council members from all over the…
When we said we’d get this massive high-adventure project done in time for the 2013 National Jamboree, we meant it!
Here are some facts and figures on the skateboarding and BMX features of Action Point. See if this is enough room for you to “Go Big. Get Wild!”
The Summit is nestled right next to the New River…which is home to some of the best white water rafting in the world.
…we’ve largely transitioned from the relatively slow work of moving dirt and laying underground utilities to the much more rapid work of putting the program venues together.
There is something new and exciting coming to this jamboree. The 2013 is allowing Venturers as participants for the very first time!
A life-long Scouter from Clanton, Alabama, Jack Moore shares his transformative experience from the 1960 National Jamboree in Colorado. Listen to his story!
“The first thing I noticed were spectacular mountains, rugged trails, and a gorgeous view.”
The skills you’ll learn [in kayaking] can take you anywhere from a lake, to the wild whitewater, or over ocean’s waves. How’s that for adventure?
Unless you’ve camped in West Virginia previously, you may not be aware of the wildlife challenges common at the Summit.
Watch this video of feedback on the rock climbing at the Summit Shakedown. Want to try climbing at the national jamboree? This is just a sample!
The new model for the national jamboree makes patch trading an “official” activity for all participants.
While I’ve only been a resident for six months, I often get asked what it’s like to live in West Virginia. Simply stated, “It’s awesome!” I didn’t know much about West Virginia when I moved…
Your flight has been at a cruising altitude for a number of hours, and you’re well over the shimmering Pacific Ocean. Chuckling over some jokes in Boy’s Life magazine, the unthinkable suddenly happens: the plane begins to lose power!
Here’s a photo gallery that imagines just one day you might experience at the national jamboree. Check it out!
What is going to be like camping at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. This Patrol Z video will give you a good idea.
Once signed up for a curriculum event, a Scout or Venturer will have a reserved spot in the class. As far as electives go, they will be able to visit any activity area they choose during their free time.
From not burning your dinner to becoming a person of high character, Scouting prepares you for life.
The Summit, I won’t lie to you, is tough. But it’s that really good kind of tough. There are, however, 5 easy steps to help you have an amazing time, and conquer any challenges.
Currently in the planning stages are a Leadership Excellence Center, a Better Body Better Life Center, and a Technology Center.
It takes a dedicated team of volunteers to assemble enough mountain bikes to put Scouts and Venturers on the trail — here’s their story.
Both [BMX riding and skateboarding] are part of our world-class program experience which have higher energy and are more diverse, more intense, and more physically challenging than ever before.
Within each adventure area, progressive skill levels will be offered so that Scouts at any level of proficiency may participate, from beginner to advanced. It’s a totally different concept from past jamborees.
We’ve arranged the fascinating facts and figures in a handy, dandy infographic to get those mind wheels of yours spinning.
When SummitCorps wrapped up in West Virginia at the end of July last year, over 1,000 Arrowmen had built almost 13 miles of trail.
One thing that struck me from reading the suggestions is there’s still some confusion over what Shakedown was about and how the Shakedown experience relates to what you can expect at the 2013 National Jamboree. To clarify: It really doesn’t relate.
For every jamboree held at the Summit, each attending Scout will donate approximately 6 hours of service work to areas surrounding the Summit.
[Target sports] is another part of our world-class program experience which is more diverse, more intense, higher energy and more physically challenging than ever before.
Our objective is to ensure we provide a healthy meal with the greatest acceptability possible while ensuring our Scouts/Scouters are safe from foodborne illness.
Just imagine all the thousands of people, who love Scouting just as much as you do, gathered together in one place to go big and get wild.
Scouts from Fleur de Lis District in Southeast Louisiana Council took a weekend hike across the Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS) in Florida.
It’s official: You can see the Summit Bechtel Reserve on Google Maps and Google Earth. Check out these bird’s eye views of the home of the national jamboree.
Scouts participating at the Shakedown only received a taste of what will be offered at the 2013 jamboree.
Want to try SUP (stand-up paddleboarding)? What about a water obstacle course? Into kayaking? How about breathing underwater as a scuba diver?
What is the highest recognition that Scouting offers? That’s right—the Eagle Scout Award. The Eagle Scout Award is earned through the advancement program, and only about 5 percent of the boys who begin in Scouting…
Patrol Z reporters used every tool they could to document the Summit Shakedown. Here are a few more pics from their Instagram feed.
Patrol Z reporters Kevin M. and Patrick B. interviewed Summit Director Dan McCarthy during the Summit Shakedown. Watch the video for the inside scoop.
Did you know that when you’re 40 feet above the ground, going 40 miles an hour, you get a pretty insane adrenaline rush? It’s really exciting riding on a zip line. So, after a full…
Here are just 9 of the many faces documented at the Summit Shakedown — all based on the highly common smile.
At the Summit Shakedown, Scouts and Venturers are all getting a taste of adventure — the Summit’s activities offer something for every level of ability.
Patrol Z is using cool photo filters on Instagram to give you visual updates from the Summit Shakedown — look for @PatrolZ on Instagram.
Patrol Z reporters Kevin M. and Connor M. stopped by a few historic sites on their way to the Summit Shakedown. Check out the photos!
Within just a couple hours, what was an empty field became a tent city as hundreds of Scouts and Venturers set up for the Summit Shakedown.
2 Wisconsin Scouts wouldn’t let a full contingent stop them from making it to the Summit Shakedown — Patrol Z reports!
Scouts and Venturers are on-site at the Summit. Here’s how you can join in and follow the experience.
“I cannot [place a value on the] countless lessons and opportunities that Venturing has brought to me.” – Readenour
You’d have to be living under a mushroom to not know about the Summit’s opening event, the 2013 National Jamboree.
With the opening of the Summit for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, you’ll see plenty of sustainable design in operation — and some of it won’t be so obvious.
What do 50 acres, 200-plus shooting stations, and 3D courses have in common? They’ll all be ready and waiting for you at the 2013 National Jamboree’s adventure area for shooting sports! From the expertly designed…
…for those of you wondering, there are no changes to our plan relative to the Shakedown.
The Osprey Ace 48 is an ideal pack for overnight camping and backpacking adventures.
“No one can pass through life, any more than he can pass through a bit of country, without leaving tracks behind, and those tracks may often be helpful to those coming after him in finding their way.” Baden Powell
By embracing conservation practices and Leave No Trace guidelines, the Summit’s style of camping will preserve the local ecosystem and be an example for others.
Since climbing is a fun, yet somewhat risky activity with much to learn in order to keep everyone safe, these Scouts completed the training in just under 18 long hours of both vigorous studying of the Climb On Safely rules and hands-on training on their tower.
This question keeps popping up, mostly from past jamboree participants and staff. The short answer is “Yes.”
Get ready to take to the trees in the Summit Center! Here’s a look at the canopy tour challenge courses you’ll experience at the 2013 national jamboree.
There’s a green movement afoot — and it’s going to help ensure the Summit is around for as long as there are Scouts excited to go there.
Summit Director Dan McCarthy fills you in on the details of canopy tours and zip lines you’ll find at the jamboree — an just exactly what that means.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a Cub Scout or part of a crew, you can help make a difference too! What do you care about? What are you good at? Ideas are good, but ideas put into action, using some of the things we learn through Scouting, can help change the world.
The national jamboree is a “rite of passage” that all Scouts and Venturers should experience as they progress to the apex of leadership and character.
What we have done is work with the local rafting companies to provide an exceptional value for those that will participate in the white water rafting experience during the Jamboree.
Progress on jamboree activity facilities is exploding. Here are the latest details on how much, how many and how far for figuring your jamboree fun factor.
Many people are familiar with the icons representing difficulty levels at a ski resort. You know, those little colored shapes that indicate how hard a particular slope is to descend? All the activities in the…
I didn’t know much about mountain biking when I first arrived at the Summit. I soon realized I’d better study up when it became clear this would be one of the defining challenge events on…
Smart use of water resources is a key part of sustainability at the Summit. This graphic shows the path of use and reuse for every drop of H2O.
This Scout says his favorite part of the 2010 jamboree was meeting Scouts from another country and learning about their culture. Listen to the audio!
Here at the Summit, we’ve been cooking up a little something for you. No, we haven’t mentioned it on the blog yet. Why not? Well, we love surprises and feel this is a mighty good…
Don’t believe the nay-sayers: Development at the Summit is racing along, and the 2013 national jamboree is right on schedule.
As part of the Jamboree Fireside Stories project, Wisconsin Scouter Bob Cheek shares memories from 5 different national Scout jamborees. Give a listen!
I keep hearing the question, “Why don’t we have hot showers at the Summit?” I can answer that with one word: sustainability.
The jamboree is going to be more than green, it’s going to be deep green.
I joined Scouting as a Cub Scout in, well, let’s just say it was over a half-century ago. I’ve been active in Scouting ever since, having served at the unit, district, council, regional and national levels.
Spring fever is setting in here in the New River Gorge, and that means it’s time to get the chain oiled up on the bikes.
Just like in past jamborees, and in addition to all the high-adventure activities that will be available to you, 2013 will also include classic jamboree activities that you have grown to love, including the ever popular, vastly competitive patch trading experience.
If you’ve been to a national Scout jamboree, then you know what a big deal it is. It probably figures into your memories of Scouting in a major way.
There will be gallons of different ways to get wet at the jamboree. Will you be able to jump into them all in 10 days?
For the past century, the Boy Scouts of America has been instilling a conservation mindset in young people. At the Summit, this practice of stewardship is going to reach a whole new level.
For a pack under $150 that can last your entire backpacking career in Scouting, the Osprey Kestrel 58 is a pretty decent deal.
Whitewater rafting is the most fun you can possibly have while sopping wet.
We all know that.
But, have you wondered: What age do you have to be to go rafting?
At the mountain biking Adventure Area in Adventure Valley you can try your new skills on a world-class series of biking trails. Too bad you won’t have time to ride them all in one jamboree experience – because there’s over thirty miles of them!
Sustainability is going to be a big part of the experience at the 2013 jamboree. It’s even going to have its own exhibit and activity center.
The Summit has big plans for big rocks. And by this, we are talking about the activity area for climbing, which will allow you to boulder, top-rope climb and/or rappel when you visit for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.
Ask yourself, are you prepared? Just in case you answered “no,” here are a few suggestions to get you started as we move into spring.
Is shooting sports a favorite Scouting activity of yours? Read more to find out specific details about shooting sports at the Summit.
Scouts of Troop 185 have many adventures to look forward to from sailing and canoeing, to cycling and climbing, but they regularly take adventure to the next level.
Sea Scouts is part of Venturing whose members focus on sailing, maritime skills, and of course, having fun.
When Troop 108 raises funds to go to Florida Sea Base, they don’t mess around. What cool or innovative fundraisers is your unit planning?
Is your jamboree contingent traveling before Jambo? Read more to see the South Texas Council’s path to the Summit!
Looking for the perfect gift your family or friends? Check out the “Meeting Me At The Summit” Acrylic Curly Tumbler.
What’s the easiest way to fly high in the sky in West Virginia? Yep, it’s a zip line canopy tour.
Are you excited for the Summit? Because, you know, it’s not that far away! Read more for some high adventure facts.
Here are 5 things that ARE NOT high adventure that you have an opportunity to do at the 2013 jamboree.
The Summit is where? West Virginia? Is that a state?
Indoors or outdoors, good weather or bad, hiking or biking; there isn’t always a need to carry a huge pack that has tons of space.
The BSA Patrol/Troop First-Aid Kit from Adventure® Medical, a well organized and stocked first-aid kit, is suitable for up to 6 people on almost any troop event.
You’ve heard about Mayhem Mountain, and how you can catch some big air at the Summit’s high-adventure basecamp for BMX and skateboarding. But just in case that isn’t your style, there is another way you can fly at the 2013 jamboree.
Imagine your perfect whitewater experience. Got it?
In earlier segments of this Venturing to the Summit series, we watched as members from Venturing Crews 32 and 44 from North Carolina worked and played in and around the New River Gorge.
Chilantakoba Lodge, Order of the Arrow, from Southeast Louisiana Council recently held its Annual Fall Fellowship, themed James Bond: Quantum of Fellowship, at Camp V-Bar on December 2-4.
You’ve already seen Venturing Crews 32 and 44 from North Carolina help restore some of the natural habitat near the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
Scouting for Food, an annual service project rooted in the founding principles of Scouting, helps thousand of families in need.
Now that 2012 is here, we only have about 18 months until we meet in West Virginia for the first-ever national scout jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
Soon, thousands of Scouts will be coming to the New River Gorge to visit the Summit for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. And while Scouts are going to be given the opportunity to explore the…
Located in northern Minnesota and in Canada, Northern Tier is your adventure headquarters of the north.
Where can you go to see one of the most significant and well-known battlefields of the Civil War in person? Gettysburg of course!
Right now, you are having the time of your life as a Scout, and you are making memories that are going to last a lifetime. But what happens when you age out?
Once the Summit Bechtel Reserve is up and running during the jamboree, it will be the second-largest city in West Virginia. Yep, that’s pretty big. There were 43,434 Scouts and approximately 50,000 visitors at Fort…
In 2013, your new jamboree home and the BSA’s 4th High Adventure Base, the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, will open for business.
Check out images from the 38th Annual Fall Fun Rally in St. Louis, Missouri.
What do you get when you have thousands of LEGOs, 2 Twister mats, a karaoke system, section officers from around the Northeast and a weekend filled with total awesomeness?
In this edition of Adventures in Service: Venturing to the Summit, Crew members learned the basics of paddling, boat handling and safety from local West Virginia whitewater guides.
Ever wondered how to build the perfect mountain biking trail? Here’s our answer.
After helping the National Park Service restore some of the natural habitat in a high-traffic area on the Gauley River, Venturing Crews 32 and 44 from North Carolina were rewarded for their hard work. In…
Project COPE (Challenging Personal Outdoor Experience) has been a favorite in Scouting at summer camps, and for troops and crews that want a little excitement when it comes to a day in the woods.
Each month, this blog features one of the program elements that will be offered at the 2013 Jamboree. This month‘s feature is pioneering.
This summer, an estimated 38,000 Scouts representing 150 countries joined in Kristianstad, Sweden for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree.
Check out this debut video of the mountain biking experience on Adventure Mountain at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
The SCOUTStrong Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge is a program designed to get Scouts and Scouters up and moving.
Though Scouting isn’t all about tying knots, for Shawn Killian, a correctly tied knot can mean the difference between fun and accident.
What Is Patrol Z?You might not have known it, but a lot of the stories, photos and videos you see here on this site were thought up, created and edited by Scouts and Venturers just like you.
In this series of Adventures in Service, you will meet Venturing Crews 32 and 44 from North Carolina, as they helped with bit of forest re-vegetation in the NRG.
High adventure, your way and made simple. That is what you’ll get at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
It’s a new home for the jamboree. It’s a new high adventure base. It’s a new century of Scouting. All of that calls for some brand new gear.
Want to know where the Summit Bechtel Reserve got the lumber used to construct buildings on site? We’ll give you a hint: You don’t have to look far.
Each month, the Summit blog will feature one of the program elements that will be offered at the 2013 Jamboree. This month, check out the “Jamboree Trek” to Garden Ground Mountain.
Enjoy some aerial shots of the Summit Bechtel Reserve, as well as some great images of the progress being made on the ground in West Virginia.
In the world of water sports, one stands above the rest — literally. The sport is known as stand up paddleboarding (SUP for short).
On July 7-9, 2011, the Montana Council’s K-M Scout Ranch hosted a camp for Venturers and high adventure.
At the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, you can expect to go big with new and improved high-adventure activities.
In case you haven’t heard, the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve is going to use a new model for activities in terms of scheduling.
In this series of Adventures in Service, you will get a chance to meet Venturing Crew 911 from Cincinnati, Ohio, as they help out with the Wounded Warrior Project.
Philmont Scout Ranch is the largest of the Boy Scouts of America’s national high adventure bases.
Are you coming the New River Gorge anytime soon? If so, you should get to know what kinds of animals you might run into.
As construction ramps up at the Summit Bechtel Reserve this fall in preparation for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, the question still remains, “if we build it, will you come?”
Throughout the month of July, nearly 1,500 Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow volunteers traveled to the New River Gorge for SummitCorps: The New River Experience.
The 2013 National Scout Jamboree will offer a different experience for everyone, but there’s one thing that everyone will have in common. Food.
What’s it worth to earn your Eagle Scout rank? Well, for some, it can be worth about $52,000 over 4 years of college.
Thousands of spectators turn out to watch BASE jumpers leap from the New River Gorge Bridge. Here’s a photo gallery from the event.
The jamboree at the Summit will deliver a world-class program experience – more diverse, more intense, higher energy and more physically challenging than ever before.
David (Dave) Evans, an Eagle Scout from upstate New York, may seem like your average guy.
Excitement is building for the Summit Bechtel Reserve, and with lots of hype about whitewater rafting, zip line canopy tours, biking trails and hiking trails, who wouldn’t be?
Locals are working to clean up the New River, but there are plenty of other bodies of water that need support, too. Boy Scouts are all about practicing stewardship and acting as role models in…
Want to ride skateboards and BMX bikes? We have good news, the Summit will have both. Want a foam pit to practice throwing big tricks? Oh yeah, the Summit’s getting that, too. You can find…
It’s not exactly “hands-free” driving, but operators of the bulldozers and other heavy equipment developing the Summit Bechtel Reserve have a co-pilot high in the sky. Hulking, 50-ton machines such as the D9 Caterpillar are…
You’ve heard about SummitCorps: The New River Experience. And by now, you may have even checked out the new trails which officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 7, 2011. If not, here…
Throughout the month of July, Order of the Arrow members volunteered their time to help with SummitCorps: The New River Experience. A project to build hiking and biking trails, with support from the National Park…
Scouts are going to have an entire mountaintop of adventure sports and outdoor activities to enjoy at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, but it all has to start somewhere, right? Six basecamps will act as staging…
While the Summit’s camping footprint won’t be as big as that of the jamboree’s old location at Fort A.P. Hill (1,270 acres compared to 5,000 acres), you should still bring your walking shoes. Not to…
The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is just one of the Boy Scouts of America’s 4 high-adventure bases in the U.S. Whether you already have your sea legs or have never been to the…
We asked you to help “Shape the Summit.” Thousands responded. One earned a trip to the New River Gorge (NRG) and ACE Adventure Resort. This summer, the winner of our “You Shape the Summit” contest,…
Throughout the month of July, Arrowmen from around the country traveled to West Virginia for the biggest youth project in National Park Service history: SummitCorps. They came to build miles of trails, but ended up…
We all know Scouts and Venturers are some of the best guys and girls around. Look in any town, any neighborhood, and the kind of folks you find in Scouting are achievers, leaders and setting…
You’ve heard of the “King of the Jungle” and Lord of the Flies, but how about “Savior of the Salamanders”? No? Well, you might know him better as national chief. Meet Jonathan Hillis, the 2011…
In the 3rd and final part of Adventures In Service: New River Rendezvous, members of Venturing Crew 5.14 were rewarded with some top-roping out at the Meadow River. While enjoying the new rocks, the group…
Nearly a thousand Arrowmen attended Indian Summer 2011 in early August, where they learned about ceremonies, dance, costuming and much more. Evening activities included pow wows put on by the American Indian Affairs staff, an…
Scouting isn’t just about roughing it in the wild. It’s about developing well-rounded individuals. During SummitCorps, the National Park Service hosted Appalachian History Night, where local performers and artisans shared their knowledge and talents with…
Get on your bikes, and throw on your hiking boots, because the Arrowhead Hike & Bike Trail is officially open. The National Park Service commemorated the official opening of the trail in Fayetteville, West Virginia,…
Kayakers pitch themselves from the top of it. Fishermen wade into it. Some simply look at it with awe. Sandstone Falls is a river-wide ledge downstream of the Bluestone Dam on the New River and…
Not going to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree as a participant? No problem. You should visit the jamboree and sample the activities anyway. Yep, you read that right. Whether you’re a Scout or not, you’ll…
You’ve heard about SummitCorps. You’ve heard about the miles of hiking and biking trails constructed by the Order of the Arrow. But what was happening weeks before the Scouts even arrived? Well, there was plenty…
Buckskin games, Native American presentations, drumming, dancing, competitions and bonfires. Excited yet? As a part of the new jamboree model, each Scout at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree will get to experience all of the…
Crew 5.14 put down the tools and picked up the gear in the second installment of Adventures in Service. With their new appreciation for the New River Gorge sandstone, Venturers climbed some of the rock…
A man sharpens a hatchet. Another picks up a firearm. Beside them is a woman weaving. Animal skins are spread across tables. String music plays in the background. Where are you? You’re at Appalachian History…
Looking for some of the best wilderness adventure in the world? Don’t worry, the Summit Bechtel Reserve will open soon enough. But if you’re one of those who just can’t wait (we don’t blame you),…
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. These 3 famous R’s aren’t losing popularity anytime soon. In fact, the Summit designers are wholeheartedly supporting them with some big plans to cut back on waste at the 2013 National Scout…