It’s a busy time of year for Scouts, with finals, proms and graduation ceremonies all competing for attention. But it’s also just a matter of weeks until we converge at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

So keep your eyes on the prize as an adult leader: Keep your jambo contingent and parents engaged. Because everyone is so busy, now is a good time to push out info that is useful and fun but may not require a response from them. Here are some examples:

• Send out a Summit map marked with your designated Camp Area and Subcamp.
• Challenge Scouts to estimate the distance and walk time to an Action Point.
• Become familiar with the activity offerings. How many of the activities at each Action Point and can your Scouts name them?
• Get in shape. Each Jamboree camper will log several miles of walking each day.
• Ask your Scouts to name three things that they will want to have with them at all times at jambo. (Answer: credentials, water bottle, day pack.)
• Familiarize your Scouts with West Virginia. At jambo, you might be lucky enough to see the state animal. What is it?
• Talk to your family or sponsor about the Jamboree Visitor Day Pass.
• Plan for sharing the many photos that you’ll take at jambo. And think about keeping a daily journal as well. Approach a local newspaper in your community about publishing a photograph and a short article about your jambo experience.

Summit Bechtel Reserve offers many more activities than a camper can complete in one Jamboree. One of the best ways to maximize your Jambo experience is to Be Prepared!