




2026 National Jamboree

at the Summit Bechtel Reserve
Scouting’s flagship event is one-of-a-kind. It’s a gathering of nearly 20,000 Scouts, unit leaders, and staff that showcases the best of everything that Scouting America has to offer to its members. The 2026 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve will be held on July 22-31, 2026. This page will be updated frequently as we make plans for our contingent. Members of ScoutsBSA 12 years or older and members of Venturing will be eligible to attend as participants. Plans are in the works for Exploring members to be able to attend on the Jamboree Staff/Jamboree Service Team (JST).

Jamboree History
The first National Jamboree was scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C., in 1935 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Scouting in America. Unfortunately, the jamboree was canceled because of a polio outbreak in Washington. At the first Jamboree in 1937, Dan Beard lit the opening campfire using flint and steel.
Scouts from all 48 states brought the wood that was used in the campfire. There were 27,232 Scouts camped on the National Mall under the Washington Monument. Since that time, an additional 20 National Jamborees have been held, the last in 2023.
An Epic Event with 20,000 Friends
Participants in the National Jamboree learn that character is created when you achieve more than you thought possible.
Besides this page, if you want to learn more about the event, you can also visit https://jamboree.scouting.org/ for the latest information and FAQs from the National Jamboree Executive Committee.
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About Our Contingent
Local Scout Councils register Jamboree Contingents. We hope to be one of the largest contingents of Scouts to attend the National Jamboree. The contingent consists of multiple units, comprised each of 36 youth and 4 adult leaders. Unit types include Male Troops, Female Troops, and Venture Crews. Mixed gender troops may be a possibility depending on pilot programs in process now. The contingent will travel prior to the start of the Jamboree to tour sites around the Washington DC area.
Besides the registration cost for the Jamboree experience itself, there are many costs that are incurred in preparation for the event. A budget will be set in the fall of 2024. For reference, the cost of the 2023 National Jamboree for the Golden Gate Area Council Contingent was $3900. Offsetting the cost of the trip is possible with fundraising and donor support. Even gifts in kind like pooled airline miles can make a difference in the cost of travel.
These costs include (but may not be limited to):
- Airfare to and from the east coast
- Luggage fees
- Hotel and security
- Jamboree training, meetings, and other events
- Jamboree gear, including all troop/crew specific gear (flags, unit numerals, water bottles, hats, shirts, jackets, backpack, duffle bag, patches)
- Jamboree event fee
- Dedicated Scouting professional and support staff to facilitate and assist in a successful Jamboree experience
- Bus transportation to all tour locations and to and from Jamboree with dedicated bus drivers
- A tour team to organize and facilitate all touring aspects
- Costs associated with tour events prior to the Jamboree


Everyone spends time helping out as part of a Service Project at Jamboree (2023)
