We're going to National Jamboree in 2026!
Gamehaven Council is excited to announce that, after seven years, we are planning another council contingent for National Jamboree 2026. Our contingent committee has been hard at work preparing for this endeavor, and we’re so excited to welcome Scouts from all over our council to attend with us in 2026!
What is National Jamboree?
The BSA National Jamboree is a gathering, or jamboree, of thousands of members of the Scouting America, usually held every four years and organized by the National Council of Scouting America. Referred to as “the Jamboree”, “Jambo”, or NSJ, Scouts from all over the nation and world have the opportunity to attend.
They are considered to be one of several unique experiences that the Boy Scouts of America offers. The first jamboree was scheduled to be held in 1935 in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Scouting, but was delayed two years after being cancelled due to a polio outbreak. The 1937 jamboree in Washington attracted 25,000 Scouts, who camped around the Washington Monument and Tidal Basin.
The BSA National Jamboree is held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Wild & Wonderful West Virginia. Situated in the wilds of West Virginia, The Summit is a training, Scouting, and adventure center for the millions of youth and adults involved in the Boy Scouts of America and anyone who loves the outdoors.
How do I Attend?
Registration will open on January 2nd, 2025 and run through the end of the year. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please fill out the form linked below. We are only accepting youth participants right now! If you are an adult that would like to attend, you may attend as part of a Jamboree Service Team. Reach out to the office for more details.
Basic Information
WHAT:
- National Jamboree 2026, “Elevate”
WHEN:
- National Jamboree: July 22-31, 2026
- Council Contingent: Final dates TBD, but likely will be from July 18th – August 2nd.
WHERE:
- Summit Bechtel Reserve (Glen Jean, WV)
WHY:
- The National Jamboree is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those that attend. It’s more than just a big camp – it’s the biggest Scouting event in the nation!
Participant Expectations
Participants attending National Jamboree must:
- Be registered members of Scouting America in a Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Scout position, and
- Be at least 12 years of age on July 22nd, 2026
- Be at most 17 years of age on July 22nd, 2026
- Have attended at least one week-long camping trip with their troop prior to January 1st, 2026*
- Agree to the follow the Jamboree Code of Conduct
- Be approved by their unit leader
*Why this requirement? Jamboree is a long trip – two weeks – and it involves a lot of logistics and planning. We want to make sure Scouts enjoy their time at the event, and have already had more introductory experiences to resident camping.
Cost and Payment Plan
The cost to attend Jamboree with the Gamehaven Council contingent is $3,000 per youth. This includes all the food at the event, transportation to and from the Summit, lodging, day trips during the travel to and from, and a set of jamboree gear including (but not limited to):
- Contingent T-Shirts
- Contingent Neckerchief
- Contingent Duffel Bags
- Patch Sets
- And more!
Payments will be made in installations at the following intervals (information not final and may change before registration opens on 2/1/25):
- $100 deposit, due upon registration
- $725, due on January 15th, 2025
- $725 due on June 15th, 2025
- $725 due on November 15th, 2025
- $725 due on February 15th, 2026.
Fundraising opportunities will be available for participants to use to cover some of these costs.
Refund Policy
No refunds for the National Jamboree will be issued, but in the event of a need of cancellation payments can be transferred to another non-registered participant who replaces the cancelling participant. For more questions on the refund policy, call the council office at (507) 287-1410