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Council Updates

It’s Time to Plan for Jamboree 2026!

Time is fast approaching to get our contingent registered for the Jamboree.  While we are still working out some details on cost – we want to hear from you if you are interested in going as a participant.  Please indicate your interest at – https://forms.gle/FJif64MhyJpBY4pg9.

The 2026 National Scout Jamboree will be held at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. We’ll call it the “Summit” from here on out. The 2026 Jamboree will be the 4th National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia’s New River Gorge region. The 10,000-acre Summit Bechtel Reserve is adjacent to 70,000 acres of a federally protected national river area, one of the most amazing outdoor recreation centers on earth. Thousands of Scouts and Scouters will explore all kinds of adventures—stadium shows, merit badge work, adventure sports, patch trading, and more—in the heart of one of nature’s greatest playgrounds. Every few years, the national Jamboree brings generations together through Scouting’s biggest showcase. You won’t want to miss this amazing experience. As the Jamboree happens only every few years a Scout typically only has one opportunity to experience the Jamboree as a youth during their time in Scouts BSA. The next one is not until 2029.

The jamboree is the best of Scouting rolled into 10 days of fun, friends, and adventure, and you can be there to be a part of it!

The theme of the 2026 Jamboree, “Elevate” which will focus on how we can elevate the Scouting experience for each of the participants and Jamboree Service Team (staff) at the Jamboree. The goal of the Jamboree is to help each person who attends the Jamboree in any way to Elevate their view of Scouting and have an experience that will help Elevate them to continue to grow in Scouting.

We plan to:

  • Elevate your network through programs in the camp areas
  • Elevate your adrenaline though high octane activities
  • Elevate your leadership through opportunities to learn leadership skills and put them into practice
  • Elevate your service through a service project to benefit the local community

It also reinforces one of the Summit Bechtel Reserve’s purposes of helping to redefine Scouting’s adventure for the next century. Participants of the 2026 National Jamboree will experience that difference every day.

Our tradition of the Jamboree delves deeply into what it means to be a Scout. For over 75 years, the national Jamboree has brought members from all over the country and the world together to share the bond that is Scouting. Each Jamboree grows in numbers and in adventure, adding more and more activities for Scouts to turn into memories.

There are tons of exciting activities that you can only experience at Jamboree. It is a fantastic experience that you don’t want to miss out on. So head on over to our Google Form to show your interest!

Matt Phillippi

Council Commissioner at Virginia Headwaters Council

matt.phillippi@virginiaheadwaters.org
Council Updates

Get Ready for the 2026 Scouting Adventure of a Lifetime!

Attention Scouts! If you’ve ever thought, “Gee, I’d love to be covered in mud, sunburned, and lost in the wilderness with thousands of other Scouts from across the country!” — then you, my friend, are in for a treat. Because we’re talking about

THE 2026 Scouting America National Jamboree!

Now, you might be asking, “What’s the big deal?” Well, imagine everything you love about Scouting: camping, hiking, eating questionable things you cooked yourself. Now multiply that by a thousand. Then throw in merit badges, zip lines, rock climbing, meeting scouts around the nation, and a couple thousand new best friends. That’s the Jamboree.

Join the Virginia Headwaters Council Contingent

Here’s where it gets even better: You’ll be part of the elite Virginia Headwaters Council contingent. Yes, elite.

It means you’ll not only survive the Jamboree but also bring home tales of glory. You’ll meet Scouts from all over the country who, like you, can recite the Scout Oath while running from a pack of squirrels (true story).

Plus, there’s nothing like representing your home council, knowing that when the dust clears and the adventure is over, you’ll come back to Virginia with a sense of pride and maybe a few weird souvenirs. (Note: Virginia Headwaters Council does not endorse the smuggling of raccoons or possums as pets.)

How Do You Get In?

First, you have to let us know you’re interested. I know, shocking. But this is where it gets tricky, so pay attention:

1. First, convince your parents that this will be the most educational experience of your life. (Pro tip: Use phrases like “leadership skills” and “self-reliance.”)

2. Second, fill out this interest form, and Space is limited, so don’t wait! If you miss this chance, you’ll be stuck hearing all your friends brag about it for years. And we know you don’t want to be that Scout who says, “Yeah, I could’ve gone to the Jamboree, but I had to stay home and mow the lawn.”

Don’t Miss Out!

This is more than just a camping trip. It’s a journey into the heart of Scouting awesomeness. It’s where you’ll push your limits, make lifelong friends, and come back home with the kind of stories that start with “This one time, at Jamboree…”

So, pack your bags (bring extra socks), grab your sense of adventure, and get ready for the experience of a lifetime with the Virginia Headwaters Council contingent. You won’t regret it. Unless you forget bug spray.

See you in 2026, if you’re brave enough!

Kyle Enfield

Chair, Safe Scouting and Youth Protection at Virginia Headwaters Council

kbenfield@me.com
Council Updates

Scouting for Food Update

Monticello District Units participated in the Annual Scouting for Food Drive in Early November. Packs 36, 77, 206, and 222 along with Troops 37/3711 & 1028/1029 organized neighborhood teams in and around Charlottesville to include: Dunlora, Willoughby, Oakhill, Berkeley, Oakhill Farm, SpringHill Village, Avon Park, Forest Lakes, Redfields, Avinity, Berkeley, Canterbury Hills, Fox Croft, Lake Reynovia, Mill Creek, Mill Creek South, Johnson Village, River Run, Sunset Overlook, Sherwood Manor, Mosby Mountain and Whittington.

All combined these units delivered over 6,150 lbs. of food on Saturday, November 9th to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Even more deliveries were made the following week from additional neighborhood teams!

The fight against hunger continued into other areas as even more food donations were reported by: Pack 79 in Crozet – 772 lbs., Troop 93/193 in Barboursville – 137 lbs., and Pack 12 & Troop 12 – 1700 lbs. for Love Outreach in Orange.

Unit leaders are reminded to log volunteer hours in Internet Advancement for this and all the amazing service activities happening this holiday season.

Virginia Headwaters Staff

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