National Jamboree 2026: 10 Days at the Pinnacle of Scouting
by Max C. of Troop 75 in Ruckersville, Virginia
Many Scouts have waited years to attend the National Jamboree, and some specifically joined just for the chance to go. The 2026 National Jamboree took place last month from July 22-31 at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Scouts from across the Virginia Headwaters Council in addition to youth from Maryland and as far south as Florida joined Contingent 3225 for 10 days of the Pinnacle of Scouting where Scouts across the country show up, display their Scout spirit, and make lifelong memories. Many of our Scouts took on different Journeys throughout the Jamboree, but some were selected for specific activities, such as Andrew B. of Troop 75, who would participate in the triathlon. Adam B. of Troop 75 took on the challenge of being the SPL and, in partnership with Nick S. of Troop 111, ran the contingent Instagram social media account.
Leaving for Jamboree: All the Scouts gathered at a Chick-fil-A to eat breakfast together. For some of the Scouts, it was the first time they were meeting each other. However, the moment didn’t last long; shortly after, we loaded our gear onto the bus and started our drive to the National Jamboree. Along the drive, we picked up our Scouts from Lexington and continued on our journey. We arrived around 12:00, and we were given our first task of carrying our gear to our campsite and setting everything up. The Scouts and adult leadership all worked together to set up camp, our home for the next 10 days. Shortly after, we were split into our patrols, and as our contingent was themed after the game Catan are patrols reflected such. The five patrols were Brick Patrol, Wheat Patrol, Wood Patrol, Ore Patrol, and Sheep Patrol. The names carried a meaning, as each is named after a resource from Catan, and though each resource is valuable by itself, you cannot win Catan without collecting all the resources. Showing how our contingent must work together. And we were introduced to our new Patrol leaders, Andrew B. of Troop 75, Andrew S. of Troop 75, Hudson K. of Troop 75, Zachary B. of Troop 75, and Brady S. of Troop 114.
After our introduction and Camp setup, the Scouts were allowed to do as they pleased and were encouraged to explore Summit Bechtel. A group of Scouts went up to the Trading Post and got a scale of how large this Camp truly is. Though it is a temporary building, the Trading Post was massive. And it truly would have had to have been to accommodate all the Scouts going to the National Jamboree.
After which the Scouts returned and ate dinner together, ending our first day.
On our second day, many Scouts split off shortly after breakfast; around 9:00 was when every Scout had left Camp. And many of them had a very good reason to do so, as they were selected by the random lottery to ride the Big Zip Andrews Eagle flight, a massive zipline that travels 3/4 of a mile and reaches speeds up to 50 mph. As this group of Scouts went to the zipline, others had split off to do their own activities. For example, Cole G. of Troop 75 went to the docks and fished for the majority of the day.
A group of Scouts went off to complete a challenge called the totem pole, whereby visiting 13 different stations throughout the entire campsite and completing the challenge held at each, a totem pole patch set would be given. This involved visiting many different places, including a large number of military-based tents and activities. The most notable of which was the Coast Guard tent, where Max C. of Troop 75 and Andrew B. of Troop 75 broke a record for the fastest recovery of an injured individual in their simulator. Ending the day off was a concert with speakers such as Justin Green, a performance by rapper AY Young, and an amazing drone show.
The third day was another early wake-up for the Scouts, as many of them went on their own adventures; some even met notable figures such as Smokey the Bear. Some Scouts worked on merit badges while others focused heavily on patch trading. This day was special, though, as it was the beginning of the Challenges for the Chaplain’s Aid: Max C. of Troop 75. These challenges involved working with other Scouts to deepen their religious connection to one another and learning about other religions. After which there was a Hometown celebration where each contingent in campsite C where they taught other Scouts about where they’re from and hoped to help them experience a taste of what it’s like. A day jam-packed with so much fun, many of the scouts shortly after dinner went to sleep.
On the fourth day, a group of Scouts left early, and they were able to witness something truly amazing: a gold medal Eagle Court of Honor, a very rare and incredibly important event. A very beautiful ceremony and an incredibly interesting speaker. After which the Scouts went off to explore and simply enjoy being at the National Jamboree. Though later that day another Hometown celebration was held at campsite D, and it was incredible. One contingent had set up fake horse racing; another a miniature golf course. The most notable of which was a contingent that had inflatable alligator wrestling. There was so much more to see that even though we had a few hours to be there, we weren’t even able to experience every single part of it.
Sunday marked the halfway point, the fifth day, and many religious Services were being held. The Scouts visited many different ones, including a beautiful Catholic and Protestant service and a Presbyterian service; there were services for almost every religion. Just a list: some there were Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, and Judaism. This doesn’t even list all of the different specific services that fall under each of these religions. The National Jamboree worked incredibly hard to make sure that this Jamboree would be as inclusive as possible, and many of our Scouts highly appreciated it. After the services, it was a day of rest, so there were no activities happening other than America Extravaganza, which was a large event with food trucks, the military, and live speakers. Demonstrating one of the most amazing parts of scouting: its ability to be multicultural and maintain a strong sense of patriotism and pride for our beautiful country. Some of our Scouts went out and enjoyed the event while others decided to take the day of rest and relax after 5 days of continuous walking. Some of us did our laundry and cleaned up our tents to make sure everything would be tidy. Others simply enjoyed a nice nap, which definitely was well warranted. To end the day off, there was an Order of the Arrow concert, with the region chief, head of the Order of the Arrow, and multiple other speakers. The last part of the day, right before all the Scouts went to sleep, was a truly beautiful fireworks show with a finale that blew the socks off of every Scout as a final burst of at least a dozen fireworks shot off at once, showering the sky with beautiful, colorful light.
On the 6th, the day fog had started to roll in, simply foreshadowing further weather. As heavy rain was prominent throughout the day, though this did not stop the Scouts, as they went off to explore different parts of the camp. As always, patch trading was a must for these Scouts, but there were more important events throughout the day as well. A special unveiling of a new Order of the Arrow statue. With an amazing show hosted by two magicians. Many of the Scouts deeply enjoyed the show. As they balanced comedy with the seriousness the Order of the Arrow warrants.
As the seventh day moved in, rain began to fall heavily. To the point where Pathways were flooding and a new body of water was created. Underneath the SPL’s tent, a very large puddle formed, which was promptly dubbed Lake Brill. Lake Brill managed to survive the entirety of Jamboree without evaporating or dispersing its water. The rain impeded many of the events throughout the day, especially with the fear of lightning as a thunderstorm rolled in.
On the 8th day, the Scouts truly began to realize that it would be ending soon. Many continued off onto their own adventures, but there were some truly beautiful moments. Conor M. who earned his radio license and visited the AM FM radio station enough times that every staff member knew him by name. A new merit badge was unveiled as the Wilderness Fire Management merit badge. Even the federal director of Forestry showed up and spoke about the importance of this merit badge. It may help new Scouts become interested in protecting our forests from fires. By the end of the day, all the Scouts had returned for dinner, and some brought a special guest: Joshua Nero, the national chief of the Order of the Arrow; Emma Wright, the 2026 National Vice Chief; Max Mihalov, the 2026 Eastern Region Chief; and Kelson Dugdale, the Gateway Region Chief. The Scouts were incredibly excited to meet them. Many of them were asked to sign items offered by the Scouts, and one of the Scouts gave balloon animals out to the guests.
The 9th day was our last day of the national Jamboree. It started incredibly foggy, so dense that you couldn’t even see past 15 ft ahead of you. Luckily, as the sun rose, the fog burnt off quickly.
The Scouts enjoyed their last activities. Many went to the shooting range as it was their last chance. They offered many different firearms, as well as bows. It was the only place in Scouting where crossbows are allowed and one of the few camps where Scouts are allowed and taught the upright form for shooting rifles.
After which some Scouts ran to go do scuba. Making it just in time to be able to experience scuba diving in a controlled environment. As the Scouts returned to camp, we all worked together to pack up everything that we could, and we enjoyed one last dinner together. We joined in prayer to offer thanks for such an amazing experience and that we may meet each other once again along our journeys, and we went off to the last activity of the National Jamboree. A closing concert, filled with skydiving, music, awards, and speakers. To end off such an amazing National Jamboree, a drone show and live music were held. Shortly after, all the Scouts returned to their campsites for one last rest before they left.
On the 10th day, every Scout woke up very early around 5:00 am to finish packing up their tents and get ready to leave. Working together, we had fully packed up and were ready to leave by 7:00 am. As we all got onto the bus, we knew that there was going to be one last stop before we all said goodbye. The Scouts arrived at Tudor’s Biscuit World for a late breakfast. We shared one last breakfast together, and as quoted from the Scouts, “Tudor’s Biscuit World was the best breakfast ever”!
Once the bus arrived at our stop, many of the Scouts said their goodbyes and went home. Many of them took a much-needed nap. Others began work for their Eagle project, and a few of them ended their scouting journey with the best campout a Scout can go on: the National Jamboree.
Catholic Scouts complete Religious Trail Activity and more
Scouts and Scouters from Troops 3, 37, 1003, and 1028 from the Monticello District in the Virginia Headwaters Council of Scouting America took a day trip during Spring Break to complete the Washington, D.C. Trail Religious Activity as created by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Three of the Scouts, Georgia B. of Troop 1003 of Louisa, Adam S. of Troop 37 and Zachary S. of Troop 1028, , both of Charlottesville, selected the activity for the retreat required as part of their work toward the Ad Altare Dei religious emblem and invited others to join. Joining them on the trip were Scout Henry B. of Troop 3; Renee B. of Troops 3 and 1003, Religious Emblems Coordinator; Thomas H., Scout, and Patrick Headley, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 3; Alexander S., Troop 1028 Scout, and adults David and Audrey Storm of Troop 1028.
The day started early, leaving the Monticello District around 8 am, for the trip to DC. Along the way the Scouts worked on the Pope – Vicar of Christ Activity Requirements. After a relatively smooth drive up, the group got their first taste of DC traffic a mere five minutes away from their first stop: the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Leaving the parking lot as the church bells chimed, they made their 11 am scheduled tour. At the largest Catholic church in North America they learned about basilicas, shrines, and the role of a pilgrimage church.
Next, they took a half-mile walk up the road to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine where they had a quick bagged lunch break before going in. Here, the Scouts and Scouters learned about the life and pontificate of St. John Paul II which included his call for a “New Evangelization.” They learned about religious relics, why they are important to Catholics, and had an opportunity to view two first class relics: one of the late Pope, St. John Paul II and one of St. Carlo Acutis, the first Saint of the millennial generation who died at age 15.
To make up some time, Scouters opted to drive the mile-plus to their third stop: the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America. Here, everyone learned about the role of the Holy Land Franciscan Friars.
They took extra time to experience some of the recreations which included the catacombs, the grotto at Lourdes, and a tomb from the era of Jesus.
Physical exhaustion was setting in, so the Scouts opted for a virtual tour of Catholic University of America, the only Catholic university in America chartered by the Pope, to complete the final visit required on this trek.
On the way home, they dined at Mission BBQ and conducted a roses, buds, and thorns discussion. Everyone agreed it was a successful event, but wanted more time at each stop and between stops. Scouters are already discussing how to implement this next time. In addition to learning, this event provided a surprising number of opportunities to educate other visitors they met who inquired about Catholic Scouting throughout the day.
The last of the Scouts and Scouters arrived home just after 8pm, physically drained but spiritually filled after their experience in Washington, DC.
Once the current Ad Altare Dei group of Scouts complete their emblem requirements in the next few months, they’ll move onto the Pope Pius XII medal. Next fall, we’ll welcome a new group of Scouts to start work on Ad Altare Dei. If your troop has rising 7th or 8th graders who have reached First Class and who might be interested in earning the Ad Altare Dei (AAD) medal, or high schoolers interested in AAD or Pope Pius XII, reach out to our District’s religious emblems coordinator, Renee Brown, at rbrown@bsatroop1003.org. Adults are also welcome to join our leadership team by emailing cvillecatholicscouting@gmail.com to learn more about upcoming events.
