RECAP OF THE 2017 NATIONAL JAMBOREE
207 SCOUTS FROM OUR COUNCIL
From July 19 to July 28, 207 Scouts and 18 adult leaders from Northern Star Council went to Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia for the 2017 National Jamboree. The 5 Troops and 1 Crew from our council got to be part of the 19th Annual Scout Jamboree, which hosted about 24,000 youth and 6,000 staff members this year.
Along with the Scouts, Northern Star Council had about 40 volunteers who helped run the Jamboree, making us one of the most represented Council’s there. Among the 30,000 Scouts who attended, there were Scouts from all 50 states as well as Scouts from places all over the world, such as Korea, Uruguay, Poland, and more.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE STAFF
Ryan McDonald, the Activities and STEM Director for Northern Star Council, saw the fun firsthand as a part of the zipline staff at the Jamboree. He said running the zipline was “one of the most tiring things I’ve done, but one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in Scouting.”
“Working with the other staff members was incredible because they came from all over the country from many different walks of life,” McDonald said. “The staff had 16 year old youth at their first Jamboree all the way up to a 91 year old WWII veteran. You really got to know them and you hung out with everyone when your job was done for the day,” he added.
Apart from working with the staff, McDonald said another highlight from his Jamboree was helping kids work through their fears while at the top of the zipline. “You get to talk them through the whole thing and help them take that “leap” and conquer that fear,” he said.
Along with ziplining, Scouts could participate in other adventure programs such as canopy tours, rock climbing, rafting, and shooting sports. On top of all the physical activities the Jamboree offered, Scouts also attended concerts and speeches, saw military equipment and demonstrations, and participated in games, activities and challenges.
UPCOMING NATIONAL EVENTS
If you missed the 2017 National Jamboree, don’t worry! Other events are right around the corner. The 2018 National Order of the Arrow Conference, the 2019 World Jamboree and the 2021 National Jamboree are all exciting upcoming events that are looking for enthusiastic participants and leaders.
Ryan McDonald
Activities/STEM Director
651-254-9124
[email protected]