When Scouts and Scouters gather for the next jamboree, they will do so at a new location for the first time since 1981.
The 2013 National Scout Jamboree will be held at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scouting Reserve, located about 20 minutes from Beckley, West Virginia. This 10,600 acre site, bordered on three sides by the New River Gorge National River, is being crafted by Scouting for Scouting.
Surveys are underway to determine what Scouts want in a jamboree. The results will be used to develop the site and the program. Scouts can learn more and share their comments at http://www.facebook.com/TheBechtelSummit.
The site will hold 40,000 Scouts and 10,000 adults in 2013.
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Bechtel, Jr., during their visit to the West Virginia tent at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. (Photo courtesy of Bechtel Summit)
Construction is under way in West Virginia. All timbering is nearly complete and roads are 60 percent designed. Paving for the roads is being produced on-site by crushing 416 tons of granite into gravel. Phase 1 of the construction plan will be complete by the 2013 jamboree, but phases 2 and 3 will continue for at least 10 more years until the final configuration is achieved. A high-adventure base and permanent summer camp will be included in these phases. When complete, the maximum grade change will be no more than 5 percent, so there will be no major physical challenges in getting around the camp.
Attendees at the 2013 jamboree can expect a completely different jamboree experience than in the past. The footprint for the jamboree site will be smaller than past jamborees, which is in keeping with ecological considerations, but there will be more area dedicated to program areas. Accommodations may be spartan in 2013, but improvements will continue afterwards.
In addition to the present property, surrounding land will be purchased over the years. BSA is also working with the National Park Service to help develop the New River Gorge National River so that the adjacent 70,000 acres of the National Park Service property will be developed with Scouting in mind.
To see a video on the site and pick up handouts, visit the Bechtel Summit tent off Thomas Road. For more information, contact George Rogers at 304-640-8291, or Sarah Hargrove at 817-988-6785.
We may feel that leaving our current jambo home at Fort AP Hill is a sad one but the new home at The Summit looks to be a fantastic future for so many scouts. A BIG thanks to all who took part and is taking part now and in the future to make this happin. Also thanks to all the workers that will “mold” the property into what we will call our new Jambo site.
2013 site – well, things do change and while leaving Fort AP Hill may be sad, remember! Scouts love adventure and the idea of a new home is an ‘adventure’….thank you US Gov’t for hosting Scouts and Scouters.