Charleston, W.Va., to Scout families: We’re your gateway to the jamboree

charleston-2You may have heard there’s a big party at the Summit this summer, a little get-together called the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.

But did you know that just an hour northwest of the BSA’s extravaganza sits the hip, historic city of Charleston, W.Va.?

West Virginia’s capital city has a host of opportunities hand-picked for packs, troops, teams, crews, and Scout families visiting the area this summer. And they’re extending a formal invitation to make Charleston a stop on your itinerary before, during, or after you visit, attend, or serve on staff at the jamboree.

The video embedded below — made just for Scouts and Scouters — spotlights a lot of what Charleston offers, much of it available for free or just a few bucks.

Some of the event highlights around jamboree time include: Live on the Levee, a free concert on July 12 headlined by American Idol winner Kris Allen; a July 13 free family movie night on the University of Charleston campus; several West Virginia Power minor-league baseball games; and a live taping of Mountain Stage, the popular two-hour music radio show.

And if you need a place to stay, that’s available for cheap at the University of Charleston’s residence halls.

Plan your visit at the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau site, or follow the jump for a roundup of activities and deals available: 

Charleston activities

Friday, July 12: Live on the Levee, a concert headlined by American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen. Fireworks immediately following. First band at 6:30 p.m. Free. Haddad Riverfront Park.

Saturday, July 13: Movie night on the University of Charleston campus. Starts at evening. The movie is Oz: The Great and Powerful, rated PG. Free. UC Campus.

Sunday, July 14: Scout Day at the Clay Center. Stars of the Discovery Channel shows Dual Survival and Man Woman Wild, Mykel Hawke and Dave Canterbury will appear at 2 p.m. $15 for general public or $10 for Scouts. Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, Maier Foundation Performance Hall.

Wednesday, July 17 to Tuesday, July 23: Various West Virginia Power minor-league baseball games. The Power are the Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Game times vary. Tickets start at $5. Appalachian Power Park.

Friday, July 19: Live on the Levee concert. Opener: Boy Scouts Jamboree Jazz Band. Headliner: Butch Miles. First band at 6:30 p.m. Free. Haddad Riverfront Park.

Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21: Division of Culture & History activities, including showings of Rocket Boys in the State Theater, outdoor space set up where children can build and launch model rockets, activities at the West Virginia State Museum, the WV150 Sesquicentennial Exhibit, and the annual West Virginia Juried Quilt Exhibition. All activities free and open to the public.

Ongoing Activities:

  • Geocaching at the Division of Culture & History. Free.
  • The Clay Center’s Avampato Discovery Museum, a science museum with a planetarium and giant-screen films.
  • Lots of great shopping and food throughout the city.
  • Tons of outdoor activities within a short drive, including zip-line canopy tours, whitewater rafting, ATV trails, golfing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, and kayaking.

Lodging options

Charleston has more than 5,000 hotel rooms — essentially something for any budget. And if you’re looking to save even more, the University of Charleston will offer lodging in its residence halls at these rates:

  • Double Room
    • $40 per person per day with linens
    • $30 per person per day without linens
  • Single Room
    • $60 per person per day with linens
    • $45 per person per day without linens

Keeping your troops fed won’t be an issue, either, as many of Charleston’s hotels are within walking distance to plenty of affordable dining options

Charleston CVB video


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.