What you need to know if you’re visiting the 2013 national jamboree

(Updated, May 13) First, you can give up your seat on the sidelines and get into the game.

Paying visitors this summer can sample some of the same high-adrenaline activities that the Scouts experience.

At past jamborees, a lot of the fun stuff — BMX, climbing, shooting sports — was off-limits to visitors. Not this time. But just like an amusement park, all that fun comes at a cost. 

So brush up now on the 2013 National Scout Jamboree Visitor Policy: 

How to buy

On May 13, the passes went on sale. Click here to learn more.

Location

Jamboree visitors will park in the designated visitor parking area and be transported by motor coach to the Summit Center. Visitors are only allowed to explore the Summit Center; they aren’t permitted elsewhere on the jamboree site.

But the Summit Shakedown, which I wrote about last year, took place in the Summit Center. So I can tell you there’s more than enough to keep you busy there. (See “Activities,” below.)

Hours

Visitors must return to the visitor parking area once visiting hours are over for the day.

Visiting hours:

• Monday, July 15: Closed to visitors
• Tuesday, July 16: Closed to visitors
• Wednesday, July 17: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, July 18: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, July 19: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, July 20: Noon to end of closing show
• Sunday, July 21: Noon to 8 p.m.
• Monday, July 22: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 23: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 24: Closed to visitors

Activities

What’s there to do? Lots.

• Exhibits
• Main jamboree retail store
• Retail food items
• Brownsea Island
• Boulder Cove
• Challenger Course
• Canopy Tour
• Skateboard Plaza
• Mountain Biking
• Shooting Sports
• Climbing
• BMX
• And more!

SHOWs

The opening show on the morning of July 16 is for participants and staff only.

The closing show on the evening of July 20 with Zambelli fireworks and lots more fun is open to visitors. The fee on the show day is a little higher (see “Fees,” below).

Security

As jamboree visitors prepare to board the motor coach en route to the Summit Center, screening — which may include checks of bags and walk-through metal detectors — will be conducted.

Youth Protection

All visitors will be shown a short, all-ages Youth Protection video on their bus ride between visitor parking and the Summit Center.

Fees

• One-day pass, specific date (non-show day): Adults, $35; youth (6-10), $25
  
• One-day pass, any one day (non-show day): Adults, $40; youth (6-10), $30
• Two-day pass, any two days (non-show): Adults, $50; youth (6-10), $40
• Three-day pass, any three days (non-show): Adults, $60; youth (6-10), $50
• All-day pass, all visitor days (includes show day): Adults $125; youth (6-10), $95
• One-day pass, show day: Adults, $50; youth (6-10), $40

Note:

• Free admission for kids under age 6
• Scouts/Venturers in full uniform will receive a coupon for a Trading Post discount (10 % off a single purchase up to $40)

 Photo by W. Garth Dowling/BSA