Form and function: This Boys’ Life jamboree map is more than a work of art

Bribe, borrow, beg — whatever it takes, you must get your hands on your son’s copy of the July 2013 edition of Boys’ Life magazine.

For adult leaders, swiping the latest Boys’ Life is a timeless tradition. But the newest issue has something you really can’t miss.

Inside you’ll find a fully illustrated map of the Scott Summit Center, aka the hub of the action at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.

Artwork with this level of detail and amount of activities happening simultaneously is reminiscent of those classic Where’s Waldo? books. Like those books, you could spend a long time studying every detail. Notice, for example, that some participants are wearing green uniforms instead of khaki, a reminder that this jamboree is the first to include Venturers. And you can spot Baden-Powell?

But more than just a frame-worthy piece of art, the map serves an important purpose. It’s a detailed, useful navigation tool to direct you to the nearest restroom, trading post, food stand, hydration station, or first aid tent. Activity areas are highlighted, too. You’ll find the challenge course, skate park, Sustainability Treehouse, daily stages, Brownsea Island, and (perhaps most importantly) the spot where Pedro will spend his jamboree.

There are two ways to get the map. If you’re impatient like me, you’ll want to grab the July 2013 edition of Boys’ Life to start planning how you’ll see it all. Visitors and participants, meanwhile, will get a version of the map when they arrive on site. 

Check out a low-resolution preview below: