What to expect at the 2017 National Jamboree stadium shows

Jamboree shows are a big reason these quadrennial events are so epic.

Tens of thousands of Scouts and Scouters gather to laugh, get inspired and rock out to some great music. Shows are a visual reminder that, as Scouts, we’re part of something bigger than our own troops and councils.

The stadium shows at the 2017 National Jamboree will be some of the best yet, and the entertainment acts scheduled to perform are sure to thrill Scouts and Venturers.

While the Jamboree Shows Team won’t spoil the surprise about who will perform, they did give me some insight into how these acts were chosen. Scouts will like knowing they didn’t poll a bunch of Scoutmasters.

I also have some news on what you’re supposed to wear to Saturday night’s opening show. Hint: It’s time to show off your city or state pride.

Who’s performing at the 2017 Jamboree?

At past National Jamborees, big-name bands like The Beach Boys, Switchfoot and 3 Doors Down have rocked out.

To select 2017’s performers, the Jamboree Shows Team asked Jamboree participants whom they wanted to see as part of the AT&T Stadium Experience.

The team chose Jamboree performers based on the Scouts’ recommendations.

When are the shows?

There are three big shows at the AT&T Summit Stadium:

  • 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22: Celebration of Scouting Show, which is open to visitors
  • 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 24: Fellowship & Service Show
  • 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Thursday, July 27: Farewell Show

Jamboree participants and staffers won’t want to miss a single one. But the Saturday night opening show could be the best show in Jamboree history.

What should we wear to the opening show?

The opening show will be a Scout’s first taste of how awesome the Jamboree will be.

This year, Scouts and Scout leaders are asked to showcase their local pride by wearing hats, shirts or other accessories specific to their council or area.

Please ask your youth leaders to brainstorm some ideas of “flair apparel” items that represent something unique in your council or city. Texans might wear cowboy hats, while Scouts from Green Bay could don cheeseheads.

Other than ensuring that your flair is Scout-appropriate and not prohibitively expensive for your Scouts, there are no rules. So be creative.

The most attention-grabbing accessories will be sure to inspire the show’s camera operators to get shots of your group on the big screens, live, in front of tens of thousands of Scouts and Scouters.

What other entertainment can we expect?

One of the most exciting and engaging new events for Scouts happening at the 2017 Jamboree will be the Base Camp Bashes.

Beginning around 8 p.m. on nonshow nights, these 90-minute pop-up experiences will be a combination of a concert, dance party and variety show, aimed at getting everyone fired up.

Base Camp Bashes bring the stage and talent right to you in your base camps. After dinner, Scouts won’t have to travel far to have one of their most memorable nights at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.

In all, the Stadium Experience Team is responsible for 28 different shows in 19 locations over 10 days.

Learn more about the Jamboree

For details about the Jamboree, including how to join the fun as a visitor, go to the official site.


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