Let’s look ‘forward’ to 2023: the National Jamboree registration opens this week

We’re ready for the 20th National Jamboree. It’s a Scouting tradition dating back to 1935 – or more accurately, 1937. Similar to the first Jamboree, which was delayed two years due to a polio epidemic, the 2021 gathering was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next year, Scouts, Venturers, Explorers and Sea Scouts from all over the country are invited to the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia from July 19 to 28. There, they can enjoy whitewater rafting, biking, rock climbing and much more.

Registration for the largest national Scouting event opens this week. Tune in to the BSA’s Facebook page for a livecast on March 9 at 7 p.m. CT for a special registration kickoff, featuring more on the Jamboree’s high-adventure fun, base camp activities, history and interviews.

2023 Jamboree Logo Reveal.mov from Boy Scouts of America on Vimeo.

Be Prepared to register

During the March 9 livecast, registration for both participants and Jamboree staff will go live. You will need to make sure items in your My.Scouting account profile are up-to-date to ensure the online registration process goes smoothly.

First, your BSA membership must be current, and your member ID number must be linked in your My.Scouting account profile.

All of the information in your profile of the My.Scouting account should also be current, especially the email address. Jamboree registration pulls the information from My.Scouting accounts, and the email address linked to that account will be used to correspond with you.

After submitting the application, you will receive an email to complete the required disclaimers. That step must be completed before the application is considered complete and made available to your local council to review. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check the junk/spam folders.

Let’s go ‘forward’

A few weeks ago, the Jamboree’s logo and theme was unveiled. The theme is “Forward,” representing the Scouting journey. Each Scout is on his or her own journey, facing challenges along the way. When they encounter a challenge, Scouts don’t stand still – they evaluate, plan and move forward. Scouting as a movement is always moving forward, reaching new generations of young people and equipping them to be leaders in their communities, nation and world.

The event’s logo highlights this theme through its symbolism. On the outside of the emblem, there are the points of the compass; at true north is the iconic Scouting fleur-de-lis. The youth silhouettes are dynamic, not standing still – each is moving forward to his or her next adventure. Summit and West Virginia-specific imagery is represented in the logo with the bridge and bear paw. Finally, the stars stand for the ideals that guide every Scout: the Scout Oath and Law.


About Michael Freeman 459 Articles
Michael Freeman, an Eagle Scout, is an associate editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines.