Want to be at the Jamboree? Here’s how to go as a visitor

In fewer than 150 days, thousands of Scouts and Scouters will converge at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia for the National Jamboree.

Registration for the big event, slated for July 19-28, will be closing soon. You can register online by visiting the Jamboree website. Before you do, remember to ensure your profile on your My.Scouting account is updated.

You can also buy tickets to go for the day. Visitor tickets are now available for certain days of the 20th installment of this flagship BSA event.

When you can go

Visitors can purchase day pass tickets to visit the National Jamboree on the following days:

  • Friday, July 21: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 22: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Monday, July 24: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 25: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 26: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The day passes cost $75 for adults (ages 14 and up) and $50 for youth (ages 6 to 13) for the first four available days. Adult passes cost $50 and youth passes cost $30 for Wednesday, July 26. Kids ages 5 and under are admitted free on all visitor days.

Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged as the numbers of visitors will be limited. You can purchase tickets online here. Tickets will also be sold on-site.

What your ticket gets you

When you arrive at the J.W. and Hazel Ruby West Virginia Welcome Center, your ticket is good for shuttle service to and from the Jamboree. For safety, security and parking availability, you cannot drive your personal vehicle to the Jamboree site.

Once you’re shuttled in, you will have access to many of the fun, exciting activities the Scouts are enjoying. Visitors can check out:

  • An autonomous vehicle race
  • Rock climbing
  • Pioneering and buckskin games
  • Skateboarding
  • The BSA’s Sustainability Treehouse
  • The Summit’s interpretive history trail
  • The equipment and vehicles of disaster response services
  • The imagination and thrill of STEM
  • BMX bikes
  • Maker areas to race in the world’s longest derby race
  • National Jamboree Trading Post

If you haven’t been to the Summit before, know that getting from certain places may require hiking up and down slight hills. You will need to be physically prepared for hiking.

Visitors will only have access to the Summit Center area at the Jamboree site; you are not allowed in the subcamps or other adventure areas, like zip lining, aquatics or canopy tours.

If you want to meet someone — like your Scout who is attending the Jamboree — arrange to meet them at a certain place in the Summit Center area. Wi-Fi and cellular service are available. Making arrangements ahead of time is a good idea as it will likely be crowded.

What to bring 

Since you might be doing a lot of walking, you’ll want to bring a good pair of hiking shoes. Here are some other items to bring, so you’ll Be Prepared to visit the Jamboree:

  • Rain jacket or umbrella.
  • Refillable water bottle. Refilling water bottle stations are available throughout the site.
  • Good walking or hiking shoes. You should wear closed-toed shoes.
  • Dress in layers — the weather changes often with passing thunderstorms, and sometimes these changes occur rapidly.
  • Sunscreen/insect repellent (consider long sleeves for sun protection).
  • Wide brimmed hat or cap.
  • Snacks (food vendors will also be on-site).

Some items are not allowed, check this page for restrictions.

If you forgot something, stop by the Jamboree trading post. You can also purchase a 2023 National Jamboree souvenir while you’re there.


About Michael Freeman 432 Articles
Michael Freeman, an Eagle Scout, is an associate editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines.