Scouts at 2010 Jamboree Celebrate Adventure and Continue Journey

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Aug 04, 2010, 09:31 ET

FORT A.P. HILL, Va., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- When Tony DiSalvo was 8 years old in 1937, he attended the first National Scout Jamboree in Washington, D.C. Now, 17 jamborees later, DiSalvo, 81, was among the 45,000 Scouts and Scouters attending the 2010 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill.

The jamboree experience defines Scouting. Normally held every four years, jamboree gives participants a chance to form lifelong friendships, hone Scouting skills, and enjoy exciting new adventures. For many Scouts, the jamboree is the first big adventure in life, and memories of the events remain strong over decades.

Steve Bowen, 63, of El Centro, Calif., is a veteran of five national and six international jamborees. Bowen, who is chairman of the Merit Badge Midway at this jamboree, is helping to draw the blueprints for Scouting's future. He serves on a BSA committee looking for innovative programs and new merit badge activities, including subjects like geocaching and robotics.

But no matter how big a role technology plays in Scouting's future, Bowen said, keeping boys active in the outdoors will always be the BSA's priority. "I don't think you can ever take the 'out' out of Scouting. The kids are always going to want to enjoy campouts and high adventure."

The 2010 jamboree closes today, but Scouts are already looking forward to what lies ahead. The National Scout Jamboree will have a new home in 2013 on a fabulous tract of land in West Virginia's New River Gorge region—The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The property provides whitewater rafting, rock-climbing, and other high-adventure features that were impossible at Virginia's Fort A.P. Hill, where the jamboree has been held since 1981.

BSA leaders are confident that the new facility will enhance interest in Scouting across the nation. With new programs and a new home for jamboree, the BSA is moving into the future.

Scouts Give Thumbs-Up to Bechtel Summit

After reviewing an exhibit about The Summit and seeing video of youths rafting the New River and climbing and rappelling huge rock faces above the river, many boys who are attending their first jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill this year are hoping to attend the first-ever jamboree at The Summit.

"There's going to be a lot of adventuring-type activities, like backpacking, and more outdoor things, and I really like that," said David Sherrell, 13, of Troop 526, Ridgewood, N.J. "It's got everything; it's the real deal," said Zach Zachow of Troop 1513, Jackson, Miss., as he eyed the Summit exhibit. Chris Grapasso of Troop 711 summed it all up: "I actually think it's going to be really awesome because of the mountain. I mean, it's called 'The Summit.' How much cooler than that can it get?"

About the National Scout Jamboree

Since 1937, the National Scout Jamboree has provided unforgettable experiences for more than 650,000 Scouts and adult leaders. More than 2.9 million youth are members of the Boy Scouts of America. More information on the 2010 National Scout Jamboree is available at www.bsajamboree.org.

AT&T Official Exclusive Communications Sponsor of the Boy Scouts of America's 2010 National Scout Jamboree

SOURCE Boy Scouts of America