1969 National Scout Jamboree

1969 National Scout Jamboree

The national Scout jamboree is a gathering, or jamboree of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America, usually held every four years and organized by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Referred to as "the Jamboree", "Jambo", or NSJ, Scouts from all over the nation and world have the opportunity to attend. They are considered to be one of several unique experiences that the Boy Scouts of America offers. The first jamboree was scheduled to be held in 1935 in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Scouting, but was delayed two years. The 1937 jamboree in the Nation's Capital attracted 25,000 Scouts, who camped around the Washington Monument and Tidal Basin. The event was covered extensively by national media and attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Following the disruption of World War II, the next jamboree was not held until 1950 in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Subsequent jamborees have been held around the country as a means to promoting Scouting nationally. Since 1981, the jamboree has been located Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Future jamborees will be held at The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia.

A jamboree is held for several consecutive days and offers many activities for youth participants and the 300,000 members of the general public who visit it. Some consider it to be Scouting at its best.