The Jamboree is more than a destination—it's the adventure of a lifetime. Ever since the first National Scout Jamboree was held in Washington D.C. in July of 1937, Scouts have gathered every four years to celebrate the mission of Scouting. With an average attendance of over 40,000 Scouts, there is nothing quite like this week-long, fun-fueled adventure. Whether you're a Scout excited to attend your first Jamboree or a parent looking to make sure your child has everything they need to have a good time, we've put together this FAQs page to help answer all your questions about the 2026 National Scout Jamboree. 

Sign Up for the 2026 National Jamboree! 

Imagine a weeklong adventure in the heart of Appalachia! The 2026 National Scout Jamboree will be held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia from July 22-31. The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve is centered in the wilds of West Virginia and offers everything from hiking and rafting to mountain biking, archery, and even a unique ATV experience that includes more than 60 miles of rugged exploration in the New River Gorge. Summit is one of four High Adventure Bases managed by the National Council of the Scouting America, and the camp welcomes millions of Scouts from all around the world every year. The Summit is accessible by bus or vehicle via I-77 and I-64 (via SR-19) just outside Beckley, WV. The closest major airport is Yeager Airport in Charleston, WV, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the camp. There are airports in Charlotte and Pittsburgh, but they are almost 4 hours away from the base. Amtrak offers a rail service to Prince, WV, via the Cardinal Line. The train ride takes about 15 minutes, and it's an extraordinary experience for Scouts who have never traveled by train!

The cost for youth participants attending the 2026 National Scout Jamboree is estimated to range between $2,550 and $5,800, depending on your local council and the specifics of the package they offer. No fees will be collected during registration. Your local council will collect your registration fees. Scouting's flagship event includes a national fee of approximately $1,560, covering program materials, food, insurance, and equipment expenses.

The payment schedule for contingent members registering on or after November 1 will typically consist of a deposit and additional payments, with final payments due closer to the Jamboree. Keep in mind that the Jamboree is the adventure of a lifetime, and it is one of the most exciting experiences in Scouting. The fee collected by your local council usually covers many items, including the Jamboree fee, council Jamboree gear, and transportation to and from the Jamboree, which can include bus, train, and airfare. Your council will set a payment schedule based on when they must submit payments to National Scouting America, Jamboree gear suppliers, and transportation companies. Scouts who help raise funds for their Scouting adventures often have a greater appreciation of the event and the time that goes into making it possible.

You can register for the 2026 Jamboree at jamboree.scouting.org. Before you register, your Scouting America membership must be current, and your Member ID number must be linked to your My Scouting account profile. The Jamboree is open to all qualified youth on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be at least 12 years old to attend and be registered under a Scout Troop. Unless the unit is full at registration, you will be placed in a Jamboree troop or crew closest to you. If so, you will be placed in the nearest available troop or crew. Each Scout will be a member of a patrol within their unit. 

• Complete the National Jamboree Medical form signed by a licensed physician
• Have a parent or guardian complete the online parental consent form
• Participate in pre-Jamboree training experience with their local council and unit leader
• Submit all registration fees per the local council’s payment schedule
• Have a current Scouting America membership with a Scouts BSA troop at the time of Jamboree
• Be at least 12 years of age by the first day of the Jamboree (July 22, 2026) and have not reached their 18th birthday by the last day of the Jamboree (July 31, 2026)
• Be approved by their unit leader and local council
  
• Be available to participate in pre-Jamboree training experiences with the council contingent
  
• Be responsible for uniforms (two complete field/class A uniforms), personal gear (e.g., mess kit and sleeping bag), and spending money

The National Scout Jamboree is one of Scouting's biggest events, where thousands of Scouts come together for fellowship, high adventure, and an exciting once-in-a-lifetime program! It's the perfect time for Scouts to make fun memories with kids their age and get to know youth from different backgrounds. During the Jamboree, Scouts can engage in patch trading, where youth trade and collect patches from councils around the country. There isn't a shortage of fun activities to try at the Jamboree! Scouts who attend explore all kinds of adventures—stadium shows, pioneer villages, Mount Jack hikes, adventure sports, and more—all in the heart of one of nature's greatest playgrounds.

• World-class zip lines
• The third-largest shooting sports venue in the world
• Large arena shows
• The 2nd largest skate park in the US
• Kayaking & whitewater rafting
• Rock climbing and rappelling
• Mountain bikes, BMX, & ATVs

With all the excitement around the Jamboree, it can be nerve-racking to pack for the big event. You will want to cover the basics like clothes and personal gear, and even bring a little spending money! Pack at least two uniforms, including shirts, pants, and shorts. We also recommend packing a pair of long pants, hiking boots, lace-up shoes, rain gear, hats, sweatshirts, pajamas, underwear, swimsuits, and plenty of socks. It would be best if you had a sleeping bag, preferably one that is lightweight and can be folded up small, a mess kit, at least two one-liter water bottles, a couple of towels, a flashlight, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Remember, the Jamboree will take place in the summer, so you will want to ensure you have water shoes, sunglasses, and a charger for a smartphone so you can call mom and dad. For gear like sleeping bags, mess kits, water bottles, and more Jamboree gear, go to ScoutShop.org or visit your local Scout Shop and talk to a professional who can help you get ready for the Jamboree. 

With thousands of Scouts gearing up to come together and celebrate Scouting in the heart of Appalachia, the National Jamboree is what Scouting is all about; community, respect, and care; supporting each other and the beautiful world we live in. We hope you found this Jamboree FAQ page helpful, and we hope to see you at next year's big event. For uniforms, hiking gear, camping equipment, and official merch for the 2026 National Scout Jamboree, visit ScoutShop.org—the official online retail store of the Scouting America!