Congratulations on signing up for the 2023 National Jamboree—it's going to be a blast! The Jamboree is a top-tier Scouting experience where you'll go on countless adventures and forge unforgettable memories with kids your age. If it's your first time at the event, do not worry one bit. With so much fun and adventure awaiting you, the preparation, planning, and packing will make all the difference. To help you prepare for the biggest Scouting adventure of the year, we've pulled together this comprehensive list of gear you should pack for the Jamboree. 

From whitewater rafting and kayaking to rock climbing, mountain biking, stadium shows, and more, there are a ton of adventures at the Jamboree that are sure to satisfy even the most devout thrill-seekers. When packing for the big event, it's essential to remember that this will be a week-long experience, so you'll want to make sure you bring plenty of underwear, socks, rain gear, and changes of swimsuits. That may sound like a no-brainer, but with all the gear Scouts will need, it can be easy to overlook. This expert checklist includes camping essentials, clothing, personal gear, and first-aid essentials to help you prepare for all the fun at the 2023 National Jamboree.

To get started, you'll want to consider how you're going to fit all your items in one pack. We recommend this K3 60L Duffle Bag designed for the long haul. This K3 plus a National Camp School Backpack can help you carry everything you need for all ten days when you pack smart. This Osprey Daypack is also a great alternative to the backpack, as you'll want something smaller than a duffel to carry around the campgrounds as you move from one adventure to the next. 

Camping Gear:

• Hiking Boots
• Lace-Up Sport Shoes 
• Water Shoes
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad (Optional)
• Travel Pillow (Optional)
• Stadium Chair or Camp Chair (Optional)

Clothing:

• 2 Field Uniforms
• Hat or Cap
• Bandana
• Socks
• Jacket
• Sweatshirt
• Swimsuit
• Underwear
• Activity Shirts
• Sleep Clothing
• Long-Sleeve Shirt or Baselayer (Optional)

Personal Gear:

• Microfiber Towel
• Wash Cloths
• Hand Towel
• Toiletry Kit
• Water Bottles
• Flashlight
• Mess Kit
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen 
• Power Pack Kit (Optional)

First Aid Essentials:

• First Aid Kit
• Moleskin
• Sunglasses 
• Zanfel

Packing is all about making smart choices. Think of each item as an essential piece of a puzzle. The camping gear you decide to bring should be lightweight, broken-in, and make your experience as comfortable as possible—you'll want to ensure you get the best rest to recharge for another fun-fuelled day! For camping items, you'll want to focus on gear that will make you feel comfortable throughout all ten days at the Jamboree. This means opting to bring broken-in hiking boots and lace-up sports shoes. You'll want to pack these items at the bottom of your pack, towards the sides, to keep them from getting the rest of your gear dirty. When choosing a sleeping bag, you'll want something compactible and lightweight so you're not adding unnecessary weight to your pack. Don't forget to bring water shoes for all the water-based adventures at the Summit.

Besides two sets of field uniforms (one of them with long pants for your day of service), five pairs of underwear, at least seven pairs of socks, and two sets of sleeping clothes, you'll also want to pack some activity shirts, at least two pairs of swimsuits, and some warm clothing—it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! You will want to roll your uniforms tight and pack your clothes in the middle of your bag. This means bringing a jacket, sweatshirt, at least one long-sleeve shirt, and even a baselayer that can help you stay warm and dry. Packing clothing means being prepared for a sudden change of weather and having plenty of backup items so you smell clean and fresh around your Jamboree companions. The Jamboree takes place in the middle of summer, and you'll want to protect your skin from the sun's powerful rays. So, bring a hat or cap and a bandana for sun protection. When it comes to socks, we recommend packing six to seven pairs. Scout socks are good, but pack some Thorlos hiking socks for all your adventures during the day. 

Your personal gear will go on top of the items in your Jamboree pack. Make sure to pack at least two towels and hand towels. Let's be honest, you can't have a whole lot of fun outdoors if you're sunburnt, overheated, underhydrated, or bug bitten. So, these personal items will go a long way in ensuring that nothing interferes with your fun at the 2023 Jamboree. Sunscreen and insect repellent are a must on virtually any outdoor adventure in the summer, and it's also vital you bring some Zanfel. Zanfel provides relief in up to 30 seconds for poison ivy, oak, and sumac. It's really easy to get dehydrated when you're having fun in the sun, so pack a water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't necessarily feel thirsty. If it's your first time at the Jamboree, we know firsthand that it can get pretty dark at night, so you'll want to bring a flashlight or headlamp and some extra batteries! After you pack your toiletry kit, place it at the top of your pack and smile, knowing you're ready for anything at the Jamboree. 

Whether it's moleskin for blisters, a first-aid kit for emergencies, or medication approved by your physician, you'll want to ensure you don't forget all your first-aid essentials. Every Scout knows that being prepared is a must when exploring the great outdoors, and although thousands of other Scouts'll surround you, it's not a bad thing to be self-reliant in an emergency. 

We hope you found this gear checklist super helpful! For more Jamboree gear, visit ScoutShop.org—the official online retail store of the 2023 National Scout Jamboree! The Jamboree is an amazing adventure where you'll meet new Scouts from all parts of the country and make the most amazing memories. Make sure to share your Jamboree pics with us at #ScoutShop_BSA for a chance to be featured on our social channels!