San Diego-Imperial Council
2026 NATIONAL JAMBOREE CONTINGENTS
Jamboree is more than a destination. It is the adventure of a lifetime. It is a gathering, or jamboree, of thousands of members of the Scouting America. It is referred to as “the Jamboree or “Jambo” as Scouts from all over the nation and world have the opportunity to attend. The first Jamboree was in 1937 in Washington D.C. For 2026, the National Jamboree will be celebrating the 250-year anniversary of our country, the Semi-quincentennial, so expect lots of patriotism. The 2026 National Jamboree will be held once again at the Bechtel Summit, one of Scouting America's High Adventure Base Camps, in West Virginia. Get ready to ELEVATE your adventure!
WHEN IS THE NATIONAL JAMBOREE:
The 2026 National Jamboree will take place July 22 – 31, 2026.
WHY ATTEND THE NATIONAL JAMBOREE:
It’s the most memorable experiences a BSA Scout, Venture Scout or Sea Scout can do. It is everything you can do in Scouting – and more – in one place just for you and thousands of other Scouts who are all there to have fun!
WHAT CAN YOU DO AT THE JAMBOREE?
A large array of activities such as: Climbing, zip lines, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, BMX biking, skateboard park, shooting sports, archery, kayaking, paddle boarding, kayaking, water obstacle courses, fishing, rappelling, merit badge opportunities, STEM, and much more to evening entertainment.
WHERE IS THE JAMBOREE?
The Summit Bechtel Reserve is home to the National Scout Jamboree located in West Virginia. The Summit is a unique Scouting facility with an expansive landscape. It is a place where Scouts can learn, explore and push themselves to ELEVATE!
WHO CAN ATTEND?
A Scout must be registered in a Scouts BSA troop, Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship. If attending as a member of Scouts BSA, a Scout must be 12 years of age and no older than 17 years of age. If attending as a member of a Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship, a Scout must be 14 years of age and not yet 21 years of age. Scouts can also apply for youth leadership positions that count toward advancement requirements.
To attend the Jamboree as a contingent adult leader, an adult must be a current registered member of Scouting America, be approved by San Diego-Imperial Council, no less than 21 years of age. Assistant Scoutmaster, 18-20 years of age, are encouraged to register for National staff (JST) or register and participate asa member of a Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship. Scout and adult contingents will participate in mandatory monthly meetings, pre-Jamboree training experiences and other activities to prepare for the Jamboree adventure. All participants and adults must have a current BSA Annual Health & Medical Record completed within a set date of the Jamboree event.
FINANCIAL AID?
San Diego-Imperial Council (SDIC) will have financial aid opportunities. For further information, email Dan Ontiveros at Daniel.Ontiveros@scouting.org. You must be signed up and paid the deposit for the jamboree to apply for financial aid.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Fill out the attached Interest Form for either Scout or Adult. Information on the leadership positions can be found on the link on the Interest form. To lock in a Scout’s reservation, a $300 deposit is required. San Diego-Imperial Council has 2 contingents, one male troop and one female troop. The approximate cost will be $4,500 - $5,000 for each SDIC participant. The Jamboree fee includes 10 days at Jamboree plus transportation, meals, a shakedown weekend, travel gear, and a pre-Jamboree tour. After submitting the deposit, monthly payments must be made until the balance is paid in full. Final payment deadline is 4/01/2026. This amount is an approximate and is subject to change but not exceed.
What’s a pre-Jamboree tour?
A pre-Jamboree tour is an activity that happens just before the actual Jamboree, there are several options and in celebration of the Semi-quincentennial options will be reviewed with a travel company to plan accordingly.
Who do I Contact If I have more questions?
Linda Latimer– SDIC Jamboree Chair
linda-promgmt@cox.net
Dan Ontiveros – SDIC Jamboree Staff Partner
Daniel.Ontiveros@scouting.org
Jamboree is more than a destination. It’s the adventure of lifetime. And there is simply nothing else like it on the planet.
What’s a Jamboree? It’s not camp. National Jamboree is 360-degrees of fun, friends and fellowship! It is hands-on adventure that takes you places you never thought you would go and challenge you to try things you never thought you could.
It’s the beginning of your own heroes’ journey that will challenge you to go farther than you ever thought possible. You’ll reach deeper and lift yourself higher to become the best version of yourself.
