Maine Scouts travel to National Jamboree in West Virginia

The Boy Scouts of America Jamboree attracted over 13,000 scouts from around the world and over 5,000 visitors to the 10-day event in West Virginia in July, including a contingent of Scouts from Maine.

Scouts from Maine visited the U.S. Capitol in July and 
received a tour before taking part in the National 
Jamboree in West Virginia. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Over the course of the Jamboree, which takes place every four years, Scouts and Scouters explored all kinds of adventures ranging from stadium shows, pioneer village, Mount Jack hikes, adventure sports and more, in the heart of one of nature’s greatest playgrounds. With 10,000 acres at the Bechtel Summit Reserve in West Virginia to explore, and directly across from the New River Gorge National Park, there was no shortage of opportunities to build Scouting memories.

The 45 Scouts and leaders from Pine Tree Council, which covers southern and western parts of Maine, took a bus to the event which was held at the Summit making stops in Washington, D.C.

Scout Contingent Leader, Joan Dollarhite wrote on July 17 at Camp Snyder outside Washington, D.C., “Tents are pitched, pizza ordered and eaten. We had a great ride and are looking forward to sightseeing tomorrow.”

The Scouts earned the money for the trip through many fundraisers such as selling popcorn outside the Lowes in Brunswick, selling meat sticks, bottle drives, etc.

From soaring high above the ground on a zip line to conquering high ropes courses and scaling rock walls, there was no shortage of adventures at the Jamboree.

Local Scouts took on the challenge of the climbing wall, navigated their way through orienteering courses, tried new things like branding or welding, and braved the rapids during an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip.

There were also demonstrations from the U.S. Coast Guard and motivational speeches given by Scott Pelley, correspondent for 60 Minutes and former news anchor and managing editor of CBS News who talked about bravery; and Lt. General and Eagle Scout, John Evans, who spoke to Scouts about the importance of leadership.

Susan Shoberg of Windham served as the Scoutmaster for the female Scouts from Pine Tree Council who attended the Jamboree.

“I enjoyed watching the youth be able to explore on their own and find adventure every day,” Shoberg said. She enjoyed the zip line and meeting guest speakers such as Scott Pelley; Elaine Ho, director of diversity at NASA; and Scott Mann, founder of Operation Pineapple Express. Shoberg is the volunteer District Commissioner for the Abnaki District which delivers Scouting in Androscoggin and Oxford Counties

Maine’s Scouts not only found their adrenaline rush but also took part in programs designed to foster personal growth and build self-confidence. They also found opportunities to overcome mental and emotional obstacles as well and engage in team-building exercises that required communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. These experiences not only enhance outdoor skills but also cultivate character and resilience. The Jamboree helped to develop leadership skills.

The Scouts also took part in a massive undertaking which was a good deed. Scouts at the National Jamboree assembled 5,000 "Flood Bucket" cleaning kits consisting of 15 items ranging from rubber gloves and scrub brushes to scouring pads and towels packed tightly into a 5-gallon bucket. These kits serve as essential “first aid” resources that provide flood victims with the practical and emotional support necessary to begin restoration of their homes and personal belongings.

The completed tightly packed 5 gallon bucket kits, valued at $375,000, will be wrapped and transported to a warehouse and then distributed as needed to flooded areas throughout West Virginia as "first aid" resources for flood victims.

Alexander Durocher of Dayton, 12, is a Second Class scout in Troop 310 and said that he enjoyed trying new things.

“I tried fly fishing for the first time and almost completed the merit badge. I just have to catch a fish. I also tried out welding,” Durocher said. “I like earning the Jamboree NOVA award -it was such an accomplishment. I wanted to try rock climbing and to visit the military exhibits more.”

Michael Fortin, Committee Chair for Troop 603, also attended.

“It was fulfilling to see all of the Scouts have this amazing experience,” Michael Fortin said. “Many of the Scouts on this adventure did not know the leaders and conversely, we did not know most of them. Spending time together provided the leaders with the opportunity to get to know them and witness these young people on their Scouting journey. The heat, humidity, and hilly terrain were challenging for us older adults to navigate, but we endured it all to ensure our Scouts were safe and had an absolutely awesome time. We saw many examples of Scouts who unselfishly embraced the Oath and Law and demonstrated what it truly means to be a Scout.” <