What is the National Jamboree?
The National Jamboree is Scouting America’s biggest event. Once every four years,thousands of Scouts and adult volunteers from across the country camp together for about 10 days in the summer.
It isn’t a regular summer camp. Think of it as a temporary city of Scouts,with stadium shows,mountain hikes,adventure sports and new friends from every state. Many Scouts call it the best experience of their Scouting years.
- Every 4 years
- About 10 days in July
- Summit Bechtel Reserve,West Virginia
New to Scouting? A few words you’ll see
- Jamboree
- A large gathering of Scouts. The National Jamboree is the biggest one in the U.S.
- Council contingent
- The group from our area. Narragansett Council Scouts travel,camp and do activities together as one team.
- Summit Bechtel Reserve
- Scouting America’s 10,000-acre outdoor adventure center in West Virginia,where the Jamboree is held.
- Unit
- Your local Scouting group:a Scouts BSA troop,a Venturing crew or a Sea Scout ship.
- Scouter
- An adult volunteer or leader in Scouting.
- Jamboree Service Team
- Adult volunteers who help run the event for everyone,separate from our council group.
How going to the Jamboree works
Here’s the usual path for joining our council’s group. Exact dates and costs for 2030 will be posted here.
- Join a unitBe a registered member of a Scouts BSA troop,Venturing crew or Sea Scout ship. New families can find a unit near you.
- Watch for the sign-up announcementOur council opens registration well before the Jamboree. Spots are limited and fill quickly.
- Register and pay a depositA deposit holds your spot. The rest is paid in installments on a set schedule.
- Complete health and safety formsEvery participant turns in a medical form,and adults complete required safety training.
- Travel with the groupOur contingent travels together from Rhode Island,often with sightseeing stops on the way.
Who can go
Youth
- At least 12 years old by the first day,and not yet 21 by the last day.
- Registered in a Scouts BSA troop,Venturing crew or Sea Scout ship.
- Healthy enough for high-adventure activities,with a current medical form.
Adult leaders
- At least 21 years old when the group departs.
- Currently serving as a leader in a troop,crew or ship.
- Interviewed and approved by the council’s Jamboree committee.
- Up to date on Youth Protection (Safeguarding Youth) training.
Can’t go as a participant? Adults can also volunteer on the national Jamboree Service Team,and families can visit on visitor days. Details are posted on the national Jamboree site.
Questions or need help paying?
Reach out to the Narragansett Council with any questions. Limited financial assistance is usually available.
2026 National Jamboree (for reference)
The 2026 Jamboree took place July 22–31,2026. The details below are kept as an example of what to expect. 2030 dates,costs and requirements may be different.
2026 dates,fees,itinerary and requirements
The 2026 theme was “ELEVATE”:rising to new challenges and reaching new heights.
| Jamboree dates | July 22–31,2026 |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,400 per participant (registrations after October 31 were subject to a late-fee increase) |
| Deposit | $250,non-refundable,due at registration |
| Payment schedule | 50% due February 1,2026 100% due April 10,2026 |
| Included | Jamboree admission,round-trip transportation,lodging for the pre-Jamboree trip,a Jamboree daypack,council contingent gear and more |
2026 itinerary
The trip celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States with a stop in Washington,D.C.
| July 19 | Depart the Warwick Scout Shop for Washington,D.C. |
|---|---|
| July 20 | A day on the National Mall |
| July 21 | Travel to Beckley,West Virginia,for the Jamboree Fellowship Dinner |
| July 22 | Arrive at the National Jamboree |
| July 31 | Depart the Jamboree and return to the Warwick Scout Shop |
2026 youth requirements
- At least 12 years old by the first day and not yet 21 by the last day of the Jamboree.
- Registered as a youth or adult program participant in a Scouts BSA,Venturing or Sea Scouting unit.
- Submit an annual health and medical form.
- Meet the minimum health requirements for high-adventure participation.
- Agree to the Jamboree Code of Conduct and Statement of Understanding.
- Pay all fees on the council’s payment schedule.
2026 adult leader requirements
- Interview with and be approved by the Narragansett Council National Jamboree Committee (the deposit was refunded if not selected).
- Current Scouting America membership with a Scouts BSA troop,Venturing crew or Sea Scout ship.
- At least 21 years old by the day the contingent departs.
- Scoutmaster,Advisor or Skipper applicants must currently serve in that role and have completed leader-specific training.
- Assistant leaders must currently serve in an adult leadership position in a unit.
- File a National Jamboree personal health and medical record.
- Pay all fees on the council’s payment schedule.
- Stay current in Youth Protection Training through the last day of the Jamboree.
- Complete “Understanding and Preventing Youth on Youth Abuse for Camp Staff and NYLT Staff” before arrival.
2026 refund policy
Participants who registered but could not attend could receive a refund only if the contingent was full;otherwise a partial refund might be issued. Refunds covered fees paid to date,minus expenses already committed on the participant’s behalf at the time the council was notified in writing.
Shown for reference only. 2026 registration is closed.