Figure 1.--Scouts at recent National Jamborees wear special Jamboree "T" shirts, but dress up in their shirts for special events. Many individual units have special caps. Many units no longer wear kerchiefs.

Surveying the uniforms at the Nation Jamborees is a good reflection of evolving U.S. Scout uniform trends.

Background

The National Jamboree has found its permanent home at Fort A.P. Hill bear Fredricksburg, Virginia. A.P. Hill was a major Conederate general who served under Robert E. Lee in the American Civil War. The National Jamboree is held every 4 years. The Jamboree is held for 10-days and Scouts from all 50 states and territories.

Organization

The Jamboree is open to all who are qualified on a first come, first served basis. A Council Contingent was set at 10 full Troops of 36 Scouts and 4 adult leaders. Each Scout went through an interview to assure maintenance of the highest possible standards of Scouting. Once a Council has filled all ten Troops, a stand-by list was established. Costs vary, depending on transportation requirements. Some Scouts can come by bus while others have to fly. The typical cost for East Coast Scouts is about $650 for Scouts and $565 for Leaders. This would cover the Jamboree Fee, transportation to and from the Jamboree, Patrol and Troop equipment, insurance and all meals and lodging while at the Jamboree.

Each adult who applied for a leadership position was interviewed by members of the Council's Jamboree Committee. The only additional expense was personal equipment, uniforms and spending money.

Participation

Attendance will be approximately 30,000 Scouts, 12-18 years old, and troop leaders in 750 troops, plus approximately 5,000 staff members for support, program, and operational services, divided into 4 regional camps, and 19 subcamps.

Interesting Developments

Activities

Organized programs include aquatics, scuba diving, action centers, conservation, merit badge midway, arena shows, fishing, field sports including archery, shot gun, and pioneering. Program features will reflect the skills of Scouting, the nation's heritage, physical fitness, conservation, and the spirit of brotherhood. Daily activities will offer fun and challenge. Religious services will provide time for reflection. A cavalcade of highlight events will further depict the rich heritage of Scouting. Scouts will practice and demonstrate skills such as archery, orienteering, running obstacle courses, shotgun shooting, boating, canoeing, and hunting safety, as well as take part in the disabilities - awareness trail, competitive events, merit badge midway, and arts and science fair. Participants will also meet together in troop, inter-troop, and subcamp campfires.

Trading Patches

Trading patches with other Scouts is a Jamoree tradition. Some Scouts compalin, however, that the Jamboree patch trading has become a "cut-throat" exercise. According to 14-year old Scout Tim Walters, "My dad told me that when he was a Scout, patch trading was just a way to meet new people and take home some nice patches, trading one patch for one patch. Now its out of control. It's 'get as many patches as you can'." [Blum, p. B1.]

Foreign Scouts

Uniform Items

Each Scout had to have at least two complete uniforms and a Summer Scout jacket. The required Jamboree uniform is the summer uniform with shortpants and kneesocks. The boys also wear distinctive Jamboree caps, neckerchiefs, and T-shirts.

Summer Uniform

In the 1990s American Scouts more commonly wore shorts so many boys did not have to buy the summer uniform just for the Jamboree.

Jamboree Items

Sources

Blum, Justin. "Out to get the best batch of prized Scout patches, " Washington Post August 4, 1997. pp. B1-2.