Dear International Commissioners and NSO Representatives,

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is excited to extend an open invitation for participation in our 2021 National Jamboree to be held July 21-31, 2020. The BSA holds a National Jamboree approximately every four years and historically, the national jamboree has been the largest Scouting activity in the United States of America with over 40,000 Scouts and leaders in attendance. The 2021 BSA National Jamboree will held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR) National Scout High Adventure Base in Glen Jean West Virgina. For reference, it is also where the 24th World Scout Jamboree was held earlier this year.

The BSA has chosen the Summit Bechtel Reserve as the permanent home for all future National Jamborees and in doing so, we have been able to build the ultimate Scouting playground, complete will all the necessary infrastructure to support the magnitude of these large events. Boasting program elements including everything from BMX biking and skateboard parks, to ziplines, challenge courses, aquatics activities and other recreational sporting activities, the Summit Bechtel Reserve helps deliver the adventure of Scouting in a safe environment. For reference, many of the programs and activities will be similar to those offered at the 24th World Scout Jamboree.

In 2021, the BSA will be offering a new model for international participation which will provide your national Scout organization (NSO) a choice on how to participate. Drawing on the experience of hosting the 24th World Scout Jamboree, and the enthusiasm of both BSA members and International Scouts, we have created an opportunity for immersive international involvement at a scale that has never been offered previously by the BSA. This new model will give your NSO contingent an opportunity to pair with a local BSA council, if you choose, that will allow for a cultural exchange prior to the Jamboree and foster Scouting relationships that will transcend geographic borders. With the theme of encouraging Scouts to Face the Challenge, we are excited to welcome your national contingent to choose your path and join us for the BSA 2021 National Jamboree. Please review the details below for the participation options for NSO contingents.

BSA 2021 National Jamboree

What are the Participation Options for NSO Contingents?

NSO pays BSA Council the NJ21 base fee ($1,175) + Add-on costs (~$200-3,000) Approx Total: $1375-$4,175

- NSO/Contingent paired with BSA Council prior to participant registration

- NSO/Contingent can choose which council to pair with -Placement/Commitment Form Required to establish pair

- BSA Council arranges/organizes Transportation (and any Tours from Council to/from Summit) and

communicates regularly with NSO Contingent- NSO/Contingent Camps with Council on-site - major issues elevated to Basecamp Leadership

Option 1 - Pair with a BSA Local Council

NSO Contingent pays the Jamboree Dept the NJ21 Base fee ($1,175) + Transpo/Admin fee ($200) Total: $1,375

- NSO/Contingent responsible for Transportation of participants to Designated U.S. ports of entry

Proposed Ports: Charlotte, NC - Charleston, WV - Prince Station, WV

- NSO/Contingent Responsible for any/all plans or tours before and after jamboree

- NSO/Contingent will be assigned a location upon arrival and communicates with basecamp leadership directly while on-site

*If an NSO initially chooses Option 1, but no agreeable pair is found, NSO may revert to this option.

Option 2 - Register as Standalone Contingent

BSA 2021 National Jamboree

Youth Participant QualificationsAll Jamboree Youth Participants (14-20 years old) MUST meet

the following requirements:

• MUST have a current NSO membership.• MUST be at least 14 years of age by the first day

of the Jamboree but has not reached their 21st birthday by the last day of the Jamboree.

• Be approved by the NSO and Contingent Leadership.• MUST have appropriate parent/guardian to complete the

online parental consent if applicable. (An email will be sent to the parent/guardian during the application process.)

• Participate in pre-Jamboree training/exchange experience with local council and/or contingent.

• Submitted BSA Annual Health & Medical Record using the on-line Jamboree submission process. The AHMR must be dated on or after July 1, 2020.

• Submit all registrations & fees per the local council’s payment schedule or BSA National office for standalone contingents.

Adult Participant QualificationsAll Jamboree Adult Participants (JST) and Contingent Adult Leaders

MUST meet the following requirements listed below:Jamboree Service Team (Staff)

• Have a current registration with NSO and be approved by NSO• Have current BSA Youth Protection Training completed at

the time of registration and at the time of the Jamboree.• Be available to arrive at the Jamboree site up to one

week before the Jamboree as stipulated by their respective area lead to receive training and assist in final preparations for participant arrival.

• Be at least 18 years of age by the first day of the Jamboree• Submit all registration fees per the

published payment schedule• Complete any Jamboree-specific training as

directed by their respective area lead• Submit a Personal BSA Health and Medical Record

as instructed by the required deadline• Agree to abide by the Jamboree Staff Code of Conduct

Contingent Adult Leaders• Same as Jamboree Service Team (staff) with

the following additions/exceptions• Must be 21 years old, or at least 18 and

accompany a 21 year old leader. • Participate and assist in planning the pre-Jamboree

training experience with local council.• Submit all registrations & fees per the local council’s payment

schedule or BSA National office for standalone contingents.

More details about Jamboree activities, programs, registration and

insurance coverage are available at www.jamboree.scouting.org

If you have specific questions, pertaining to international

involvement, you can contact BSA International at international@scouting.org

What are the qualifications to participate? Please review the following requirements listed below:

What are the next steps and what is the timeline?Next Steps - Expression of Interest

Every NSO will be required to submit an Expression of Interest prior to registration of any of its members - as Participants and/or Staff.

Step 1: Decide which participation option is best for your NSO contingent. In an effort to keep logistics easier for everyone, the

entire contingent should choose only one of the options.

Step 2: Complete and Submit your Expression of Interest to the BSA International Operations Team.

Step 3: Get Ready to Face the Challenge - If your NSO chooses option 1, we’ll work directly with your contingent leadership to find

the right local BSA Council to pair with and facilitate the initial pairing. If your NSO chooses option 2, we’ll get you started in the

registration process for standalone NSO contingents.

Next Steps - Initial TimelineDue to the time required for each step in the process, it is in your best interest to complete your Expression of Interest as soon as possible.

Right Now: Complete and submit Expression of Interest - a reminder that no individual from your NSO may register for the

BSA 2021 National Jamboree until this is completed.

By the End of 2019: We hope to open registration for International Staff by the beginning of December followed by the launch of

International Contingents and Participants in Early 2020.

What you can do now: Encourage your Scouts and Adults who are interested in participating in the BSA 2021 National Jamboree to visit www.jamboree.scouting.org to find out more. This is also

where the online application portal will be accessible from.