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Christine Rolka Director of Education |
National Boy Scout Jamboree
A fabulous first for the NWTF
It's called "Jambo" by those in the know; one of the many things I learned at the National Scout Jamboree this summer. It was my first time attending, and the first time the NWTF had an official presence at this gathering of Scouts from all over the world. And this year was special; Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 100th birthday.
The Jamboree happens every four years, except this year they waited a year so the event would fall on the centennial anniversary. It was 10 days of sweat, dirt, enthusiasm and a sea of Scouts. Their camps covered the landscape of Fort A.P. Hill, just outside of Fredericksburg, Va., which also happens to be the birthplace of the NWTF.
Those of us who attended on behalf of the NWTF were thrilled to be a part of the excitement. But we weren't sure what to expect.
I was impressed that so many boys could brave several days of 100 F temperatures, basically living outside (with the exception of tents), preparing their own meals, and still display good manners and maintain an initiative to learn. It's what we've come to expect from Boy Scouts — to always be prepared. And all 43,000 of them certainly were.
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More than 11,000 Scouts and leaders visited the NWTF Conservation Challenge tent. |
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Secretary of Defense Robert Gates addressed the Scouts during the opening ceremony. Gates himself was an Eagle Scout. |
The NWTF tent was on the Conservation Trail portion of the Jamboree. We were the only wildlife conservation organization represented on the trail. Our neighbors were several federal and Virginia wildlife, forestry and natural resource agencies. Scouts and their leaders picked up a Conservation Trail passport at the trailhead and sought a stamp from each organization along the way. Their quest was to earn the 100th Anniversary Conservation Trail Patch.
NWTF's participation in the Jamboree was possible through a grant from the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. The goal was to promote our new Boy Scouts of America Conservation Challenge Patch. For details on this exciting program, go to www.nwtf.org/education.
The first 500 Scouts who visited our tent each day, and who already had earned portions of the patch requirements received a special Jambo version of the patch rocker as well as rockers for the merit badge components they already earned. Visitors also enjoyed a brief lesson on the wild turkey, turkey calling and the role hunters play in conservation. They earned their passport stamp upon delivery of an amazing and accurate wild turkey fact.
NWTF involvement in the Jamboree, especially the Conservation Challenge Patch, was well received by the Scouts, their leaders and the other agencies represented. Many remarked that we had hit on a much-needed key niche and showed interest in expanding the patch program in their states.
The entire experience inspired me, a mother of a 6-year-old boy who is now bound to become a Boy Scout whether he likes it or not! And it was rewarding for those, like me, who invest their lives in young people and the future of conservation.
The boys at this event sure painted a bright picture for the future. — Christine