Read more about past Jamboree attendees' memories
Thousands of Scouts and volunteers have attended Jamboree through the years. It’s one of Scouting’s greatest events, with memories lasting a lifetime. Read and discover the thrill of Jamboree, from the experiences of Scouts and volunteers alike!
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Hear from Scouts who attended the 2023 National Jamboree
2026 Jamboree Female Scouts Testimonials
2026 Jamboree Female Scouts Testimonials Square
2026 Jamboree Female Scout Testimonials Vertical
Jamboree 1989 attendee
Adam P.
I attended the 1989 National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, VA. While there, Steven Spielberg taught the inaugural Cinematography Merit Badge course and spoke to the Scouts in attendance. While I did not earn the badge, I did get to meet him and have his autograph.
Jamboree 2017 attendee
Andrew J.
My favorite memory was flying down Thrasher mountain on a mountain bike with a couple of my Scouts. We picked the hardest trail and had a blast, almost ate it bad but was saved by one of my scouts. The whole experience was awesome from all the people, to the multitude of merit badges, activities, and the different branches of the military were very cool.
Jamboree 2013 attendee
Joe D.
My first and, to date, only Jamboree was in 2013. I was on OA Service Corps, and it was awesome being able to go whitewater rafting with my brother OA members, ride the Big Zip, and meeting the nuncio. The best part, though, was welcoming the contingents to the Summit Bechtel Reserve. It was such a fun time.
Jamboree 2017 attendee
Charles B.
My favorite Scouting memory I have had was climbing the mountain leading up to the Big Zip. I was one of the lucky few at the 2017 in my Troop who got to go, and I very nearly gave my token away. However, I decided to make the step, and take the ride, and, as a 12 year old, finally felt “adventure.” And I truly learned to live every sense of the word after that moment.
Jamboree Multiple year attendee
Jay H.
As a Scout, I was blessed to be able to attend 2 National and 1 World Jamboree (Australia). These memories are still strong in my mind. I remember the massive monkey bridges, obstacle courses and when Spielberg directed the closing ceremony with amazing laser technology. And the President coming in was amazing. These weeks were filled with the best of the best, and I look forward to helping take a troop to 2023 so they can make their own amazing memories.
Jamboree 2019 attendee
William H.
It is very difficult for me to decide on my favorite Jamboree memory. My favorite memory probably was from the 2019 World Scout Jamboree meeting all kinds of people and learning about their cultures and customs.
Jamboree 2010 attendee
Braeden T.
I attended the centennial 2010 Jamboree, and I got far more into patch trading than I’d ever expected. Starting with collecting an Idaho’s Council potato patches to Marvel X-Men patches, I met a vast range of fellow Scouts behind those patches, which was a truly eye opening experience as I learned about all of their experiences and developed an understanding of how big Scouting is!
Jamboree Multiple year attendee
Donald D.
I was on fishing staff at National Jamboree 2001, 2005 and 2010. I helped with teaching young Scouts how to cook fish. For many of these Scouts it was the first time they had ever caught a fish and had the experience of cooking and eating what they caught. The smiles and enjoyment they experienced was the reward for me to work at the Jamboree. Also having both my Eagle Scout sons attend the Jamboree and having brief moments to get with them during the Jamboree are wonderful memories I will have forever. I also attended 1993, 1997 Jamborees at AP Hill with many memories of opening shows and fireworks, long hikes to activities and catching a ride on one of the transportation buses that circled the Jamboree site. These were all great memories in my 35 years as a scout leader, scoutmaster and district leader in Houston Tx.
Jamboree 2001 attendee
John K.
My first and, to date, only Jamboree was in 2013. I was on OA Service Corps, and it was awesome being able to go whitewater rafting with my brother OA members, ride the Big Zip, and meeting the nuncio. The best part, though, was welcoming the contingents to the Summit Bechtel Reserve. It was such a fun time.
Jamboree 2013 attendee
Gregory T.
Patch trading was the highlight of the 2013 Scout Jamboree for me! I collected Marvel and LEGO patches and to this day they are still hanging on my wall at home! I hope “Trade Alley” is still a thing next year!
Jamboree 1960 attendee
Art Vernon
I attended the 50th Anniversary Jamboree in Colorado Springs. For me, the highlight was the motorcade and address by President Eisenhower! Closest I ever got to a President in real time.
Jamboree 2017 attendee
Eva L.
I loved being a “Greeter” at the Extreme Sports Skateboarding Park. We got masking tape and youth from all over the world wrote “Greeter” in their language and I taped it to my shirt. Super fun!
Jamboree 1997 attendee
Carlos G.
My favorite memories are from 1997, Fort AP Hill. I loved meeting Bill Clinton in the Scouting Journalism press area. Having the COPES course and various military branches available (navigating a helicopter, physical fitness, learning courses) was super exciting. My personal favorite from the event was getting to scuba and snorkel, options that are not available in the area I grew up.
Jamboree 2017 attendee
Trevor L.
I went to Jamboree as a youth participant in 2017. Without a doubt, I enjoyed the comradery and fellowship of the 31,000 other scouts from across the country and beyond the most. Meeting them, hearing their stories, and making friends was one of the most memorable parts. The same can be said towards my contingent members, which helped me form unbreakable and timeless bonds and friendships between them.