2013 Jamboree Troop A318

50 Days and counting...

We are getting closer to the Jamboree. Our fees are paid and the plans are pretty much finalized. Now is the time to get your gear and uniforms together. You should have your foot locker by now (if not let me know). You will get t-shirts and a cap at the shakedown, but you should have your patches. If you have any questions come up please email [email protected].

Identification Cards ARE Required to enter Fort

Every PERSON entering Fort AP Hill will be REQUIRED TO HAVE AN IDENTIFCATION CARD with your name and picture. Your school ID card will work. State issued ID cards or military dependent cards are acceptable.

Bring your favorite Movies on Tape

Our bus has a VCR player, so if you have a favorite old movie on a VCR tape, please let me know you are bringing it and pack it in your stuff for the bus.

Where does that patch go?

Several people have asked about patch placement on uniforms. Follow the link below to the official BSA insignia guide. Your uniform should have your scout rank on it, but not home troop specific insignia, like your quality unit patch. If you need additional Jamboree patches you need to order them on-line. You should have a Jamboree catalog with a code that will allow you to order from www.scoutstuff.org . Other patches can be obtained at the scout shop or ordered on-line. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/InsigniaGuide/06.aspx

Who does that belong to?

This is an unnecessary question if you have your belongings labeled. Along with a scout is “clean” is a scout is neat. You need to work to keep your belongings together, but as a back up ALL BELONGINGS need to be labeled. If items are found that are not labeled, no attempt will be made to get them back to you. If your name and troop number are on items, you will have a chance at getting them back.

Next Jamboree Event

Our next Jambo event is the second Shakedown at Camp Pirtle on July 17th and 18th. All troop members need to plan on arriving at Pirtle on Saturday July 17th between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. We should be done by noon on Sunday July 18th. We will set up camp Saturday and break things down on Sunday and pack the truck. Large items will be packed for the Jamboree on Sunday. Cots, rugs, and other large personal items should be labeled and will be packed on the truck. Your foot locker will go on the bus on Friday July 23rd. You need to arrive in your full Jamboree uniform with patches sewn on it. IF YOU ARE NOT ATTENDING THE LAST SHAKEDOWN, email [email protected] as soon as possible.

Featured Activity- Camping

This part might be obvious, but we all come from different troops with different camping traditions. If your home troop has a specific camping tradition, feel free to share it with your patrol. If you like making camp gadgets be sure and bring whatever you need to construct your favorite gadgets. Planning how you will set up your tent, will also help you stay organized and neat. We will not have propane lanterns so packing some extra batteries for your battery lanterns and flashlights will keep you out of the dark. All your camping gear needs to fit in the foot locker, so you should have enough room, but you will not have much extra room.

Get a PLAN

As you can see by looking at the daily schedule shown above, we will have nine FULL days of activities. What you do daily, for the most part, is up to you between 9 and 5. Advanced planning and preparation will allow you to make the most of your time. Visiting the Jamboree website at http://www.bsajamboree.org/ and identifying the activities that are of interest to you is a great next step. Check out the activities tab and decide what is of interest to you and plan out a schedule. You will not have time to do everything, so set priorities.

My advice on Merit Badges is to pick a couple of unique ones to work on not go overboard on Merit Badges. Several have very limited slots available, so have a back up or two, then get your merit badge book and be prepared to take the class.

You might even consult the map and visit exhibits that are the same general area on a given day. However, you need to be flexible. Special opportunities will come up and you should remain open to deviating from your plan. You should also find another scout or two in our troop to go with you each day.

DON’T DO DUMB THINGS…

Few things would be worse than breaking an arm or getting severely sun burned the day before we leave for Jamboree. So as time draws near, think before you act.