The 2013 National Scout Jamboree was held this year for the
very first time at the Bechtel Family Summit and I had the great privilege to attend as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Last Frontier Council Troop C137. The event ended just a few weeks ago and I figure this is the best time to write a few of my thoughts now while it all fresh on my mind.
First the positives:
The Summit is amazing!
I have followed the
development of the Summit for several years now including reading articles,
watching videos etc. Nothing however can match seeing the property in person
and to be honest I do not think any other method would work to understand it.
One other visitor described it as “Disney World for Scouts”.
This was a reference to not just the number of activities but just a equally a
reference to the build quality of everything.
Every single facility at the Summit is above world class. I
do not think that you would fine better climbing, zip lining, shooting, BMX,
Skateboarding, pool scuba diving, canopy touring, archery or anything built for
youth anywhere in the world yet alone all in one location.
Technology is everywhere thanks to the generosity of
AT&T with high speed WiFi located all over the property. Our campsite had a
WiFi tower located just yards away and it seemed to be even in the remotest of
locations. This allowed me to be connected to social media to share all the fun
as things were in progress through Facebook, instagram, YouTube and Twitter.
No detail of the property has been ignored up to the
architectural marvels of the sustainability tree house and Consul Energy Bridge
down to the beautiful walkways, steps, native grass planting, grey water
systems and even the wheat planted along the drives into camp adding visual
effect.
The place is truly a marvel and should be considered the
ultimate Scouting and youth organization playground.
Now the deltas:
This place is freakin’ huge! The camps were very spread out with every
walk seemingly uphill all the time with rain and heat. I was feeling a little
sorry for myself into a 45 minute hike to shooting sports one day until I met a
Scout that had already been traveling for 90 minutes. We both still had at
least another 20 minutes to go. I know I walked for at least 10 miles each day
and ended the week with blisters on top of my blisters.
This would not have been so bad if it were not for the 90
degree temperatures and high humidity. Worst of all, all the trails were
constructed with not so finely crushed rock that tended to bruise the bottom of
your feet unless you were hiking with very stiff soled boots. Foot issues were
a real problem for many people I met. I
know there were Scouts that did not venture out far beyond the visitor
experience area due to the distance and physical requirements to travel. I
personally experienced tremendous physical pain most of the time due to these
conditions and I considered myself to be in pretty decent shape.
These travel issues were especially challenging for staff as
they had to walk as well and then try to enthusiastically work for many hours.
The Summit was pretty clear to communicate in advance the high adventure level
requirements but most of the staff I chatted with said they came under prepared
for the reality.
Speaking of staff.
A super shout out to everyone that served. Your sacrifice of
time and rescources is to absolutely be commended.
Staffing levels were
the number one Jamboree problem and should be the number one focus for
correction before the next Jamboree in 2017. The Summit had capacity for every
Scout to enjoy all activities with minimal wait. This did not happen however
due to a severely low level of staff. In fact, we had a couple of Scouts that
ended up only getting to do one or two activities during the entire Jamboree
with the zip line as an example experiencing a six hour wait. Our Scouts that
were able to do it got up at 430 one morning and still were not first in line
to participate. This was totally unacceptable and unfair to the Scouts and the
overworked volunteer staff. I felt really sorry for both.
Staffers have to pay to be there and many found it difficult
to handle the long hikes and heat. Shuttles need to be provided for staffers as
this would reduce the walking requirements and may allow for some that do not
meet the current health requirements to help. I would also have more
professional staff at the most popular activities with incentives for the
volunteers in those areas including free attendance.
The Summit has a long list of positives that far outweigh
these opportunities. The future is bright as it will continue growing even more
as showcase for Scouting and a launching pad for a new future of excitement.
Personally I would not hesitate to go again and am already
excited to return again in 2017 and hopefully 2019 to give back as staff. See
you there!
Did you go to Jamboree?
What did you think?
