South Brunswick Scout Checks in at National Boy Scout Jamboree

By Shailesh Murali

Famous authors John Stephens and N.D. Wilson were spotted at the 2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree signing and giving out books. 

The Jamboree, held at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, is a gathering of 40,000 Boy Scouts from all around the world held from July 15 to July 24. Hold on! Not all Boy Scouts are boys! 

There are also co-ed Venturing crews (14-21 years old) at the Jamboree. The Summit Bechtel Reserve has a variety of activities.  

These are very different than you would see anywhere else, like the biggest skate park and rock climbing area of its kind. Other activities include 1,000 foot zip line, BMX biking, shooting sports, whitewater rafting and a variety of merit badges. Everyone here is having the time of their life with so many things to do.

These books are very fun to read and they also encourage reading. Boy Scouts are all about going outdoors, learning to survive, building campfires and camping. While those are life skills, they don’t help you a lot in school. 

It is very nice to know that the Boy Scouts of America are encouraging these authors to come, and for boys to read and do well in school. At face value, it just says “come get books,” but really, it says to also “focus on schoolwork and do well in both school and Scouts.” 

This is an excellent idea and I hope this continues. While it isn’t exactly typical Boy Scouting things, it is a nice break from the tiring rock climbing or biking. It gives boys initiative to read and do well. Plus, based on the number of people showing up to talk to the authors and get books, it must be working.