2026 National Jamboree – Cape Cod & Islands Council Contingent

Welcome to the official information page for the Cape Cod & Islands Council contingent attending the 2026 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

This page provides an overview of our contingent, key dates, expectations, and preparation resources. Additional details will continue to be added as planning progresses.

When and Where

Dates: July 22 – July 31, 2026
Location: The Summit Bechtel Reserve, West Virginia

The National Jamboree is Scouting America’s premier event, bringing together Scouts from across the country for adventure, leadership development, and unique program experiences.

What is the National Jamboree?

The Jamboree is a massive gathering of Scouts offering opportunities to:

Experience High-Adventure Activities: whitewater rafting, rock climbing, zip-lining, skateboarding, BMX, and more
Learn New Skills: exciting programs and workshops across many topics
Make Lifelong Friends: connect with Scouts from across the country
Celebrate Scouting: participate in a national celebration of Scouting America values and traditions

A Message to Our Scouts

If you are attending the 2026 National Jamboree, this is your adventure.

Jamboree is different from anything else in Scouting. You will have the freedom to explore, choose activities, meet Scouts from across the country, and help shape the experience of your troop.

Our goal as leaders is not just to take you to Jamboree — it is to help you become part of a strong, supportive troop that works together, challenges itself, and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Between now and departure:

Get to know your fellow Scouts.
Participate actively in meetings and preparation events.
Bring your ideas — including patch and t-shirt design.

Jamboree is what you make of it — the more you put into preparation, the more you will get out of the experience.

Who Can Attend?

To attend the National Jamboree with Cape Cod & Islands Council, a Scout must:

Be a currently registered member of Scouting America in a Scouts BSA troop
Be at least 12 years old and no older than 17 years old during the Jamboree

A limited number of youth positions remain available. Contact the council office for current availability.

About Our Family Troop

Originally, the Cape Cod & Islands Council planned to send separate 20-person boy and girl contingent troops. As of December 2025, participation levels were below the required size for two independent units.

After Scouting America introduced the Family Troop model, and with approval from leadership, parents, and Scouts, participants were combined into one Family Troop.

Youth operate as one troop while maintaining appropriate accommodations and supervision consistent with Scouting America policies. This structure preserves the traditional patrol-based experience while allowing full participation.

At the National Jamboree, our 20-person troop will be paired with another contingent troop and will share a campsite and food service operations.

Contingent Leadership

Ed Bruce
Chris Young
Marshall Lovelette
Kim Slowek

What a Day at the National Jamboree Looks Like

Participants can expect:

Breakfast at the campsite
Packing lunch for the day
Traveling across Summit Bechtel Reserve to explore program areas
Choosing activities such as adventure sports, STEM experiences, and special events
Meeting Scouts from across the country and trading patches
Returning to camp for dinner and evening troop activities

Unlike traditional summer camp, Scouts have significant flexibility in choosing daily activities. Participants should expect an active environment with extensive walking and changing weather conditions.

Preparation Timeline

Early Preparation (Now – Spring)

Attend contingent meetings
Review expectations and preparation timeline
Complete Annual Health & Medical Record requirements
Participate in patch and t-shirt design submissions (open to Scouts and leaders)

Spring Preparation (March – May)

Gear guidance released
Patrol organization
Optional activity signups (including rafting)

Shakedown Phase (June)

Required shakedown campout
Practice campsite routines
Gear checks and packing readiness

Final Preparation

Travel logistics review
Final packing and preparation

Key Dates and Milestones

First Contingent Meeting: Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 PM (hybrid in-person/Zoom)
Required Shakedown Campout: June 12–14 at Camp Greenough (Nauset campsite / Maushop Lodge)
Optional Whitewater Rafting Payment Deadline: April 10
Annual Health & Medical Record Submission: April 21 (subject to National guidance)
National Jamboree: July 22–31, 2026

Expected Itinerary (July 2026)

Monday, July 20 — Meet at Camp Greenough after dinner; overnight departure by bus
Tuesday, July 21 — Arrive in Beckley, WV; hotel stay and dinner
Wednesday, July 22 — Depart for Summit Bechtel Reserve
July 23–30 — Jamboree program activities
Friday, July 31 — Return travel, arriving home late evening

Optional Whitewater Rafting Activity

Cost: $125 per participant
Participation is optional
Spaces reserved based on timely payment

Send check payable to:

Cape Cod & Islands Council
247 Willow Street
Yarmouth Port, MA 02675

Deadline: April 10

Council phone: 508-362-4322
Financial questions: council office
Trip questions: ed@bruce1.net

Contingent Identity – Shoulder Patch & Troop T-Shirt

Each contingent creates a unique identity through custom patches and shirts.

Design submissions are open to both Scouts and leaders. Submission timeline and details will be announced soon.

Participant Resource Hub

Additional detailed resources will be added here:

Gear list and packing tips
Uniform expectations and patch placement
Mail/package instructions

Annual Health & Medical Record Submission Instructions

Please follow the instructions on this website.

https://jamboree.scouting.org/councils/annual-health-medical-record-submission-open/

Paper copies must also be submitted to contingent leadership. You can bring the paper copy to one of our meetings or drop it by the council office. Marshall Lovelette will coordinate tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jamboree like summer camp?
No — Scouts choose activities daily and operate with greater independence.

Do Scouts need special gear?
No. If you camp regularly, you likely already own most required gear.

Is the shakedown important?
Yes — it prepares the troop for real Jamboree routines.

Contact Information

Registration and Billing Questions:
Cape Cod & Islands Council
247 Willow Street
Yarmouth Port, MA 02675
508-362-4322

Trip questions:
Ed Bruce — ed@bruce1.net