2026 National Jamboree GCC Contingent

The Best of Scouting in One Place

For over 75 years, the National Jamboree has brought members from all over the country and the world together to share the bond that is Scouting.

Each Jamboree grows in numbers and in adventure, adding more and more activities for Scouts to turn into memories.

The jamboree is the best of Scouting rolled into 10 days of fun, friends, and adventure, and you can be there to be a part of it!

To be a participant click here <https://scoutingevent.com/010-2026Jamboree>

• Spend 3 days in the Nation’s capital during the country’s semiquincentennial! Experience DC as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US.
• Raft the New River Gorge in West Virginia through America’s newest national park. Rapids range in difficulty from Class III – Class IV.
• Elevate your Jamboree through different experiences that the Jamboree has to offer:
  • Stadium shows
  • Patch trading
  • Worship services
  • Leadership heights
  • Adventure activities
  • Merit badges
  • Camp life

Be part of delivering the Jamboree Experience – Join the Jamboree Service Team click here <https://jamboree.scouting.org/jamboree-service-team/>

FAQs

Who can participate?

• The National Jamboree is momentous and significant event involving cross country travel, whitewater rafting, and exploring a major U.S. city, therefore, Grand Canyon Council, will align with the traditional High Adventure age recommendations, even if they differ from Jamboree. Participants must be 14+ or 13 and First Class and no older than 17 years of age by the first day of the Jamboree trip, July 17, 2026.
• Scouts 18-20 are encouraged to apply. If there is sufficient interest, GCC will form a Venturing Crew to attend the 2026 Jamboree.
• Adult leaders 21+ are welcome to apply for a Leadership role with one of the Council Units (more details below).

Will Scouts 18-20 be able to participate as youth participants like in 2023?

• Yes, as part of a Venturing Crew or as part of the Jamboree Service Team.
• Scouts 18-20 are encouraged to apply. If there is sufficient interest, GCC will form a Venturing Crew to attend the 2026 Jamboree.

Do I have to register with National as well as with Council?

• No, all participant registration is managed through the Grand Canyon Council calendar and BlackPug system.
• Jamboree Service Team (JST) registration is managed solely by National. GCC Scouts and Scouters volunteering to be part of the JST should send an email to NationalEvents@grandcanyonbsa.org as a courtesy. This will allow us to include you on Contingent communications as well as orders for JST Staff Jamboree Service Patches (JSPs).

What is included?

• The National Jamboree fee covers the expense of program materials, food, insurance, as well as the use of dining shelters, cot, stoves, fuel, and cooking utensils.
• The National Jamboree fee also includes a “participant recognition kit,” which includes two participant patches, a neckerchief, and a custom 2026 National Jamboree daypack. Patches and daypacks will be sent directly to each local council for distribution. Neckerchiefs will be picked up at check-in upon arrival at the National Jamboree.
• The Council Jamboree fee covers transportation to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor; transportation to and from Summit Bechtel Reserve; ½ day whitewater rafting on New River, WV; ½ day at ACE Adventure Resort, WV; daily food stipend in DC; an organized tour while in DC; post-Jambo experience at Carowinds in Charolette, NC
• Additionally, the Council Jamboree fee covers the following awesome Scout swag: 2 full contingent patch sets, Jamboree patrol patch, Jamboree Troop numerals, Position of responsibility patch (for Scouts selected by participants for leadership role), 2 GCC unique participant shirts, 1 hat, 1 GCC unique Jambo nametag, GCC unique neckerchief, duffle bag, 1 tent per 2 scouts.

What is the cost for the full trip?

• The total cost for a youth or adult participant is $4000. This covers the National Jamboree fee and additional associated Council fees. (see above for what is covered.)
• Costs increase to $4250 on November 3, 2025.

How many units are the Council planning to send?

• For the 2026 Jamboree, like prior Jamborees excluding 2023, the Council must commit to full or half units not individual participants. Therefore, we are currently setting our commitment as:
  • One (1) 40-person male Troop (36 Scouts, 4 Adults)
  • One (1) 20-person male Troop (18 Scouts, 2 Adults)
  • One (1) 20-person female Troop (18 Scouts, 2 Adults)
• If there is greater interest, it is substantially easier to increase our commitment.

What is the selection process for adult leaders?

• Applications accepted from Oct 24-Feb 25; selection made in Mar 25
• Interested Adult volunteers must submit SM/ASM application to GCC National Jamboree committee. Supporting Letters of Recommendation from non-unit Scouters accepted (e.g. Wood Badge course director/Troop Guide)
• Interviews with the committee will occur Feb-Mar 25.
• Emphasis is on behaviors.

Will there be chaperone positions like the 2023 National Jamboree?

• No, there will only be the 4 adult leader positions per 40-person troop: Scoutmaster, ASM1, ASM2, and ASM3. Twenty (20) person units will have two (2) adult leaders per unit.