NATIONAL JAMBOREE TROOP 1916

Guys we're less than 20 days from the 2010 National Jamboree. It's hard to believe, but 3 years of planning and effort are all beginning to come together. Remember - your goal is to have everything in camp set up and ready to go before lunch time on Monday morning 7/26. Teamwork will be key in your hitting this goal. After set-up you're off enjoying the Jamboree.

Please bring me a copy, (a color copy if possible), of your I.D. card to the equipment load day.

The medical form saga doesn't seem to end. By now you should have received an e-mail notice from "National" saying either your medical form had been accepted, or there was an issue with your form. If the latter, please make sure you correct the issue and fax it to the number provided in the e-mail. If you made corrections, I need an updated copy of your form since I now have to take paper copies as a back-up. Please bring corrected copies to "Load Day."

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the BSA, our Order of the Arrow Lodge, Atta Kulla Kulla, has produced an OA pocket Flap for members. This flap, while not a "Jamboree Issue" uses the same artwork as our NJ shoulder patch. In other words, they look and will trade like a set. These OA flaps can be worn on the uniform and/or traded. Since there are currently a very limited number of these flaps, OA members can purchase up to 5 per person on the initial offering. If you want any of these flaps, you need to respond to me via e-mail with the number you would like. They are first come first serve, so don't wait. The cost for these flaps will be $4.00 ea. You can pay and pick up the flaps on "Load Day."

It's time. If you have not already done so, it's time to stop drinking soft drinks, and start drinking water. You also need to be walking, and walking, and walking. It's currently hotter in the Northeast than it is here in the south. Get ready and "Be Prepared!"

Last month I introduced you to our new SA-3 Darrell Green. This month I'm happy to announce that Darrell and his wife, Amy are the proud parents of a new baby boy, (future scout who will be ready for the 2025 NJ). James Darrell Green III was born on 6/18/2010. Congratulations to the Green family on their new addition.

The answer to the #1 question is, "Yes, Amy is still letting him go to the Jamboree with us." Thanks Amy!

I've had several people ask about a "packing" list for the jamboree. This list was included in the parent's guide / handbook I sent out back in May, but since several people have missed it, you can download a copy: 2010_Jamboree_PackingChecklist.pdf.

Some questions have come up about visitors on the day of the closing arena show. Below are comments I received from Jay Best, our Jamboree coordinator

I will continue to check on the status of visitors at the National Jamboree for the July 31 arena show, but this is off of the National Web Site.

It states, (and I quote):

"Any visitors on July 31 are strongly urged to arrive as early in the day as possible. The Jamboree will be required to close the gates to the Fort when the capacity for the Arena Show is reached, and no more visitors will be able to enter the property. It is highly recommend that visitors choose another day to visit the Jamboree that will be less crowded, as the 100th Anniversary Arena Show will also be broadcast to council events and via the internet."

As far as I can see, if you are on Base, Fort A.P. Hill, you will be "able" to attend the arena show. If you get there late, or do not get on the Base, you better find a TV close-by and watch.

I will continue to check to make sure I am correct. In the mean time I hope that helps.

All four patrol leaders need to make sure everyone in their patrol has patrol patches and they have a couple extras for me (I'll be happy to pay for them). You also need to make sure you have a patrol flag ready to go. Remember there will be a patrol flag contest, and the winners will most likely get to display their flags on the stage of the closing show. Austin is currently working at COI, but will be home next week and will follow up with each patrol leader on this and other topics.

I believe we have distributed all of the uniform orders. If you have problems with sizes, you can exchange them at the scout shop as long as you don't remove the tags.

I hate to beat a dead horse, but I must - When we depart for the Jamboree on Sunday evening 7/25/2010, you need to arrive in full uniform, (Centennial Uniform). Scouts arriving without a full uniform will not be allowed to board the buses. Please comply so we don't have any issues or bad / hurt feelings. You have all heard this several times from me and others. Let's keep life simple and go with the flow.

We have a final leader's meeting set for 7/14. This is just prior to "Load Day." After this meeting, I'll send out any last minute notices about loading. Remember - we load first so we must be on time, otherwise it throws everyone off.

Finally, if you still owe any money for extra "Stough" items (Shirts, patches,etc.), please be prepared to pay for these items on the 17th. Checks are preferred, but cash is accepted (correct change please).