Thousands of Scouts Depart West Virginia Following Ten Days of Adventure, Service, Leadership, and Friendship
GLEN JEAN, WV (August 3, 2026) – Scouting America today celebrated the successful conclusion of the 2026 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, bringing to a close ten days of adventure, leadership development, service, and personal growth for approximately 15,000 Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, adult leaders, staff volunteers, and supporters from across the nation.
Held on the Summit Bechtel Reserve’s more than 10,000 acres in southern West Virginia, the National Jamboree united participants from every state and territory for Scouting America’s premier event, creating experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime.
“As we conclude the 2026 National Jamboree, we celebrate much more than an event,” said Glenn Ault, chairman of the 2026 National Scout Jamboree. “We celebrate the young people who challenged themselves, served others, developed new skills, and discovered their potential as leaders. The memories made here, and the lessons learned, will continue to inspire these Scouts long after they return home.”
Throughout the Jamboree, participants engaged in world-class outdoor adventures that showcased the Summit Bechtel Reserve’s unique facilities and landscapes. Scouts tested their limits through zip-lining, mountain biking, technical climbing, BMX, shooting sports, aquatics programs, and whitewater rafting in the nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
In addition to outdoor adventure, Scouts participated in leadership development programs, STEM and technology exhibits, conservation activities, citizenship programs, arena shows, and interactive experiences designed to prepare them for success in school, careers, and community life.
Service in Action
A defining feature of the 2026 National Jamboree was its commitment to service.
Through the Flood Bucket Challenge, Scouts, volunteers, and community partners assembled more than 5,000 flood recovery kits filled with essential cleaning supplies and disaster response materials, including personal hygiene kits. The flood buckets and hygiene kits were immediately put into service, supporting communities in West Virginia affected by recent storms and helping families begin the recovery process.
Participants also contributed to Scouting America’s Elevate Hunger Relief Program, which collected more than 93,000 food items to support local families facing food insecurity.
“Service remains one of the most important lessons Scouting teaches,” said Ault. “Our Scouts didn’t just talk about helping others, they took action. Whether assembling flood recovery supplies or supporting hunger relief efforts, they demonstrated the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in meaningful ways.”
Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders
While the adventure opportunities attracted Scouts from across the country, the true impact of the National Jamboree extended beyond the activities themselves.
Over ten days, participants developed leadership skills, strengthened teamwork and communication abilities, built confidence, and forged friendships with fellow Scouts from diverse backgrounds and communities. These experiences reinforced the values of citizenship, character, and service that have defined Scouting for generations.
For many participants, the Jamboree represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Scouting on a national scale while gaining skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Since its inception in 1937, the National Jamboree has brought together more than one million Scouts, leaders, volunteers, and supporters, serving as a showcase for Scouting America’s mission of preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes.
As participants departed the Summit Bechtel Reserve, they carried home unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a renewed commitment to leadership and service.
“The National Jamboree may have ended, but its impact is only beginning,” said Ault. “The young people leaving West Virginia today will return to their communities better prepared to lead, serve, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. That is the true legacy of the Jamboree.”
About Scouting America
Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and nearly 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country. To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.