Jamboree Participant Qualifications

What participants need to know before the National Jamboree.

Attendance The 2026 National Jamboree will host approximately 20,000 Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts, Explorers*, unit leaders, JST (Staff), and visitors. To attend the National Jamboree, a Scout must:

  • Be a currently registered member of Scouting America in a Scouts BSA troop, Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship

  • If attending as a member of Scouts BSA, a Scout must be at least 12 years of age and no older than 17 years of age.

  • If attending as a member of a Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship, a Scout must be at least 13 years old and have completed the eighth grade or is age 14 and not yet 21 years of age.

  • To attend the National Jamboree as a contingent adult leader, an adult must: Be a currently registered member of Scouting America No less than 21 years of age Note: Assistant Scoutmasters aged 18-20 are encouraged to register for JST (Staff) or register and participate as a member of a Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship.

Contingent Size and Unit Options Councils will organize a contingent of Scouts and leaders to attend the National Jamboree and will organize Scouts and leaders into units within the council contingent. There are two size options for units within your National Jamboree contingent:

  • Council units may consist of up to 18 youth and two adult leaders not to exceed a total of 20. OR Up to 36 youth and four adult leaders, not to exceed a total of 40.

  • The council will choose unit type and the number of units to meet the needs of the council. All youth protection policies must be followed when determining unit makeup. This includes meeting all of Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse, including travel to and from the National Jamboree. Units will select one of the following options:

  • Scouts BSA

  • Boy Troop Scouts BSA

  • Girl Troop

  • Venturing Crew

  • Sea Scouting Ship

  • *Exploring participants may attend the National Jamboree as a unit under the supervision of their unit leadership as a part of the JST (Staff) and with approval of the National Jamboree Area Leadership staff.

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