Glen Jean, WV (WOAY) – The National Scout Jamboree runs July 22 to 31 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve near Glen Jean, the more than 10,000-acre property along the New River Gorge that serves as the permanent home of the event. It is held there once every four years.
Ryan King, business development manager at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, described the 10-day event as a chance for scouts to test themselves.
“It’s a ten-day experience of pushing your limits, getting to experience new things, shooting, cycling, going out on the New River, all kinds of adventure,” King said.
He said the experience tends to stay with scouts for the rest of their lives.
“It’s transformational. It’s going to be a pinnacle part of their life, something that they’re going to be able to look back on when they’re old and gray and know that it was an incredible experience,” King said.
Organizers expect 8,000 to 9,000 scouts on the property this year, along with 3,000 to 4,000 volunteers, plus scouts’ families who stay in the area. King said a crowd that size is felt across the region.
“Gas stations are getting filled up. Grocery stores, hotels in the area, you’ll see fill up with folks. So there is a significant economic impact that happens. And I wouldn’t just say Fayette County. Fayette County, Raleigh County, Greenbrier County, you’re seeing all those counties getting some bleed-off from the impact,” King said.
A 2019 West Virginia University study put the reserve’s annual impact on the regional economy in the tens of millions of dollars, with the largest gains coming in Jamboree years.
This year the reserve is also sending something directly into surrounding communities. Every person attending is required to bring a canned or dry good for a food drive benefiting local food pantries.
“Every single person that’s coming on our property is going to be bringing a canned good or dry good that’s going to impact a local food pantry. And I want to make sure we’re really clear on that. These aren’t going anywhere else. These are going into our counties, and our counties that need it the absolute most,” King said.
King, a former Boy Scout and Eagle Scout, had a message for families that have never considered scouting.
“Eagle Scout is something you can always put on your resume. It teaches you about leadership, overcoming challenges, pushing your limits, getting outside, being a good steward of nature … So if there’s a parent out there that’s interested in their kid joining scouting, find a local troop. Sign up, experience it, and get outside,” King said.
The Jamboree is not limited to scouts. Day passes for families and the public are available online at jamboree.scouting.org.
