Glen Jean (WOAY) – The 2026 National Scout Jamboree is underway at the Summit Bechtel Reserve near Glen Jean, and opening day meant getting about 15,000 scouts, leaders and staff onto the property and settled into camp before any of the adventure could begin.
For the adults who have done it before, arrival day follows a familiar rhythm.
“It’s a little bit of organized chaos when they come in and get set up. The staff do a great job. The scouts, we’ve trained for this for two years. We went through a shakedown, setting up camp just exactly like this,” said Rob Chaligoj, a scoutmaster with Troop 4421 of the Central Florida Council.
Scouting America says participants are arriving from across the country, and getting them all settled takes help from partners around West Virginia.
“We’re so blessed to be supported by a number of partners here in West Virginia … that really support us and help us really stand up a tiny city for ten days here in southern West Virginia,” said Glenn Ault, chairman of the 2026 National Scout Jamboree.
For many scouts, the day started long before they reached the gate. Some troops left around midnight and drove through the night, pulling in on little or no sleep.
“We’re naturally very energetic. No matter if we’re all sleep deprived, we’re still going to bring all the energy. We were singing and dancing on the bus ride all the way to the campsite,” said Harper Todman, a 14-year-old Eagle Scout with the Simon Kenton Council in Ohio.
Once off the bus, troops got to work assembling their living quarters, setting up tents, cots and crew gear while adjusting on the fly to fit their assigned space.
“Boots hit the ground. We’re unloading, getting everything set up. We’re changing plans … scouting is rigidly flexible. You have to be able to adjust and roll with it,” said Frederick Meyers, a Life Scout with Troop 4421 of the Central Florida Council.
With camp taking shape, scouts were already looking ahead to the activities they came for. Rosemary Parker, a 13-year-old scout with the Simon Kenton Council, has her sights on the water.
“I’m excited for whitewater rafting,” Parker said.
Todman said the shooting range topped his own list, while the marquee zip line was the ride drawing the most buzz around camp.
“I think everybody’s really excited about the shotguns and the shooting sports, and the big zip. Everybody’s crying about the big zip,” Meyers said.
Chaligoj said the scouts have put in the work and earned the excitement ahead.
“They’re motivated. They’re organized. We’ve been practicing this for two years, and they’re ready to go,” Chaligoj said.
The Jamboree runs through July 31, with 10 days of activities still ahead.
