The 1981 Boy Scout National Jamboree Fort A. P. Hill, northern Virginia Page 5
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The trend of making all kinds of “trinkets” seemed to have declined in 1981. But the Trading Posts were still loaded with product, cold drinks, food, etc. BSA National Supply allowed Scouts registered for the Jamboree to order patches and accessories in advance. This took some of the pressure off the Trading Posts and allowed collectors who knew a Jamboree bound Scout or leader to obtain items before the Jamboree opened. Visiting Scouts could get Jamboree patches and sew them on their uniforms. The program areas were designed to accommodate the 42,000 registered participants. An extra 10,000 Scouts visiting a day would overwhelmed the already stretched thin staff and program areas. In later years there would be more security, it’s a difficult problem, turning away visiting Scouts from the program area, but one that had to be addressed. |
![]() This is a small silver pendant sold at the Trading Posts. It could be used on a woman's charm bracket, as a pendant or key chain, etc. Some individuals have made these, and ones from previous Jamborees into a “medal”. They get a generic ribbon with a pin bar and attempt to pass off the common pendant as some kind of Jamboree medal. |
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Jamboree’s staff members were given a certificate, a knife and
the horseshoe style bolo tie. About the Jamboree Staff. Scouting volunteers have been the backbone of the Jamboree staff. In earlier Jamborees Scouting Professionals were pressed into service at the Jamborees. About 1970 it seems to have been decided that Scouting Professionals should remain in their Districts or Council, Jamboree staff positions would mostly be filled by volunteers. Volunteer Scouters answered the call, serving on Jamboree Staff became a tradition for many dedicated volunteer Scouters. Staff members must give up usually two weeks of vacation, pay a fee for their meals, pay their transportation to and from the Jamboree. Often their personal transportation is inaccessible, stored in a field far removed from their location at the Jamboree, there is no going out for a cold beer after a 100 degree day. In many cases staff men work in sweltering heat. Some staff like Commissary work nights unloading food trucks and try to sleep in tents during the day in 90 degree weather, with thousands of Scouts tramping about, yet they serve and continue to, Jamboree after Jamboree. Thanks to all Jamboree staff. |
![]() No stamp was issued but there were plenty of First Day Covers. SOSSI operated the Scout Stamp booth. Collecting stamps seemed to start fading in the 1980’s. |
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Paul Myers Goshen,
Indiana gimogash@comcast.net |