The planning and organization developed for the canceled 1935 Jamboree was built upon for 1937. Much of the engineering and layout was done and plans were made for an even bigger and better Jamboree in 1937. 26,000 Scouts would attend and it would be an opportunity for Scouts from all over the country to visit the capitol and tour the historic landmarks. The Jamboree design was changed from the Capitol Dome to the Washington Monument, but badges and neckerchiefs were about the same.

The 1937 Jamboree was unique, the city of Washington and surrounding historic sites was the attraction. Scouts would be touring rather than doing things in camp. Wonderful Arena Shows were planned and there were displays, Washington DC and the historic sights was the event.

 

Most came by railroad, semi-locals came by motor coach. Overseas visitors usually came by ship with a very few arriving by air. The interstate highway system wasn’t build yet and motorcar travel was difficult.
Scouts took in a major league baseball game, some with President Roosevelt.
Scouts visited the Bureau of Standards and most government buildings. How strong does cable have to be to pass be approved?
President Roosevelt seemed to be everywhere and was highly accessible to Scouts. Thousands met him.
Above - Visiting Arlington and laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown awakened patriotism in every scout. Every department of the government was available to the Scouts. Senators and Congressmen held receptions for contingents from their districts. Many mingled freely throughout the camp and attended the Arena Show. J. Edgar Hoover personally lead some tours at FBI Headquarters. Scouts visited the House and Senate chambers, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, Arlington, Mt Vernon, and all the historic sights. Part of the Jamboree experience was to send the Scouts home with a good feeling and understanding that the American system was working and the future was bright.
The Arena Shows were another highlight of the Jamboree. They occurred during the day and at night with Stage lighting and fireworks the type of which most Scouts had never seen. Dignitaries visited the shows.
Sea Scouts took a cruise to the Naval Academy, toured the facilities and had lunch with the mid-ship men.
Large circus type tents sheltered the exhibits. Scouts toured them at leisure.
Boys Life Magazine had their own display tent. There was a stamp exhibit. SOSSI wasn’t yet formed.
The shoulder strips of 1935 were replaced with a shoulder hanger. There is an attachment that pierced the uniform. A Roman Numeral identifies the region. A letter identifies the subcamp, and a numeral, the troop. Staff camped in subcamps, but not by troop, the troop number was removed. Red neckerchiefs were for “in camp” wear. Blue were for out of campsite wear. Scoutmasters kept the blue neckerchief and gave them to scouts who had permission to leave the contingent camp site.
Sea Scouts camped by Ships. They had their own separate camp by the water. They could fully participate in the Jamboree, but had boating and a trip to the Naval Academy separate from the Jamboree. Sea Scouts wore both the white and navy blue uniform, but the shoulder strip was only available in blue. These items are considered the basic 1937 Jamboree collection. The difference between a good collection and a better or great collection are the other items that were available at the Jamboree.
Authentic 1937, 3” badge. Two shades of gold in the starburst. Gauze backing. Rounded O’s. Most fakes have the sunburst points in a different position. Compare compass points in relationship to the position of the letters.
Fakes and Reproductions of the 1937 pocket badge
	Gauze on back is different. Red starburst between the S & C. On the real badge it points to the C. 1980’s, Bates fake.
	The J in Jamboree has a cross bar on top, the authentic badge does not. The top of the Washington Monument is left, not centered. Date unknown. This badge has been laundered which simply means the faker hoped to make it look more authentic.
	Lettering does not extend to the edges. O’s are square not round. 1980’s, Bates Fake. The gauze backing is wrong.
	A good fake, starbursts are correct. Circa earlier than 1965 But, only one line of water beneath the Washingtonn Monument.
	Not fully embroidered - 4 3/4" round.
Paul Myers Goshen, Indiana gimogash@comcast.net