Low Impact or Leave No Trace

Low Impact or Leave No Trace camping is a modern theme. But in Scouting it may have had it’s start at the 1937 Jamboree. The Jamboree was on government property in close proximity to the Capitol. It was of the upmost importance that the site be returned to the manicured lawns that existed before 25,000 scouts camped there. Great care was taken to ensure that everything was in order before contingents left. A certificate was presented to each group as they prepared to leave and their campsite had been inspected. Region 7, Section G, Troop 24 was Pioneer Trailers Council, Elkhart, IN.

Things that might confuse you

In later years many things were reproduced, often by the BSA with the 1937 Jamboree logo on them. On earlier pages I show the reproduction pocket patch, but here are a few other items.

There was no backpatch for the 1937 Jamboree. This 6 7/8” round is a 1980’s reproduction made by Howardson (Howard Ang) in China.

Coins were reproduced in 1973 in both gold and silver. The design is similar to the authentic but details are different. Belt buckles and bolo ties came at the same time, The buckle and bolo are generic, the gold or silver coin is inserted into the buckle or bolo for the appropriate year.

The economic depression of the early 1930’s was not over. Many families were still hurting in 1937. The Scouts attending the Jamboree were primary from solidly middle class or upper class families. It was important to make sure that everyone knew that no government money was spent on the Jamboree, although whether it was or not might be open to debate. There was turbulence in the country like never before. Radical labor groups were protesting, veterans were demanding promised bonuses, the very system of capitalism was in doubt in some sectors. Having the best and the brightest in Washington and confirming our system worked, was of the upmost importance.

Paul Myers Goshen, Indiana gimogash@comcast.net