The 1957 Boy Scout National Jamboree, Valley Forge, PA. Page 1
| In 1957 the Jamboree returned to Valley
Forge. The theme of “Onward for God and My Country” had been used
since 1950 and was used again in 1957. Much of the infrastructure
was already in place. Again the theme of visiting Philadelphia and
immersing Scouts in US history was emphasized. Scouting Leaders
refer to “generations” of scouts. Boys enter at age 11/12 and while
some become Explorers, many leave at about 15/16. By having
Jamborees every four years, every Scout generation has an
opportunity to participate. I’ve commented elsewhere what a perfect site Valley Forge was, close to Philadelphia with its historic sites plus the attractions at Valley Forge itself. For touring Valley Forge was close to Washington DC and New York City. Because of the 1950 Jamboree much of the infrastructure was in place, although Jamboree participants had got used to elaborate stage show and the Arena had to be constructed. |
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| Tours of Philadelphia and the many historic sites at Valley Forge offered Scouts a sense of history. |
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 All forty eight states were represented as well as Scouts from Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rica & Virgin Islands. I have repeatedly used the word SCOUT when I probably should use the term, Scout & Explorer. A high percentage of the boys at the Jamboree were Explorers or sometimes older Scouts wearing Explorer shirts.  |
 The US delegation to the World Jamboree camped in a separate subcamp at Valley Forge. Afterwards they traveled to England for the World Jambo. The USA Contingent was 1700 Scouts and Explorers. Sixteen countries were represented at the US Jamboree, a few less than usually because of the World Jamboree. To the far left is the badge that the Scouts to the W.J wore and to the right of it the World Jamboree Badgr |
 The Arena Shows at previous Jamborees had set a standard that probably couldn’t be exceeded, they were all magnificent and 1957 wouldn’t disappoint. Every Scouts chest swelled with pride to see hundreds of US flags in the opening ceremony and 50,000+ Scouts and visitors on their feet signing the Star Spangled Banner. Vice President Nixon spoke on opening nights. The view from the podium could take even he most experienced speaker breath away. Then all twelve Regions came on the stage with various shows. |
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The stage shows during both the day and night had become a huge
attraction. 50,000 Scouts and countless visitors would jam the arena
and watch the Greatest Show in Scouting, often put on by Scouts
themselves. There was a big top show with lions, acrobats, donkeys
and clowns. Scouts from Holland Michigan demonstrated “Dutch”
dancing, Jimmy Dean, the Harmonical Rascals, Jack Sterling and Lanny
Ross entertained. Some of the acts had become Jamboree traditions. I
have tried for years to find out where Bob Hope was. It appears that
he was at the top of his career with weekly television shows and
constant travel. I
have been remis in not highlighting the religious observances at
earlier Jamborees. With so many Scout units sponsored by religious
institutions, Sundays (and Saturdays) were always taken seriously.
All of the major faiths had religious observances and all were well
attended. The 1957 souvenir book has better images than former
souvenir books, so I’m showing them here. Almost every religion had
a Committee for Scouting and Scouting had exceptional support from
almost every religion. |
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  (left) Here are the Area and National Awards. To the right is the keychain fob from the 1957 Jamboree The keychain token was available at the trading post. In later years some individuals made these tokens into “medals” by finding a generic ribbon and pin bar and suspending the token from it. Novice collectors see the 1957 Jamboree medal and think its something “special”. It’s not. A similar token exists from 1953 Jamboree. Again its just a souvenir token. The Jamboree Area Award is something special and scarce. |
| 1957 Jamboree Badges |
Scouts received two embroidered badges and neckerchiefs. Badges were
again ordered in huge quantities and varieties exist. The Jamboree
would have 52,5800 scouts and leaders. Every
Scout received a badge, a neckerchief, ID card and baggage tag. This
is the basic 1957 Jamboree set. Although many collectors add a back
and leather emblem. |
| Variations of 1957 Jamboree 3" pocket patches |
There are three distinct varieties and a 1973-1977 reproduction,
made by BSA. With 52,000 Scouts and Leaders the demand for badges
was huge. The varieties are caused by BSA using different
manufacturers.  |
| I believe that A is the first issue, mailed to registered participants. I have had hundreds of 1957 Jamboree, 3’ pocket badges and seldom find a “mint” Type A. Type B & C were probably sold at the Trading Posts. |
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| 1957 Prototype |
 This is the well known prototype for the 1957 Jamboree pocket patch. The lettering seems almost identical but Washington kneeling is totally different. I state elsewhere that prototypes were probably available to members of the Insignia Committee, perhaps Region level Scouters and certain individuals at the National office. They are collectible but because of limited distribution, they are very scarce. |
| 1957 Jamboree Neckerchiefs |
  There are two varieties of the 1957 neckerchief. Thick and thin lettering. |
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| Paul Myers Goshen,
Indiana gimogash@comcast.net |