The 2001 Boy Scout National Jamboree Fort A.P. Hill in northern Virginia - Page 3
| Supporters of the 2001 Jamboree |
| General Motors was again a supporter of the Jamboree. I was shocked when I read that 510 vehicles were on loan to the Jamboree, but that’s correct. GM produced a souvenir coin and a wallet as handout at the GM exhibit. |
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| The average Scouter probably doesn’t think much about General Motors loaning the BSA 510 vehicles, but there is something interesting happening here. Some GM Executive didn’t just wake up one morning and say “why don’t we lend the BSA 510 cars”. These types of things are cultivated by the National BSA, often in coordination with the local council. Many large corporations encourage mid-level managers to be active on non-profit boards. Scouting welcomes these people, knowing that if they advance in their careers they will have a favorable impression of Scouting. The Camp Chief at the 1997 Jamboree was a GM Vice President, and I’ll bet that he came to Scouting in this manner. Young men of Scout age will be drivers within a few years. A high percentage will probably be getting a used car as their first vehicle. How about a used 2001 GMC (Chevy, Buick or Oldsmobile) like they saw at the 2001 Jamboree. How much of a benefit would it be to GM to develop a lifelong customer as a result of a good turn at the 2001 Jamboree. |
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| The US military was/is a strong supporter of Scouting. Scouts that form a favorable opinion of a certain branch of the military might consider enlisting. The military generally approves of the BSA’s themes of God and Country, patriotism, etc. Scout trained men might make good soldiers and officers. Enemies of Scouting have been critical of the support that the military provides Scouting, but it’s to everyone’s best interest to have good relations. |
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The BSA has encouraged “VIP’s” to attend Jamborees since 1935. A BSA
National Meeting was held in nearby Philadelphia after the 1950
Jamboree. In 1984 the BSA hired people with specific skills with the
aim of introducing and expanding endowment giving. In 1993 the James
E West award was developed to recognize individuals that made gifts
to the local or National Council BSA. In 2001 local councils were encouraged to bring Council level Scouters and friend of Scouting to the Jamboree. What better place to show the benefits of Scouting with 40,000 Scouts living the Scout Oath and Law. Later Jamborees would expand the program and there are more VIP items from later Jamborees. |
| The Venturing Rain Forest |
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In 2001 Ventures and Explorers developed and staffed a “rain forest”
experience. The exhibit was part of the National exhibits on Thomas
Rd., just west of Action Center C. It was a simulated rain forest
with bird calls, an airplane wreck, air rifle shooting, a scuba
display, with foliage similar to that in a rainforest. If Scouts survive the experience they receive a special “chit” that allows them to purchase a special five piece patch set (shown below). The patch set was $16 and only 5000 were made. |
| Scoutopia presented by the Order of the Arrow and the U.S Marine Corp. |
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| Sirens wail, lights flash, Scouts are rushed into a empty white room. Doors close and their lives are about to change, (from Jamboree Today). Rolls of toilet paper cascade from the ceiling, and scenes from the Blue Man Group appear on a stage. The OA has build a visual to challenge all senses and help build strong values. The U S Marine Corp played an integral role, they split the bill with the OA for the production. Anything associated with the OA is sure to have a lot of patches. |
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| Gateways were again popular. The obstacles of transporting materials that had caused a decline in the 1970’s seem to have been overcome. These were highlighted in the Jamboree Today. |
| 2001 Jamboree Council Contingent Issues, JSP's & sets |
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| By 2001 the Jamboree Shoulder Patch was used by most council contingents. The theme of cartoon characters, super hero and unique patches that appeal to Scouts expanded. Multiple design sets had been popular, most of these sets were contingent fund raisers. In some councils the desirability of trading would be a bigger consideration than council identification. |
 Pioneer Valley Council produced five Dr. Seuss theme patrol medallion size patches  Local OA lodges never pass up at opportunity to issue a patch. Like JSP’s OA some OA patches had little to do with identification, not sure what M & M’s have to do with Lodge 353, maybe a new totem. |
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| Paul Myers Goshen,
Indiana gimogash@comcast.net |