Jamboree Show Broadcast

Additional information on the show -- the segment entitled Performance of “History Lesson – 100 Years of BSA” is planned for the 8:23pm (7:23pm your time) time slot. Slated to last between 8-12 minutes (at max).






If you have DirectTV channel 374

If you have Dish Network channel 9403

A Cool Ride At the Jamboree

We are five days into our Jamboree adventure. Sorry for the long delay on entries. Getting Internet coverage in camp was not possible so we have found a link up in the staff dining hall.

We ended DC on a whirlwind of activity by patrol. The National Archives, Air & Space Museum, the monuments (Lincoln, Vietnam, Korea, WWII) were high on everyone's list. There was a huge storm for about 15 minutes while we were on the mall, all made it to safety in some Smithsonian museum. The 1632 Shark patrol even took in the National Art Museum! Another group went out that evening to view the monuments at night. The metro was a quick and fun way to get around the city and we made full use of every hour. When we did rest at the hotel the indoor/outdoor pool was a favorite and the rooms were fantastic.

Monday came and we were off to the Jamboree! After a few hours we were dropped off at our front door to the 1632/33 campsite and had our first kiosk lunch. Unloading the big truck was a breeze with all 14 troops helping everyone. The weather has been fantastic! Highs in the 80's and 90's and low's in the low 60's. Right now it is a beautiful Spring day for Texas, but it is July 30th in Virginia!

Tuesday was a day for Scouts to explore their new camp home. Everyone was shooed out of the campsite and hit the action centers. The Southern Region entertainment stage had the Baltimore Raven Cheerleaders, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sgt Slaughter from WWE wrestling and more. Joe Hartmann and friends did the ultimate and explored every road and trail via bus shuttle and feet. Others took on swimming, shotgun, kayaking, and merit badge midway.

Wednesday was the opening show. We saw Secretary Robert Gates, Miss America, The Governor of Virginia, Skydivers, flyovers, the National OA Chief, and the National Chief Scout Executive and Commissioner along with music entertainment. Big plus and troop alert!!!! Both troops will be in the final Show Saturday on stage with Sergei Larson Co-hosting and Nick Bell playing a big part too. There is a webcast of the show check it out on bsajamboree.org The Scouts are working with Robby. Robby is the head choreographer for Walt Disney - all of Walt Disney - all the parades, shows, all the entertainment Walt Disney does goes through him.

Thursday was another day for Jamboree Activities after a morning rehearsal at the arena show. Some troop members participated in getting their CPR/AED certification as part of a world record for most certifications in one day. There is the Venturing area with climbing in a mine and an old west town, the OA Indian Village is a big hit and the Mysterium Compass Vault is popular with its air-conditioning.

Today is Friday and more sites and activities. There is so much to see at Jamboree we will not get to see it all. Tonight is an OA Call Out and Brotherhood for many members of both troops. Patch trading is HUGE with our roads covered in youth traders. It is a great way to meet new people from across American and with Scouts from 29 other countries.

After this blog entry Harry will download more pictures from both troops on our www.flickr.com website. More to come now we have a great link to the net!

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

After a grand tour of NYC and Philly 1632 and 1633 met up Friday morning for pictures and a talk with US Congressman Pete Sessions. Pete took a picture with the Scouts two at a time with the capitol in the background (will be posted on his website) and then talked to the Scouts about the path to success and willingness to take on challenges. Pete Sessions is not only a supporter of Scouting but also an active volunteer with Troop 890 with his son and attends Summer Camp for the week at Constantin every year. Pete Sessions office arranged for Capitol tours and Pentagon tours for both troops. 1632 and 1633 when different directions with the tour of our nations capitol that included the hall of statues and original legislative room and the crypt built for Washington (never used as he wanted Mount Vernon). After the tours 1633 went over to the Pentagon for a two hour personal tour with one of the directors. 1632 hit the Union Station for lunch and then a tour of the Pentagon.

1632 toured the new Native American Indian Museum off the Mall area. The museum is four stories with a theatre and a Pow Wow while we were there. After the museum it was over to the Herrington Hotel for dinner with several council troops including 1633 and an open buffet with three main entrees.

That evening both troops attended the Marine Barracks parade in the Navy Yard. We were on time and got seated right away. And then sat in the sun for two hours waiting for the show to begin. But the marines were great hosts and kept us flush in water and bathroom breaks. The special guest was Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints, a Navy Vet. The show was amazing and ended with canon's blazing. After a long ride back to the hotel on the metro and then discovering Crystal City has two Marriott hotels (we went to the wrong one). The Scouts were in bed for a later wake up call. After three days of getting up in the 5AM hour and going to bed late at night everyone slept in to 7AM.

Hot!! Hot!! Hot!!! I miss Texas' hot.  The humidity here is close to unbearable.  1633 is staying hydrated, though and seeing alot of sights.  Moving fast through the Metro line was a challenge at first, but we are becoming experts, as long as we stay on the right side going up and down the escalators.  Mr. Bubeck and Mr. Davidson are getting in shape walking the many miles each day.  All that exercise is paying off, but I will probably put that to rest once I get home.  Interesting culture here.  Go somewhere FAST! and get out of the way.  As Mr. Bennett says, "GOD BLESS TEXAS!" 

Anyway, Friday was nice visiting with Congressman Pete Sessions, albeit at 7:15am.  Pete Sessions was very nice, had his picture with us, and had a moving talk with the 1632 and 1633 Scouts as well as other troops.  He spoke about the need for our country to have teh Scouting program.

From there, we had a tour of the Capitol and it was impressive.   I believe our Scouts were excited to see so much history.  A big surprise was a visit to The Pentagon.  We had to wait a while in the visitors waiting area, but we got a guide and he must have spent one and one-half hours with us.  He spoke about the building, the history, about who works there, and we finished off with looking at a memorial of the people that died while working in the Pentagon on 9-11.

After this visit, we ate lunch at Union Station.  We picked up our bags we had left during the visit with Pete Sessions and we moved onto our last stop for the night, the evening parade with the Marines.  After taking the Metro and some walking, we made it to the Marine Barracks.  We got seated around 7pm and the show didn't start until dusk.  A long wait, but well worth the wait.  It was very exciting to see the Marine Corps band.  This show ended late and we were bushed getting to the hotel late in the night.

On Saturday 1632 started with a White House Photo while 1633 hit the Washington Monument. Afterward both troops met to tour Ford's Theatre and a new and excellent display detailing the life of Lincoln and Booth down to the hours for both men leading up to the assassination. We sat through a presentation by park rangers in the theatre itself (used as an active theatre).

After Ford's theatre both troops hit a local food court with coupons and then went two different directions as 1633 laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns featuring Nathan Bubeck, Colton Sligar, Daniel Stiegler and Jacob Davidson. 1632 went to the Washington Monument and then over to Arlington Cemetery for laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns featuring Campbell Castleberry, Mason Shelley, Rodolfo Vidales and T.J, Skipworth. After the wreath laying 1632 visited the sites commemorating the Space Shuttle disaster, USS Maine, and JFK grave site.

Both troops had dinner at Pentagon City before retiring back to the hotel for laundry and swimming.

Saturday, probably the hottest day so far (102 with 110 thi) 1633 made a jaunt to the Washington Monument after breakfast.  We went up to the top to see around Washington D.C. and other points of interest.  I think everyone liked it also because for a moment we weren't in the sun.  From there, we rushed to make our time for the exhbiit and show at Ford's Theater.  It was great with lots of artifacts and timelines.  1633 and 1632 went in together.  A presentation was given with details of an account of the assasination of Abraham Lincoln and again some timeline of occurances.  Looking from the back, I think many fell asleep because of the tiring walk and the cool building.  Mr. Bubeck had to keep his snoring down because it was getting louder than the speaker.  Ha Ha Ha!

1633 then made a bolt to the Arlington National Cemetary to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to see the changing of the guard, and to see four of our Scouts lay a wreath at the tomb.  Once finished we visited the gravesites of President Kennedy and Jackie Onassis.  It was so hot at this point, we were exhausted.  We went and ate dinner and made it to the hotel early for some swimming and relaxation. 

Tomorrow (Sunday) is Church service in the AM followed by patrol tours of the Smithsonian, National Archives, War Memorials and more! We will work in patrols of 10 (including one adult and one senior youth).

On Sunday, Mr. Davidson has made a plan to take the Catholic Scouts to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  The Scouts should be in awe of this magnificent Church and of course, REVERENT, inside at all times.  After mass, 1633 plans to split up into smaller groups and visit sights such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Smithsonian including the American Indian Museum and others.  The boys went to bed early and I'm up late once again.  I'm ready for Sunday!

Submitted by:

Brian Bennett
Scoutmaster - Troop 1632

and

David Davidson
2nd Assistant Scoutmaster - Troop 1633

We are in DC Now!!!!

Troops 1632 and 1633 had a whirlwind tour finishing up in New York and then in Philadelphia.

In New York, our buses dropped us off at Ground Zero and we we're in awe of the incredible site. While on Manhattan, we also saw the New York Stock Exchange and the first Capitol across from NYSE. This was interesting with a large statue of George Washington on a horse and on the right was a picture of our first president kneeling and praying.

I believe we impressed the many New Yorkers and tourists from other countries, some wanting their pictures taken with us. We made it to the ferry to head to Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty was beautiful and the weather was much better than the day before. The Scouts were happy to sit down for a while after all the walking and get a snack on the ferry.

Ellis Island was interesting with the history of immigrants coming to the US. The guides had extensive knowledge of the history and passed it on to us. Apparently, the snack bar was great there, which had a Starbucks also. Of course, that was a hit with Mr. Bennett. Mr. Sliger talked about the delicious fudge, also.

While on the ferry, Mr. Davidson met a mother and children from Switzerland to find out her son is in the Scouts. They live on the french speaking side of Switzerland, but they spoke English fairly well. John and Jacob Davidson was introduced to them and Jacob gave the boy, whose name is Bill in English, one of the Circle Ten Texas patches. Bill and his mother were very excited to receive the patch.

After getting back from Ellis Island, we made our way to our bus where we had lunch waiting for us. We ate on the bus as we made our way out of Manhattan and New York heading to Philadelphia. We needed the rest knowing we had more walking in the City of Brotherly Love.

After finally stopping in Philadelphia, 1632 and 1633 immediately started their tour. We visited sights including Benjamin Franklin's house, Betsy Ross' house, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, among other sites. After this busy day we were ready for dinner at The Bagel Factory. We were ready for some Philly cheese steak sandwiches and bagel sandwiches and I believe everyone was satisfied. They had actually closed the restaurant to host the scouts.

Once we finished dinner, the two troops made it to their buses. We were certainly happy to get some more rest time and watching Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian. Whew! This was a tiring day!

We are now in Washington D.C. and tonight it is quiet in the hotel halls. Everyone is tired and gone to bed. Overall, alot of history of our wonderful nation was seen and to see it and think about what happened in those early beginnings of our country is awesome. I did think it was strange that in New York you find no water fountains and restrooms aren't found all over the place. Philadelphia was close to New York in that respect. Alot of pictures have been taken and many thanks to Mr. Bubeck having to stay up to late nights to upload the large number of pictures taken.

Friday is an early start for breakfast (6am, UGH!, with 5am wakeup, OUCH!) and heading over to the Capitol to see Congressman Pete Sessions and other sightseeing included. We will be taking the Metro train system here. The boys are in good health and enjoying themselves.

Submitted by David Davidson
2nd Asst. Scoutmaster - Troop 1633

Sub-Camp 16 - Before the Arrival!

Here is a picture one of our Circle Ten Council Jamboree staff members took of Sub-Camp 16 yesterday (at least we THINK it is Sub-Camp 16 - either way it is pretty close. Many staff members are already on site and many more are on their way direct to the Jamboree now. Staff members get there a week or two or three before the troops arrive. The National staff is there a month or two before!

Jamboree Youth Leaders Review

The senior youth staff and patrol leaders of both troops met today to review the itinerary, contact information, and campsite procedures for our trip.

**Be at the Gate outside of security at 5AM in full uniform!!

Trailer Load at Wisdom

Saturday July 17th the senior officers of both troops and the adult leadership loaded our gear on the council trailer and our large duffel bags on a truck. Both are now heading to the National Jamboree! Circle Ten Council is sending 14 40-man troops and another large group of staff. Each troop has gear it ships to the Jamboree every 4-5 years. Over time the council has paid and stored reusable materials for use (tarps, picnic tables, stoves) and there are always new items to purchase for the Jamboree. Here are some pictures of our Scouts. Check out much more on our picture website (troop members only).

Airport Earlybirds

Both troops have E-tickets. Every member of the troop must be present before US Airways will issue a boarding pass. PLEASE be on time at 5AM on July 21st at Terminal E Gates 35-38. Getting 80 people through security will be time consuming, but 1632 can't start and 1633 can't start until each member of their troop is present.

ID is only required for our Adult Leaders. Scouts under 18 are not required to show ID.

Tip for Service in NYC

Our tour package includes a tip for our coach driver in NYC. Our tour director (each troop gets one) is fully compensated by the travel agency, but if they give great service a tip is suggested. Our tour directors have always been great and keep us moving in bustling NYC. If you want to contribute to a tip for the tour director please see John Fox Holt (1632) or David Davidson (1633) at the airport. Each troop gets its own director and motorcoach, so please give only to the troop your where son is a member.

Carolina County Food Bank Donation

As the Boy Scouts say goodbye to Carolina County, the site of every Jamboree since 1980, we want to give one more thank you for their hospitality with a donation to the Carolina County Food Bank. The Southern Region wants every Scout and Scouter attending to donate one canned food item to the Food Bank - this would generate thousands of cans of food! The Southern Region is Texas to the East Coast! In Circle Ten Council one of our fellow Adult Jamboree Leaders has struck a deal with a Walmart in the County to buy one can of food - one of the more popular vegtables - per Scout in our Council Contigent for $1.

So if a Scout wants to contribute we need $1.00. The Scout will get a can to put in the Food Bank distribution box and I hear there is a thank you item for each Scout that participates. The Scout can give us the $1 at the airport or on the tour.

Scout Medication Form

For those Scouts that require medication on the trip we have a form! Please go to our google group
http://groups.google.com/group/white-buffalo-jamboree-troops The form is under the Files tab at the
bottom of the page. It is labeled Medication Form. We have copies of your BSA medical form from
this past Spring. The medication form goes into more detail on daily dosage.

Sock Hop tonight! Scout office on Harry Hines

Word from two separate sources in our Jamboree troops say the Scout Shop on Harry Hines (Main Council Office) has large scout socks in stock. Might be a good idea to call first 214-902-2001.

So stock up on socks or hop over to the sock stocked store or store up on in stock scout socks.

okay, that is enough of that better stop before I get socked myself

Food and the TSA Security Check

Food is allowed through airport security although we should qualify it further for everyone.


You may bring solid snack foods such as pretzels, potato chips or carrot sticks for the plane -- but you may want to hold the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Single-serving packages of condiments are permitted as long as they fit within your single zip-top bag, so you can add mustard to your ham sandwich after you get through security. All food must be securely wrapped or in a spill-proof container. You may not bring gel packs to refrigerate food (though they are permitted for medication).

http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=710&category=1
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1667.shtm

Make sure the snacks are packaged and in their own ziplock bag to pass through security separate from the small duffel bag and backpack.

There might be time to purchase food after the security check, might.

And the above is one more reason everyone has to be at the airport at 5AM. Getting 80 boy scouts through security can take a little time.

Stuff to Stuff your Small Duffel Bag and Backpack

Everything goes in the big duffel bag except -


Uniforms/Underwear/T-shirts
Poncho/rain jacket
Tolietries (comb/brush, toothbrush/paste, shaving cream/razor)
(Each container must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller)
You do not need a towel or soap or shampoo on the tour. We are staying in 3 star hotels.
They are available at the hotel.

Playing cards/Reading material
Empty water bottle
Camera
Small Personal First Aid Kit (band-aids, sunscreen, moleskin, neosporin)

Any liquids must be in a zip lock bag and separate from the small duffel bag and back pack through security check.

If we have time to use the hotel laundry room the Troop will provide the detergent.

The Scout's name goes on EVERYTHING!
Knives go in the large duffel bag!