National-Jamboree | blackwarriorcouncil

2026 National Scout Jamboree

July 22 - 31, 2026

Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve (The Summit)

Located in Glen Jean. West Virginia

In July of 2026, over 20,000 Scouts from across the United States and the world will gather at The Summit for 10 days of Scouting adventure. The 2026 National Jamboree theme "ELEVATE" perfectly captures the spirit of this National Jamboree. It's about rising to new challenges, reaching new heights, and helping Scouts discover their potential in ways they have never imagined. Together, we will elevate the Scouting experience, creating new memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.

Click on logo to visit National Jamboree site ------->

Click on logo to visit National <--------- Jamboree site

Black Warrior Council's National Jamboree Plans for 2026

There are very specific guidelines as to the configuration and number of youth/adults that a local Council may send to the National Jamboree. Based on the feedback from our recent interest survey, the Black Warrior Council will be limited to sending a Venturing Crew Contingent composed of up to 18 youth and 2 adults.

Youth Eligibility

All youth will have to become a member (at no additional registration cost) of the BWC Venture Crew.
We are required to adhere to age requirements for a Venture Crew. Youth members must be at least 14 years of age by the first day of the Jamboree (July 22, 2026), or be 13 years of age and have completed the 8th grade. Youth may not reach their 21st birthday until after August 1, 2026. Youth members may be male or female.
The contingent will have male and female, experienced Scouters, as their leaders.
Dr. Andy Harrell (Troop 90) will be the Contingent leader.
The asst. contingent leader (female) will be announced soon.

Registration, Fees, Deadlines, Refund Policy

The fee for the National Jamboree will be $2,400. The fee will cover the National Jamboree fee, travel, food, pre-Jamboree meetings/shake-down weekend, and crew equipment. The fee payment schedule is listed below.

$600 DUE by October 24, 2025 **

$600 DUE by mid-December (exact date to be announced soon)

$600 DUE by March 20, 2026

$600 DUE by May 15, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTE:

**To this point, all we have solicited is "interest" in the Jamboree. Replies indicated we did have enough interested youth to fill a contingent. However, in order for a Contingent to be confirmed, participants MUST pay this initial fee, ON TIME. After October 24th, a final decision will be made about the contingent. If for some reason there are not enough payments made, full refunds will be provided.

Payments may be made, in person, over the phone by credit card, or by mail, to the Black Warrior Council Service Center. Payments made by mail must be sent in time for the payment to reach the Scout Office by the published deadline.

Phone: (205) 554-1680

Physical Address: 2700 Jack Warner Parkway, NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Mailing Address: P.O. Drawer 3088, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403

Refund Policy

As the majority of these fees are transmitted to the National Office as part of the Jamboree fee, we will not be able to refund any portion of that fee (total of $1,560). Any portion of fees paid already committed on your behalf (ex: transportation commitment) will not be able to be refunded. In order for the Council to maintain a budget that keeps fees as low as possible, there is very little opportunity for refunds of fees. In the event someone does have to drop out, the fee can be transferred to another participant who is not already registered.

Youth Who Do Not Meet the Age Requirements to Join the Venture Crew

Unfortunately, there is not a local Council option to send a Scouts BSA troop as there were not enough Scouts who were interested in attending to meet National's minimum troop requirements. If a member of a Scouts BSA troop would still like to attend the Jamboree, we can asisst in connecting you with another Council to see about the possibility of joining their contingent. Please contact Dr. Walter Davie, Council Program Director, (walter.davie@scouting.org) right away if that is an interest.

Additional Adults

The National Jamboree committee has set the contingent size at 18 youth and 2 adults. The only option allowed for additional adults (above the 2 Contingent leaders) is to serve on the Jamboree Staff -OR- if there are not enough paid youth members to fill the contingent, adults may register to attend as "Council Contingent Staff". The guidelines for that program are listed below.

Once the initial payment deadline of October 24th is reached, a determination will be made whether we can move forward with the contingent and if there are any spaces available for adults to attend with as "Council Contingent Staff".

Reminder: New Opportunity - Council Contingent Staff Option for the 2026 National Jamboree

Councils now have an exciting new option to enhance their Jamboree experience! In addition to the required two or four contingent leaders, councils may register additional adults to serve as Council Contingent Staff for the 2026 National Jamboree.

These adults (21 years or older) will play a dual role—supporting Jamboree operations during the day while remaining embedded with their contingent in the evenings. This is a great opportunity for adults who want to contribute to the success of the Jamboree while staying connected to their local youth.

Key Details -

Role & Responsibilities: Council Contingent Staff will assist with Jamboree operations for at least 6 of the 7 program days. They’ll work with a team lead to determine their schedule and may be required to complete training prior to the event.
Travel & Lodging: These staff members will travel, eat, and camp with their council contingent.
Registration: Register as part of the council contingent under the designation “Council Contingent Staff Member.”

Refund & Recognition -

Refund: Upon successful completion of service, each Council Contingent Staff member will receive a $400 refund, issued to the council for distribution.
Recognition Kit Includes: Two participant patches, Participant neckerchief, Custom 2026 National Jamboree red daypack, A special Staff Gift - distributed onsite

More details are coming soon about how to sign up Council Contingent Staff for the 2026 National Jamboree. In the meantime, please share this info with your contingent planning team so everyone is ready to take advantage of this opportunity!

IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS:

Confirm participation by submitting the $600 initial fee payment
no later than October 24th.
As soon as a final decision is made about the contingent, all will be notified.