Local Boy Scout helps create West Virginia’s second largest city — population 45,000
The Boy Scout World Jamboree, instituted in 1920 and since held every four years in a different country, took place near Glen Jean, West Virginia from July 21st through August 2nd, featuring local Scouts and Scout leaders.
The Jamboree hosted Scouts from over 150 countries distributed over six continents. The United States put forward its largest ever contingent with 8,500 Scouts and adult Scout leaders, organized as 144 troops consisting of 36 Scouts and four adults each. These included 250 young women forming newly instituted Scouts BSA all-girl troops. The Jamboree formed the second largest city in West Virginia, comprised of over 45,000 persons.
Locally, troop USA231 was formed by Scouts and adult leaders living in the geographical area including the cities Front Royal, Winchester, Waynesboro and Richmond. Most of the Scouts did not know each other before a shakedown campout at Camp Shenandoah, near Staunton, held in May. But it is part of the Boy Scout learning process to develop the skills needed to effectively camp and live with others, and to lead an effort in harmony with those led.
This is a local instantiation of the purpose of a World Jamboree as
summarized by Scouting’s founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell: “The average Scout Life of a boy is a comparatively short one, and it is good for each generation of Scouts to see at least one big rally, since it enables the boy to realize his membership of a really great brotherhood, and at the same time brings him into personal acquaintance with brother Scouts of other districts and other countries.”
Troop USA231 included nine Scouts from our Shenandoah Area Council, one of these being Star Scout Ian Cordero of local Troop 36. Ian’s brother Julian attended the National Jamboree, held at the same location in 2017, where he served as Senior Patrol Leader, and his enthusiasm was passed on to Ian.
Ian relates that the biggest impressions made on him while at the Jamboree were: “The number of different languages spoken, and seeing the same struggles of setting up tents, and so forth, that American Scouts have.”
He most enjoyed “Sharing dinners and conversation with Scouts of other countries. We didn’t have to ask for anything while visiting the Scouts of Morocco, they got food and drink for us as we sat at their table.”
“Other countries such as Sweden and Norway were impressed with the United States. They learn English beginning at 1st grade. They did comment on our sugary foods,” he noted.
We made a joke of this by serving 20 gallons of Sweet Tea, and Pop-Tarts, during Cultural Exchange Day.
Ian was proud to show off his home, but wishes to visit a different country to experience it for himself. He hopes to serve as a member of the International Service Team during the 25th World Jamboree to be held in South Korea in 2023.