Local Scouts Preparing For Jamboree Adventure

Boy Scouts, venturers and sea scouts from New City, Nanuet, Orangeburg and Tomkins Cove are preparing for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia next week. Members of Boy Scout Troops 79 and 97 of New City, 33 of Nanuet and Venture Crew 78 of Nanuet are going as part of the Hudson Valley contingent to “Jambo” as the Jamboree is nicknamed. 

“I am extremely excited for Jambo,” said Jeff Davidson of Troop 79. “I signed up for Jambo about two years ago, and have been anxious to go ever since.”

The Hudson Valley Council (HVC) is sending four Boy Scout troops with 36 participants in each and one nine-member Venture Crew. Venture Crews are coed groups of boys and girls aged 14 to 20. The HVC Venture Crew includes one girl from New City and two boys from Orangeburg, who are Sea Scouts. In addition to Rockland County, members come from the Delaware River, Dutchess and Heritage districts. 

Davidson, who is a Life Scout, said the preparation has been exciting as he has met the scouts from other Hudson Valley troops who will be traveling together.

“This is going to be my first Jamboree so I'm not quite sure what's in store for my 10 days in West Virginia,” said the New City resident. “I can't wait for patch trading with scouts from all over the United States.”

Jambo will take place at the Summit Bechtel Family Reserve, a brand new Boy Scout Association high adventure base. This year’s gathering from July 15 to July 24 marks the first time young women will be attending Jambo as participants.

Julia Pietrangelo of New City is the president of the Hudson Valley Jamboree Venture crew going to Jambo and a member of Venture Crew 78 of Nanuet.

“I am super excited to attend the first Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve but my excitement extends past just that,” said the 18-year Iona College student. “I am so happy and can't wait to be one of the first female participants.”

Crew 78 former president Emily Roff agreed it is a wonderful opportunity.

“It's almost equivalent to attending the first Jamboree and an exciting adventure to tell about for years to come,” said the Tomkins Cove resident. “Since Boy Scouts recently updated their policy to include gay Scouts, I think it is only fair that they include Venturers in the events.”

Over the course of 10 days, scouts and venturers will see exhibits, enjoy stadium shows with entertainment, opportunities, and experience high adventure activities such as whitewater rafting, climbing, zip lines and mountain biking.

“I'm looking forward to the ropes course and zip-line the most,” said Davidson, 15. “Being hundreds of feet in the air and working through obstacles or flying through trees sounds exhilarating.”

Pietrangelo, who has been part of a venture crew for about six years, is looking forward to meeting other venturers and scouts from around the world as well as trying some new activities.

“I am really looking forward to learn how to ride an ATV, go white water rafting, and go stand up paddle boarding,” she said.

Roff, 16, is also a Girl Scout, and said the two organizations have different focuses.

“Venturing offered me an opportunity to get my hands dirty doing things like hiking, camping, rock climbing while also participating in community service and faith building activities like earning religious emblems,” she said. 

Mike Tyrie of Troop 79 is expecting to have a great time.

“I feel very excited about being able to take part in an event on the national level,” said the 15-year-old from New City. “I have heard stories from scouts who attended the Jambo in 2010, and it seems like it was an amazing experience.” 

Tyrie, who is a Life Scout and Senior Patrol Leader for his troop, has attended one other national event, the National Order Of The Arrow Conference in 2012. For this event he will have company as both his younger brother and cousin from New Jersey will be going.

The Jambo will bring together 50,000 Scouts, Venturers, volunteers and staff from all over the country to celebrate Scouting. Held once every four years, the national jamboree is described as a chance to camp out, meet new friends, try high adventure activities, learn new skills and enjoy the outdoors.