Greenwich Scouts “Go Big & Get Wild” at 2013 National Scout Jamboree

Greenwich Boy Scouts and volunteers started a trek this weekend to join nearly 45,000 other Scouts and volunteers at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve.  Located on the newly acquired, expansive 10,600 acres in West Virginia’s New River Gorge, the Jamboree will take place July 15–24 and will embody the theme “Go Big. Get Wild”.  At the event, Scouts will participate in adventures including more than six miles of zip line challenge courses, 36 miles of mountain bike trails, 13 acres of shooting sports, as well as kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering, skateboarding and BMX.

It will be a once in a lifetime experience for the participating 27 Greenwich Scouts, as the event only happens every four years, along with the fact that this is the inaugural event at the Summit.  The Greenwich Jamboree contingency includes: Elias Boyer, Joseph Carriero, James Cavataro, Seaton Crossman, Dylan DeChiara, AJ DeGrado, William Freder, James Gordon, Ryan Hays, Jamie Heavey, Alexander Howland, JB Jackson, Luke Kaiser, Bryce Klair, Ben Langley, Nicholas Matejak, Alex Nanai, Andrew Nanai, Eric Parker, Tim Peck, Jr., Xiare Person, James Plewniak, Joseph Schiro, Javier Soto, Walter Stratton, Dario Volterra, and Trevor Webb. 

Greenwich Scouts will be led by Greenwich Police Chief and Eagle Scout Jim Heavey who is the Jamboree Troop Scoutmaster.  Joining as Assistant Scoutmasters are Bill Gordon, a General Contractor from Old Greenwich, and John Howland, President of the First Bank of Greenwich.  All three of the leaders have sons who will be attending the Jamboree.  Greenwich residents who will be volunteering for two weeks at the National Jamboree include Bob DeLaney, Vince La Padula, Jim Parker and Mike Webb.  Bob, the Greenwich Council President, and Vince, whose sons are Cub Scouts, are both Eagle Scouts and will work with National BSA Staff to help provide tours and information to Scouting donors.  Jim and Mike are also Eagle Scouts and parents of Scouts attending the Jamboree.  For the two weeks at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, Jim will be a Jamboree Staff Photographer and Mike will be on the Aquatics Staff as part of the Dragon Boat team.

In addition to adventures and scouting camaraderie, Greenwich Scouts will enjoy exhibits, stadium shows with entertainment, service projects in the surrounding counties, and opportunities to work on merit badges during the 10-day event. Participants will camp out with friends, meet new people, experience high-adventure activities, learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and have fun in an atmosphere of Scouting fellowship.  Greenwich Scouting has sent a contingency to every Jamboree since the first National Jamboree in 1937.

To stay updated on the Greenwich Jamboree Troop’s adventures visit www.GreenwichScouting.org.