2005 National Scout Jamboree Explained

Type:event
2005 National Scout Jamboree
Location:Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia
Country:United States
F-Date:July 25, 2005 – August 3, 2005
Members:31,700 Scouts

The 2005 National Scout Jamboree was the 16th national Scout jamboree of the Boy Scouts of America and was held from July 25, 2005 through August 3, 2005 at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Normally, the next jamboree would be held four years afterward in 2009, but the date was changed so that the next jamboree could take place in 2010, the centennial anniversary of Scouting in the United States.[1]

Statistics

Sub-camps

The 2005 National Scout Jamboree was divided into 20 sub-camps, named after living American explorers. The subcamps were then grouped into four Regions.

Northeast

Western

Central

Southern

Arena Shows

Three Arena Shows were planned to be held during the jamboree. Allan Gibbs was the director of Arena Operations.

The first Arena Show was held on July 27, 2005. The first show was a staff show, and a youth arena staff member served as MC. The show also featured a staff barbecue and a speech from the Chief Scout Executive, as well as a preview for what was to come during the rest of the week.

President George W. Bush was scheduled to attend the second show, along with Senator Bill Frist, but was not able to attend due to impending thunderstorms expected to hit about the time of the show or shortly after. However, Frist was already en route to the show when it was canceled and consequently delivered his speech. He emphasized the "Support our Scouts" bill recently passed in the Senate. A number of participants and staff members were treated for heat exhaustion and heat stroke while Frist was delivering his speech—at one point, his voice was competing with a helicopter airlifting one victim to a nearby hospital.[2] Part of the problem arose due to a lack of drinking water. Due to security for the President's visit, those entering the amphitheater were not permitted to bring any liquid through the security checkpoints (among other restrictions). There were several water buffalos provided by the Army, but long lines to refill empty bottles dissuaded many from filling their bottles. The second show was finally canceled due to extreme temperatures. It also began to rain heavily as Scouts returned to their campsites. The trip to and from the second arena show earned the moniker "the death march" among scouts attending the jamboree due to the distances scouts were required to travel in extreme heat, from the Bataan Death March experienced by American POWs in the Pacific theater of WWII.

The final show set a jamboree record for the most attendance. President Bush did speak at the third show regarding the importance of Scouting. Jim Fowler, as well as other numerous dignitaries visited and spoke during the closing show. There was to be a two-part presentation about "exploration" with part one taking place during the second arena show. Since it was canceled the two parts were combined into one. The premise was that "Scouts" were on a journey of exploration, but it was apparent that the "Scouts" were just second-rate actors. When the audience grew restless over the lame production it was decided to terminate that part of the program. The arena show concluded with both a laser show (originally scheduled for the first show, using music from Epcot's), and a fireworks show.

Rockers

At the jamboree, Scouts had the chance to earn five activity patch segments, called rockers, to place on their uniform around the jamboree patch. To earn each rocker, Scouts had to complete certain requirements over the course of the 10-day jamboree. The rockers essentially encouraged the Scouts to see as much of the jamboree as possible. The five rocker segments are Action Centers, Outback Centers, Activities, Duty to God and the 5-K run.

Action Centers

Scouts had to participate in 8 of the following 10 events found in each region's Action center.

Outback Centers

Scouts had to participate in 4 of the 9 Outback Center activities.

Activities

Scouts had to visit 5 of the 9 Activities in the exhibits and display section.

Duty To God

Scouts had to complete the following requirements:

5-K Run

Scouts had to complete a 5 Kilometer Run/Walk. United States Surgeon General Richard Carmona took part in this run.

Deaths

Contractors were hired to assist in the setting up of a large tent in one of the sub-camps at the Jamboree. Some of the adult scout leaders assisted the contractors in setting the poles. Due to the zoning and the length of the pole, the pole made contact with an electric cable. Those that were killed were: Michal J. Shibe from Troop 129, Mike LaCroix from Troop 711, Ronald Bitzer from Troop 129, and Scott Edward Powell.[3] Scott Powell was the Scout Camp Leader at Camp Gorsuch in Chugiak, Alaska and had recently retired to Perrysville, Ohio. Mike Shibe had two sons at the Jamboree and LaCroix had one.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Scout Guide . 2005 National Scout Jamboree.
  2. News: Heat Exhaustion Adds to Scout Jamboree Woes . 2005-07-28 . AP.
  3. News: Boorstein . Karin Brulliard and Michelle . After 4 Deaths, Scouts Mourn in Private . 2019-01-16 . 2005-07-25.
  4. Web site: Tent company cited in jamboree deaths . 2015-11-09 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20060208000742/http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/7375117p-7287133c.html . 2006-02-08 .

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