So why do it? It isn't for the food, temperature, or Scouts whining about waking up. To answer this, the most baffling of all of Scouting questions, I interviewed my Scout leaders Randal Goodman, Terry Hackett, Nathan LePlane, and Jimmy Liberty.
QUESTION: Why did you come to Jamboree?
Goodman: I heard so much about it and came as a visitor so I wanted to try it for myself.
Hackett: I came in support of my three Scouts because I wanted them to have a good Jamboree.
Liberty: I came as a Scout in 2005 and had so much fun that I wanted to come back.
LePlane: To experience the Jamboree with my son.
QUESTION: Now that you are here, how are you enjoying Jamboree?
Goodman: So far it's been really hot, but I really enjoyed the arena show today because normally I stay in camp. So, yeah, it's been fun.
Hackett: I'm having a great time at Jamboree. I'm happy that the weather has been less hot; also, the arena show was really good.
Liberty: I love the action centers, the buckskin games, I love the exhibits, and I just love doing everything!
LePlane: It's exciting and fun to watch the Scouts participate in activities.
QUESTION: Are there any tips you have for future Jamboreers?
Hackett: Cotton is bad, wicking is good.
Liberty: Wear good socks and shoes. (He just so happened to get three blisters before this article. He probably wishes he had this advice before Jamboree.)
LePlane: Don't bring cotton, bring a stadium cushion for the arena shows, and bring a good hydration pack.
Goodman: Find out as much as you can from other people about how Jamboree works. Also, when you get there, talk to people. It's how you find out what's going on.
So why do these guys become Scout leaders? Well, it's for the same reason that Scouts become Scouts; dudes just want to have fun with their friends and help other people. These leaders put in a lot of work for the Scouts to have the best Jamboree they can, then they get to play alongside the Scouts and receive thanks for all the hard work.
Scout leaders are the ultimate Scouts, exemplifying the Scout oath and law in their everyday lives. They are completely dedicated to the Scouts that they serve and take every situation in stride.
Terry Hackett, a Scoutmaster in his home troop, serves as a mediator in Scout squabbles. They know everything about Scout skills, yet still remain humble. Randell Goodman created a giant ship gateway for the troop and still says that it is nothing big. They serve as friends, role models, and leaders for the Scouts.
Jimmy Liberty often eats with the patrols and joins into their conversations seamlessly. And finally, the leaders sometimes just have to force the Scouts to start doing things as shown by Mr. LePlane's handing out patches and satirical impromptu speeches about people who sleep all day.
They may be crazy, but it is crazy in the best way possible. It is the kind of insanity that allows a Scoutmaster to be fun and never grow up.
Nate FitzSimons is a Life Scout of Troop 39 in Chapel Hill and Jamboree Troop 1721. He is attending the Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill this week. Everything he says is true and only slightly exaggerated.
