Local Boy Scouts attend National Jamboree

Brandon Leafman

Scouts Darren Gunn, Scott Gunn, Travis Meggini, Brad Parker, Joe Stralka, Ben Stralka and Brandon Leafman from Agoura took a three-week trip and toured historical sites in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Valley Forge, Gettysburg and Williamsburg.

The high point of the trip was the 10 days spent at the 2001 National Scout Jamboree.

The Jamboree was held at Fort A.P. Hill, which is located in the rolling hills of Caroline County Va., near the towns of Fredericksburg and Bowling Green. This 76,000-acre U.S. Army Facility has served as the permanent site for the National Scout Jamboree since 1981.

The Boy Scouts of America uses about 12,000 acres of land and transforms it into a city, which supports nearly 40,000 Scouts and leaders. On the day of everyone’s arrival, 17,000 tents and 3,500 patrol kitchens were set up in a matter of hours. The city also included bathrooms, showers, medical facilities, post offices and a stadium that housed 60,000 people.

The Jamboree reflected the skills of Scouting, our national heritage, physical fitness, environmental conservation and the true spirit of Scouting.

Daily activities included archery, bikathlon, buckskin games, a confidence course, conservation programs, scuba, kayaking and rafting.

The Action Centers with rappelling towers were truly popular, as well as the trap shooting, the American Indian Village and the opening and closing arena shows. It was Scouting and American History at its best.

It was great fun and truly was a Scout’s odyssey because of the adventure of visiting new places and the excitement of meeting new friends.

Brandon Leafman, our special correspondent, is 12, lives in Agoura Hills and attends A.E. Wright Middle School. His story was virtually unedited.