The Special Council Shoulder patches use Northwest Coast Indian Art Designs, and the hat, neckerchief, and T-shirt will be color-coordinated. We will once again have one of the sharpest-looking contingents at the Jamboree.

Approximately four months before the Jamboree, a catalog is sent to all participants offering an extensive selection of Jamboree items available from the National Office for mail-order, and the three Trading Posts on-site will also have a wide variety of souvenirs available.

In addition, participants will be able to order additional troop and council items, including patches for trading, which is a big activity at the Jamboree.

Equipment Not Provided

Most Scouts already have most of the equipment not provided by the Jamboree committee. In general, the personal equipment needed is the same as is needed for Summer Camp--sleeping bag, toilet kit, swimsuit, watch, sunscreen, camera, etc.

The main difference is that all Scouts and adults are REQUIRED to wear FULL UNIFORM throughout the pre-Jamboree tour and at specific Jamboree events such as the Arena Shows. On-site at the Jamboree, participants will be allowed to wear the "action" uniform, meaning Scout shorts and Jamboree t-shirts.

Each Scout and Adult is therefore required to have three complete, official Boy Scout uniforms, including shirt, shorts, socks, belt, and hat. For the sake of comfort, we recommend bringing extra underwear and socks to make life easier.

Part of the uniforming requirements are that the type and number of patches worn on the uniform will be restricted. Details will be made available in plenty of time.

Scouts are allowed and encouraged to bring a small, portable AM radio. The Jamboree has its own radio station, QBSA, which is on the air throughout the Jamboree with music and announcements related to the Jamboree. However, no other electronics will be allowed. No CD players, electronic games, or other electronic gear is needed or appropriate.

Finally, and this is important, NO OPEN-TOE FOOTWEAR will be allowed on the trip at any time. Although we list this under uniform and equipment, it is actually a health and safety issue. The medical staff at previous Jamborees are only too willing to talk about the Scouts who missed the entire Jamboree because they insisted on wearing sandals and tore up their toes. An ounce of prevention. . .

Special Jamboree Equipment and Souvenirs

For every Jamboree, the National Supply Division creates an incredible array of patches, equipment, and other souvenirs with the Jamboree logo on it. A special catalog of gear with the Jamboree logo will be mailed out from the National Office to all registered Jamboree Scouts in early February of 2005. For the 2001 Jamboree, online ordering was very fast and easy, and it is expected that they will do this again. You will probably also be able to mail or FAX a hardcopy order form.

Once you do get your catalog, we strongly recommend ordering Jamboree souvenirs in advance. Doing so reduces the amount of money you need to bring, reduces the amount of stuff you need to cram into your duffel bag to get it back home, and assures you that you'll get what you want.

Note that the trading posts always run out of things at the Jamboree, and it changes year to year which things are popular and sell out right away. Most years, there are several things that are sold out in the first day of the Jamboree! Avoid disappointment by ordering the things you want before the Jamboree.

Also, as mentioned above, the Committee has seen to it that a special set of Chief Seattle National Jamboree Shoulder Patches are created. In 2001, these were extremely popular and in high demand, and our Scouts had a lot of fun trading them. The same artist is creating a new set for 2005, and we expect similar interest. Plan to order a bunch and have fun trading on the tour and at the Jamboree.