Complete guide to visiting the 2019 World Scout Jamboree

This summer, get a taste of the worldwide fellowship of Scouting without even leaving the country.

Day passes for the 2019 World Scout Jamboree are now available, giving everyone a chance to experience this summer’s global gathering of Scouts.

If your summer plans don’t involve attending the World Scout Jamboree or serving on staff (known as the International Service Team), point your compass to the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

Jamboree visitors can sample unique food, learn about other cultures and meet Scouts from the more than 150 countries represented. They’ll also be part of a World Scouting tradition that began in 1920 with the first World Scout Jamboree.

This summer’s big event is just the 24th World Scout Jamboree in history and only the second in the United States. (The other was in 1967 at Farragut State Park in Idaho.)

Here’s everything you need to Be Prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Which days is the 2019 World Scout Jamboree open to visitors?

The visitor days and hours are as follows:

  • Wednesday, July 24 (first visitor day): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 25: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 27: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 28: Noon to 5 p.m.
  • Monday, July 29: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 31 (last visitor day): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Note: No visitors will be permitted onsite on Friday, July 26, or any date not listed above.

What can visitors do?

Day visitors are welcome at the following locations:

  • Centro Mondial: The World Scout Jamboree’s main hub, where you can learn more about North America, deepen your understanding about a Scout’s Duty to God and explore 21st century advancements.
  • Global Development Village: A place where people from all nations can exchange ideas and discover how to build a better world.
  • International Food Houses: A chance to get a literal taste of food from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom or the United States.
  • Sustainability Treehouse: A living education center where visitors get immersed in the concept of sustainability.
  • World Point: Stages where Scouts from other countries can sing, dance, celebrate and perform.
  • Scott Visitor Center: Lockers, restrooms and the main trading post, offering a variety of World Scout Jamboree souvenirs.

Please note:

  • While day visitors can’t participate in the recreational activities open to Jamboree participants, they can observe Scouts in action in the areas listed above. They can also visit the numerous displays and exhibits depicting Scouting around the world.
  • Day visitors are not permitted to visit base camps or subcamps (Scout living areas) or recreational areas outside Summit Center/Centro Mondial. If you want to meet with your son or daughter attending the Jamboree, arrange a time and location within Summit Center/Centro Mondial to meet up.

How much are visitor passes?

Tickets are sold for a single day and are valid for that day only. Buy them here.

  • Adult single-day pass (14 and older): $55
  • Youth single-day pass (6 to 13): $30
  • Youth under 6: No charge

Other things to know:

  • All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Once you arrive at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, you’ll receive a wristband that must be worn throughout your visit. If you’re visiting for multiple days, you’ll get a new wristband each day.
  • All visitors will receive a Safe From Harm briefing. Safe From Harm is the World Organization of the Scout Movement’s equivalent to Youth Protection training.

How do I get to the 2019 World Scout Jamboree?

Day visitors will arrive at the J.W. and Hazel Ruby Welcome Center, located at 55 Hazel Ruby Lane, Mt Hope, WV 25880.

You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the Ruby Welcome Center. Once there, you’ll check in, get your wristband and take a shuttle to begin your Jamboree experience.

Is lodging/housing available?

There is no housing available for day visitors on the Jamboree site. There are hotels in the area, but most in the immediate vicinity have been reserved by groups supporting the Jamboree.

Because of this, you’ll want to plan for a one- to two-hour drive to and from the Jamboree each day.

What should I bring and wear?

Check your weather app for the latest temperature/precipitation forecast.

You will absolutely want:

  • A small backpack (backpacks must not exceed 13” (33 cm) x 13” x 11” (28 cm) inches (16 quarts/15 liters)
  • Comfortable, sturdy shoes
  • Rain gear
  • A water bottle
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • A hat
  • Cellphone and/or camera

What items are prohibited inside the World Scout Jamboree?

For the safety of the jamboree participants, staff and visitors, the following items are not allowed to be brought into the Jamboree:

  • Large backpacks; backpacks must not exceed 13” (33 cm) x 13” x 11” (28 cm) inches (16 quarts/15 liters)
  • Coolers
  • Picnic Baskets
  • Glass bottles
  • Firearms
  • Alcohol and tobacco products
  • Pets. (Registered guide or service animals are allowed with documentation.)
  • Illegal Substances
  • Knives

Smoking, including with electronic smoking devices, is prohibited on the shuttle buses and at the Jamboree.

Strollers for infants must fold to board shuttle buses and are subject to search. Although permitted, strollers are discouraged, because walkways and paths are rough gravel and terrain is hilly.

What if I have a question not addressed here?

Go to this page and look for the link marked “Frequently Asked Questions” for the latest version of the FAQs.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.