By Shauna Johnson
For WVU, Today
As Scouting America’s National Jamboree opens in Fayette County, West Virginia University students, faculty, and staff are providing experiences and support to the thousands of Scouts who will learn and grow over 10 days in the Mountain State.
“Lessons learned in Scouting foster character development along with leadership and citizenship skills that set Scouts on pathways to success throughout their lives,” said President Michael T. Benson, an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow who is scheduled to visit the National Jamboree site at the Summit Bechtel Reserve and speak to Scouts on Thursday (July 23).
“My life was forever changed by my involvement in Scouting, and I know that will be the case for so many of this year’s National Jamboree participants who will have opportunities to interact with people connected directly to WVU during their time in West Virginia.”
Connections to WVU spread across the world but somehow always find a way back to West Virginia, as evidenced by Bill Beaumont, the director of the National Jamboree who is a Morgantown native, Eagle Scout, and WVU alum.
“I have so much pride in the state of West Virginia and WVU, so to get the opportunity to be the National Jamboree director in the state I was born in, and collaborate with the University and the movement that I’m so passionate about, it’s just amazing,” Beaumont said.
“It means the world to me that we can bring economic benefits to West Virginia while making an impact on these Scouts and, hopefully, driving participants to see the benefits of WVU, possibly attend the University, and have the same kind of experience I had.”
Beaumont credits his time as a recreation, parks, and tourism student at the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources with fostering the real-world experience and enjoyment that led him to his position.
The National Jamboree offers Scouts full immersions in engaging activities like ziplining, archery, and mountain biking. Helping facilitate some of those activities, alongside spaces for newfound friendships that will travel far beyond the 14,000-acre property, are WVU representatives serving in all kinds of roles.
“The University’s presence at the National Scout Jamboree reflects its mission of education, discovery, health, service, and experiences,” said Amy Garbick, director of operations for the WVU Office of the President, and president and board chair of Scouting America’s Mountaineer Area Council.
“The National Scout Jamboree gives the University an unmatched opportunity to introduce thousands of Scouts and their families from across the nation to everything our state has to offer. By experiencing WVU and West Virginia firsthand, these Scouts begin to see themselves as future Mountaineers — potentially continuing their journey of leadership, service, and adventure through a world-class education right here in West Virginia.”
Helping lead WVU volunteers and the University’s efforts at the Jamboree is Greg Corio, assistant vice president for Outdoor Youth Advocacy and Initiatives in the WVU Office of the Provost, who also oversees one of the Jamboree’s most popular activities, Science Behind the Sport.
Through hands-on STEM lessons instructed by WVU students, Science Behind the Sport meets Scouts at multiple activities — cycling, skateboarding, archery, ziplining, rock climbing, and paddling — to teach the fundamentals that go into creating the fun.
At the last National Jamboree, Corio said more than 14,000 people checked in at one of the Science Behind the Sport venues, and about 1,350 Scouts spent more than two hours engaging with students.
The WVU Eberly College of Arts and Science Department of Forensic and Investigative Science is an additional attraction added to the mix, with students of the program leading demonstration tables for Scouts to learn more about the field.
The medical care component for the Jamboree is coordinated through WVU Health Sciences.
Dr. William D. Ramsey, associate vice president and chief collaboration officer, works with the Health Sciences schools, other departments across the University, WVU Medicine, community partners, and industry representatives to ensure that medical needs are met for everyone in attendance.
“From staffing to supplies, accessible transportation to ultrasound, we truly do embody the Scout motto of ‘Be Prepared’ and coordinate a large-scale effort to make sure we’re ready for everything from common ailments to traumatic injuries,” Dr. Ramsey said.
“It’s a massive undertaking, but it’s rewarding to see so many groups come together for the shared mission of caring for the health and wellness of all of the attendees, no matter the scenario.”
WVU students, faculty, and staff from the School of Dentistry, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, and Eberly College Department of Psychology all contribute to the Jamboree by volunteering in their respective areas of expertise.
In his director role, Beaumont said he sees how important the strategic partnership between Scouting America and WVU is to the success of the Jamboree and overall experience for Scouts.
“The partnership is critical. Without medical support and resources from WVU in general, it would be hard for us to pull off the event,” Beaumont said.
This year, the National Jamboree is expanding its outreach and impact throughout West Virginia by encouraging food donations with a goal of collecting 50,000 items to be distributed to local food pantries throughout the state.
Read more from WVU, Today, here
