Passport reads, "When all qualification blocks are stamped, return with this passport to the patch issue tent to be awarded... VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT A.P. HILL, Va. (August 3, 2010) -- Boy Scouts of America ended their yearlong celebration with a jam-packed jamboree on the grounds of Fort A.P. Hill, July 26 to Aug. 3.
All branches of the armed services collaborated with the BSA event by setting up kiosks, displays, interactive games, and learning opportunities in the Armed Forces Adventure Area including participation from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
TRADOC supported the event with more than 100 people from the Field Artillery School, Air Defense Artillery School, Engineer School, Military Police School, U.S. Army Accessions Command, Quartermasters School and the TRADOC Rock Band to more than 45,000 scouts.
"We have a complete Army experience package here on the ground," said David Tritt, program manager for Strength and Action Tours of Army Accessions Command, G-7 Sports Marketing Division. "I see that the scouts and the army have some of the same values: honor, integrity, duty, honesty, service. The BSA is developing young leaders to become the future of tomorrow and we have a part in that as well."
More than 10,000 scout members travelled through the Adventure Area in one day.
One portion included parachute rigging where scouts were taught the basic techniques of packing and securing a parachute as well as trying on parachute gear.
Staff Sgt. Paterick Patterson, from the Air Delivery and Field Services Department said, "It's a great joy to know that the younger generation respect and appreciate what we do."
Patterson along with Sgt. Analyn Batican of ADFSD informed scouts how to prepare for parachute packing.
The Army's Race for Strength Challenge in the Adventure Area featured the new interactive augmented-reality game featuring Ryan Newman's #39 U.S. Army Chevrolet Impala car and a meet-and-greet opportunity with Newman.
In this game, "drivers" use a palm card to control the car through a Web cam as it weaves through a convoy of speeding Mine Resistant Ambush Protected and Stryker vehicles.
Staff Sgt. Colin Goldson of Joint Culinary Center of Excellence, Food Operation Training Branch gave tours of the containerized kitchen station and was proud and passionate to do so. "Starting as a Boy Scout 32 years ago, I remember the Boy Scouts was an adventure. For me cooking is my passion and when I can take that and share with others that is truly an honor."
"This jamboree is unbelievable and a lifelong experience," said Antonio de Lange as his son Matt de Lange tried on 150 lbs. paratrooper gear. "Getting young kids interested in good values is essential." The de Langes represent Troop 420 of Westminster, Md.
In addition to giving scouts the opportunity to explore and discover a selected number of Eagle Scouts were awarded ROTC college scholarships and congratulated by Maj. Gen. Arthur Bartell, Commanding General of U.S. Army Cadet Command.
"We are giving the Scouts a little taste of what it means to be Army Strong," said Tritt.
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