Scout Jamboree was great learning experience, despite tragedies
By Erik / Townsman Correspondent
Thursday, August 11, 2005

The following is Erik  firsthand account of the 2005 National Scout Jamboree. Bergstrom of Stanford Road is a member of Wellesley's Scout Troop 182.

     Joining 75,000 other Scouts and leaders from around the world, 18 Wellesley Scouts and four leaders from Troops 182 and 185 attended the 2005 National Scout Jamboree at the Army's Fort A.P. Hill in Bowling Green, Va., from July 25-Aug. 3.

     It was quite an amazing experience for all of us, as there were many exhilarating moments, as well as a series of devastating tragedies. The trip started on a tremendous high as on our way to the Jamboree we visited the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, the Smithsonian museums, the Vietnam and World War II memorials in Washington, D.C., and the Busch Gardens in Virginia.

     However, within the first day of our arrival at Fort A.P. Hill Military Base, we learned that four adult Boy Scout leaders from Alaska were killed in an electrical accident while setting up the dining hall tent. That same day, we learned that a Boy Scout had a heart attack the day before the Jamboree opened. We all attended the memorial service before the opening ceremonies began, and there was an overwhelming sadness at the loss of the Scout leaders.

     Throughout the Jamboree, the heat index ranged during the day from 100 to 110 degrees, and there was thunder and lightning several evenings. This caused more than 1,200 Scouts to seek medical attention for dehydration, fainting and other illnesses, and we spent time visiting some of our friends and troop mates in the huge makeshift hospital on the Jamboree grounds. Many Scouts were sent home the first few days of the Jamboree.

     Despite these difficulties, there were also some amazing experiences. As Philip from STroop 182 described his experience at the Jamboree, "It was exhilarating with the Army presence, helicopters overhead and Scouts from as far away as Australia and Nigeria."

     The daily routine at the Jamboree included rising at 6 a.m., and activities were available all day long, including everything from shotgun shooting, to sailing, to trading Scout patches from more than 30 countries. The highlights included meeting army majors and captains, being escorted by the military around the base, meeting Scouts from all over the world, and seeing President Bush at the base arena. President Bush's speech focused on doing good as he talked about an organization he started in 2001 to build homes for the poor, and encouraged all of us to continue to set an example for the country by doing "good turns for America."

     Everyone from Massachusetts let out a yell when he announced that Andy Card, his chief of staff, was a long-term Boy Scout from Holbrook. He reminded us that coming to this Jamboree is a great way to practice the values of Scout law. The arena show concluded with a spectacular fireworks display and laser show.

     On Aug. 3, we departed for Wellesley on a 14-hour bus trip home and were greeted to a rousing welcome at 9 p.m. by family and friends at St. John's Church. From this incredible experience, we all learned how to embrace people of different cultures and backgrounds; how to deal with hard times and tragedy; and, most importantly, how to do a good turn daily. We are very grateful for our wonderful Boy Scout leaders and Scoutmasters who dedicate their time and energies to help us fulfill our Scout Oath in our daily lives. The 2005 Scout Jamboree is an experience we will never forget.