Tridung Vo, Author at 2027 World Scout Jamboree - United States Contingent

Hoc Minute – 09/2025

by Tridung Vo | Sep 20, 2025 | Updates

Head of Contingent Minute – September 2025 (Contingent Newsletter Volume 4)

Registration is finally open and we’ve had over 200 youth and adults sign up so
far in the first few days. I’ve also been getting a few questions at our email
address usapoland2027@gmail.com which I am answering as quickly as
possible. These questions will also be added to an FAQ that we are developing
for our website. Speaking of the website, I hope you’ve noticed that it has been
much improved with more content added. Many people are putting in a lot of
time and effort on the Jamboree and I want to thank them for their efforts,
including those who you will read about in this issue and future issues.

Update on Contingent Preparations

Greg and I will be heading to Poland in a few days for a Head of Contingent meeting. While
there, we will be meeting with US Embassy personnel in Warsaw to discuss the Jamboree
and have plans in place for whatever may happen while we are over there in 2027. After we
get back we will have one or two webinars to talk about the Jamboree and answer any
questions you may have. These will occur in early October and those date(s) will be
announced shortly.

Recruitment is on for the Jamboree!

Youth Participants – Scouts born between July 30, 2009 and July 30, 2013

Adults – born before July 30, 2009 – Unit Leaders, IST, and CMT

If you plan to attend as either an International Service Team (IST) member or a Unit Leader, please register now as IST. We will reassign you if you are selected as a Unit Leader.
If your only goal is to serve as a Unit Leader, please join our mailing list to receive updates. Unit Leader selections will begin in the second quarter of 2026.

Meet the CMT (Part 1)

by Tridung Vo | Aug 18, 2025 | CMT

Each month, we’ll introduce you to members of our dedicated Contingent Management Team (CMT). These volunteers are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this the best Jamboree ever, and we look forward to introducing you to them.

[Part 1 & continue…]

Greg Szczesny: US Contingent Finance Lead

Greg Szczesny, the finance lead for the US Contingent, brings a wealth of Scouting experience to the team. His journey began as a Scout at the 1987 World Scout Jamboree in Australia. More recently, he served as an Assistant Scoutmaster in West Virginia for the 2019 Jamboree and as a Scoutmaster in South Korea in 2023, where a special highlight was sharing the adventure with his son, Maximilian.

Born near Poznań, Poland, Greg is excited for U.S. Scouts to experience the rich culture and extensive history of his home country. In addition to his leadership within Scouting—including a recent three-year term as Twin Rivers Council President—Greg is an avid hiker and diver. He’s actively working on hiking the Adirondack 46ers and recently earned his PADI Divemaster certification.

Michael Files: A Global Scouting Veteran

Michael Files, a retired Navy Sailor and a veteran of international Scouting, is a deputy for the Program Pillar on Scouting America’s International Committee. With over 35 years of Scouting experience, he has dedicated more than 15 years to the international side of the movement.

His extensive background includes serving on the International Service Team at the 21st World Scout Jamboree in the United Kingdom and as a Contingent Management Team member for the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea. He also recently served as the course director for the 2025 International Scouting Philmont Training Center Course.

Michael’s commitment to global Scouting was strengthened during his time with the U.S. Navy and the United Nations, where he supported various National Scout Organizations abroad. His goal is to share this passion with everyone involved in preparing the U.S. contingent for the upcoming Jamboree in Poland.

Ron Ratto: US Contingent Logistics & Registration Lead

Ron Ratto, an accomplished Eagle Scout, will serve as the logistics and registration lead for the U.S. Contingent. Ron brings extensive experience to the team, with the upcoming 26th World Scout Jamboree being his twelfth.

His impressive history includes serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster at the 1983 Jamboree in Canada and the 1987 Jamboree in Australia. Since then, he has held various roles on the International Service Team (IST) and Contingent Management Team (CMT), traveling the world and participating in Scouting on six continents. Ron notes that his most challenging and fulfilling Jamboree experience was working on the management team for the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, where he led a team of over 100 Scouters who ran the three Trading Posts.

With registration set to open soon and an unforgettable pre-jamboree tour in the works, Ron is ready to ensure a smooth and successful experience for the entire U.S. Contingent.

HoC Minute – 08/2025

by Tridung Vo | Aug 17, 2025 | Updates

Head of Contingent Minute – August 2025 (Contingent Newsletter Volume 3)

The Momentum Continues for Poland 2027!

The momentum is truly building for the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland! We’ve received over 800 expressions of interest from 49 states, and nearly 800 people have already joined our Facebook group, “26th World Scout Jamboree Poland 2027 – USA Contingent.” We’ll be expanding to other social media platforms soon to connect with even more of you.

All Scout Councils across the country have been notified about the Jamboree, and many have already shared information on their websites or in their newsletters.

HoC Minute – 07/2025

by Tridung Vo | Jul 17, 2025 | Updates

Head of Contingent Minute – July 2025 (Contingent Newsletter Volume 2)

The excitement for Poland is building. We’ve had over 700 expressions of interest on our website.

In July, I visited seven Scout camps in New England, talking about the Jamboree and eating meals with troops in dining halls in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. I’m hoping to visit a few more before the summer camp season ends. Other team members have also visited several camps in different states, including Philmont.

Fun Facts About Jamboree

by Tridung Vo | Jul 17, 2025 | CMT, IST, Participants

The excitement for the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland is building! Here are a few things to know about the event’s powerful theme and goals:

The theme is “Bravely.” This theme is designed to inspire young people to act courageously for the future of humanity and our planet.

Youth Empowerment is the Goal. The Jamboree aims to empower young people to take initiative, make bold steps, and speak out for what they believe in.

A Focus on Well-being. The event will also help Scouts find the right balance between nature, technology, and their own well-being, including taking care of their mental health.

The Jamboree is a place where we want to encourage young people to dream big and take the floor in important discussions. Adults should support and empower them to make their dreams a reality, allowing them to learn and grow.