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.

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.

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.

Registration Launch

The team is working on getting the registration system live and is hoping for an early September launch.

Jamboree Fee

The team is actively working on setting the Jamboree fee. The fee’s three major components are the Jamboree fee itself, airfare, and a pre-tour. To secure the lowest possible cost, they’ll issue RFPs (Requests for Proposals) to travel companies. The final fee for travel will be standardized for all participants from the 48 contiguous states and will include airfare from several hub airports.

Communication

A new Facebook group has been created to post updates. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP.

The World Scout Jamboree is a 10 – 12 day camping experience that is held every four years.

The 26th World Scout Jamboree will be held between July 30 and August 8, 2027 in Gdańsk, Poland. The 26th World Scout Jamboree host, the Polish Scouting Association (ZHP), expects around 40,000 Scouts and adult volunteers from more than 190 countries to attend the Jamboree.

At the Jamboree, Scouts camp in contingent units of 36 Scouts and 4 adult leaders. Units camp in mini-cities that provide food, bathrooms, showers, health care, transportation, and entertainment services. Jamborees offer a wide range of activities, including:

• • Program activities unique to the site, such as swimming, hiking, boating and other high adventure activities
  • Global Development Village – exhibits and activities from global NGOs that partner with WOSM, highlighting activities Scouts can do to promote sustainability.
  • WOSM (World Organization of Scout Movement) Tent – exhibits and programs promoting the various WOSM programs, including Scouts for SDGs, Messengers of Peace, Dialogue for Peace, and others.
  • NSO (National Service Organization) Exhibits – countries have a tent and program to educate about their country and culture, along with music and cultural performances
  • Shows – Arena-style shows, often with top-name music acts, pageantry and ceremonies.

The USA contingent plans on touring the host country for a few days prior to the Jamboree. But the magic of World Scout Jamborees often happens on the personal level when a unit shares a meal or campfire with Scouts from another country.

Jamborees can be expensive. The cost for a Scout to attend the 26 WSJ in Poland is still being determined, but will include all travel costs and the Jamboree registration. So plan ahead and start saving now, and inquire at your local Council about scholarship opportunities (if available).