2010 BSA Jamboree New

Press Releases

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:44:00 GMT

Scouting Gets First Class Stamp of Approval
The U.S. Postal Service today awarded scouting its ‘stamp of approval’ to celebrate 100 years of the U.S. scouting movement. The 44-cent first-class Scouting stamp, available nationwide today, was dedicated at the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, VA, where more than 30,000 scouts from around the nation set up camp for 10 days of premier scouting fun during the organization’s centennial anniversary.

Boys’ Life, Yomega, and the Boy Scouts of America Seek To Break Long-Time Yo-Yo Guinness Record™!
Yo-Yo til’ you drop! On Thursday, July 29th, 5,000 of the more than 37,000 Scouts attending the 2010 National Boy Scouts of America Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, will attempt to break the long standing Guinness World Record™ for most people yo-yoing simultaneously. Published by the BSA, Boys’ Life Magazine is responsible for coordinating the event, in conjunction with Yomega

Boys’ Life Magazine Hosts World-Renowned Authors
Boys’ Life magazine, the official publication of the Boy Scouts of America, is hosting world-renowned authors Christopher Paolini, (Eragon, Inheritance Cyle Book Series), James Patterson (Daniel X and Maximum Ride Book Series) and Michael Scott (The Alchemist, Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series), at the 100th Anniversary National Scout Jamboree, to be held in Caroline County Virginia, from July 26th- August 4, 2010. The authors will speak at several stage shows on the 12,000 acre Fort A.P. Hill Jamboree site and will meet many of the 37,000 Scouts, ages 12-17, who are attending the 10- day event. Sponsors of the authors’ appearances include Boys’ Life, Hachette Little Brown Books and Random House Publishing, who will provide free copies of the author’s books for several hundred Scouts on July 27th, 28th and 30th. The Scouts will have a chance to have their new books signed and many will receive custom-made patches, chapter samplers and other fun giveaways!

Fort A.P. Hill Is Buzzing With Anticipation!
If scientists measure sudden bursts of energy across the nation over the next ten days, the top readings will pulse from Fort A.P. Hill, Va. More than 45,000 Boy Scouts and adult leaders are heralding the grand celebration of 100 years of Scouting in America at the opening of the Boy Scouts of America’s 2010 National Scout Jamboree.

Boys’ Life, Yomega, and the Boy Scouts of America Seek To Break Long-Time Yo-Yo Guinness Record™!

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:26:00 GMT

Yo-Yo til’ you drop! On Thursday, July 29th, 5,000 of the more than 37,000 Scouts attending the 2010 National Boy Scouts of America Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, will attempt to break the long standing Guinness World Record™ for most people yo-yoing simultaneously. Published by the BSA, Boys’ Life Magazine is responsible for coordinating the event, in conjunction with Yomega.

All of our Scouts who help break the record will receive their own custom made Yomega yo-yo, and receive fun demonstrations from world famous yo-yo personality, Ooch (Brett Outchcunis)!

In order to ensure that the record is broken, Guinness World Records TM has administered several guidelines to be met. Included are video footage, a notary, a witness, and also a click-to-count system. The previous record held is 662 people.

About Boys’ Life
Boys’ Life is the official publication of the Boy Scouts of America, and will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011. Reaching almost 9 million readers, the magazine is both entertaining and educational, serving the active lifestyle of its audience while fulfilling the vision of the Boy Scouts of America. For more information, visit www.boyslife.org, or contact Boys’ Life at 212.532.0985.

About Yomega
Yomega Corp. is a family owned, leading manufacturer of high performance yo-yos and playground toys. Distributed in over 35 countries, Yomega products are sold primarily to independent toy stores, sporting good chains, and mass market retailers. Based in Fall River, Massachusetts, the company's mission is to reinvent traditional toys into high performance toys with extended play value. Its goal is to promote fun and encourage kids to explore a "better way to play". For more information about Yomega, please visit yomega.com or contact John Marcantonio at 508-672-7399 x216.

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Contact: Jillian Foley
Telephone: 212.532.6017
E-mail: jillian.foley@scouting.org

Boys’ Life, Yomega, and the Boy Scouts of America Seek To Break Long-Time Yo-Yo Guinness Record™!

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:26:00 GMT

Scouting Gets First-Class Stamp of Approval
A high-resolution image of the stamp is available for media use only by e-mailing mark.r.saunders@usps.gov

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today awarded scouting its ‘stamp of approval’ to celebrate 100 years of the U.S. scouting movement. The 44-cent first-class Scouting stamp, available nationwide today, was dedicated at the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, VA, where more than 30,000 scouts from around the nation set up camp for 10 days of premier scouting fun during the organization’s centennial anniversary.

“Scouting showed me the importance of protecting the environment,” said former Boy Scout Sam Pulcrano, who, as the vice president of Sustainability, oversees the Postal Service’s green initiatives. “That is why I am proud of the work we are doing at the Postal Service. We have a long history of environmental leadership and innovation. We were testing electric mail delivery vehicles during the horse and buggy days, and we were recycling long before there was a universal symbol for it. Just as the scouts are famous for serving others and helping their communities, our sustainability efforts are benefiting our families, friends and neighbors in the communities where we live and work.”

Joining Pulcrano in dedicating the stamp were Robert Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America; Terry Dunn, 2010 Jamboree chairman; and Lt. Colonel John Haefner, U.S. Army Ft. A.P. Hill Garrison commander. Emceeing the event was 15-year-old Eagle Scout and Bloomington, MN, native Jeremy Biedny, who earned his stamp collecting merit badge shortly after becoming a scout and discovered a personal passion for stamps.

“We are appreciative that scouting’s centennial will have a place in history with the many great people and events that are commemorated on U.S. stamps.” said Mazzuca. “It is truly an honor to receive the distinction of a commemorative stamp, and we hope that it provides the entire country the opportunity to share in the milestone of our 100th anniversary.”

The design, created by illustrator Craig Frazier of Mill Valley, CA, depicts the spirit and outdoor adventure of scouting through a backpacking scout and a large silhouette of a scout surveying the landscape.

The Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 100th anniversary Feb. 8, 2010. To mark this milestone, the organization has undertaken celebration efforts nationwide that reintroduce the organization to today’s young people and families, reinforcing the value of scouting and reconnecting with the millions the organization has affected. For more information visit www.scouting.org. The Scouting stamp recognizes the contributions to society made by all U.S. scouting organizations.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Scouting Stamp
Postmaster
117 Milford Street
Bowling Green, VA 22427-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by Sept. 27, 2010.

Ordering First-Day Covers
Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

Information Fulfillment
Dept. 6270
U.S. Postal Service
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products
Four philatelic products are available for this stamp issue:

• 465461, First-Day Cover, 82 cents.
• 465465, Digital Color Postmark, $1.50.
• 465491, Ceremony Program, $6.95.
• 465499, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $10.95.

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A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no direct support from taxpayers. With 36,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, the Postal Service relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $68 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 28th in the 2009 Fortune 500.

Technology Drives 2010 National Scout Jamboree

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:26:00 GMT

FORT A.P. HILL, Va.—When the Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910, the latest advancement in communication was the manual telephone switchboard. Now, as the BSA celebrates its 100th Anniversary this week at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, modern technology is helping assure this week’s event is fun and educational for the nearly 45,000 Scouts and Scouters in attendance—and the millions who are enjoying the jamboree from their homes.

For the first time at a national Scout jamboree, all participants, staff, and visitors will have access to AT&T Wi-Fi for a fast wireless connection on their Wi-Fi enabled smartphones, laptops, netbooks, or other wireless devices. And, AT&T is helping usher in a new era of preparedness with its six Connection Zones set up throughout the jamboree. There, Scouts can tap into the latest high-tech tools, including AT&T netbooks and wireless devices to send e-mails and make free phone calls back home.

Webbed World
The Jamboree Web Team is utilizing wireless technology to deploy activities and services never before possible at the jamboree and enhance the Scouts’ experience at Fort A.P. Hill—and to bring the experience home, often in real time, to those who stayed behind. “This technology allows us to truly immerse the viewer in the jamboree experience,” said Mike McDonald, Jamboree Web Site Team chairman.

Four Scouts will wear go-cameras to deliver a day-in-the-life sampling of their experiences for the jamboree Web site (www.bsajamboree.org), even as they dive into pools with or cruise downhill on a mountain board. The web team will deploy immersive video technology and a multi-gigapixel panoramic camera to capture 360-degree images and video that can be magnified with amazing clarity. “A Scout will be able to go online and zoom in on his own face among a sea of 30,000 people,” said Randy Piland, chairman of the jamboree Photography Team.

Modern Medicine
Technology is at the forefront of jamboree health and safety. The jamboree’s 20 fully staffed medical centers and hundreds of roving EMTs can access an electronic medical record system that, with a simple scan of a jamboree ID card, delivers almost instant wireless access to a patient’s medical record and enables medical staff to record treatments electronically and track public health trends. In addition, a text messaging system has been deployed to communicate important alerts directly to Scout leaders, staff, youth, or visitors, and an emergency notification system is in place to broadcast directly to Scouts, Scouters, and their families.

Teaching Technology
Education has always been a jamboree cornerstone, and the new Technology Quest program area delivers an interactive, hands-on learning experience Scouts will never forget. With subject matter experts from exhibitors, Scouts can try out some of tomorrow’s emerging technologies in subjects like chemistry, physics, energy, space exploration, and virtual reality. “It’s our goal that each Scout visiting Technology Quest will leave better educated and inspired to assume their place as leaders of what is yet to come,” said Mary Stevens, Technology Quest chairman.

Technology is cropping up in other areas, too. Scouts visiting the Merit Badge Midway can get their feet wet in Inventing (the newest merit badge subject) and Robotics (the next on the horizon) with hands-on activities like operating real robotics machinery.

About the National Scout Jamboree
Since 1937, the National Scout Jamboree has provided unforgettable experiences for more than 650,000 Scouts and adult leaders. More than 2.9 million youth are members of the Boy Scouts of America. More information on the 2010 National Scout Jamboree is available at www.bsajamboree.org.

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Media Hot List

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:26:00 GMT

FOR CREDENTIALED MEDIA USE ONLY
Friday, July 30, 2010
Contact: National News and Media
Telephone: 972-914-USA1 (8721)

TODAY’S FORECAST
Sunny. High 88, with light winds.

JAMBOREE DAILY SCHEDULE

Visitor hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Program areas, action centers, exhibits open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
U.S. Postal Service open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (main post office at Heth Schoolhouse)

WHO’S IN THE PRESS TENT TODAY

Check the press tent scheduling board for up-to-date information.

WHAT’S HOT TODAY

5K Fun Runs, 6 a.m., simultaneously in each region
Medal of Honor recipient Leo Thorsness, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., NESA tent
Best-selling author James Patterson, 4 p.m., Western Region Stage
SUDS (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba) helps physically disabled Scouts, 7 to 9 p.m., Scuba area

WHAT’S HAPPENING TOMORROW

DON’T MISS: A Shining Light Across America closing arena show, 8 p.m., jamboree arena (pre-show activities begin at 5:30 p.m.)
Bassmaster fisherman Bradley Roy, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fish Hook Lake weigh-in station
GYC Jamboree Historians will interview a youth visiting from England who contributed to the jamboree Web site. 11 a.m., Subcamp 6, Troops 624, 625, 626.
American professional halfpipe snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler, 10 a.m. to noon, mountain boarding area
9/11 survivor Scott Strauss, 9 a.m. to noon, NESA tent
Eagle Scout and “Survivor” contestant Burton Roberts, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.,

COOL FACTS OF THE DAY

ROCKETS’ RED GLARE: The fireworks at this year’s jamboree are the largest pyrotechnics ever hosted on a military base.
ABU?: ABU is a very technical term used to calculate how many people will fit into the arena when seated. This jamboree, the ABU—Average Butt Unit—is 6 square feet.

STUMPED? TRY THIS GENERAL STORY IDEA
How a Subcamp Operates: The Patrol Method
Talk to the Scoutmaster of any of the 21 subcamps to get a feel of how the boys operate within the troop. It’s not much different than their regular campout, but for Jamboree, things are on a grand scale!

Fort A.P. Hill Is Buzzing With Anticipation!

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:26:00 GMT

2010 National Scout Jamboree Kicks Off Today in Caroline County, Virginia

FORT A.P. HILL, Va.—If scientists measure sudden bursts of energy across the nation over the next ten days, the top readings will pulse from Fort A.P. Hill, Va. More than 45,000 Boy Scouts and adult leaders are heralding the grand celebration of 100 years of Scouting in America at the opening of the Boy Scouts of America’s 2010 National Scout Jamboree.

The quadrennial festivities will evoke elation and emotion in the young and young at heart from July 26 to August 4, as Scouts from all 50 states and 26 nations gather to experience the rush of Scouting’s most exciting activities. Triumphant young men will raise victorious fists after conquering a 40-foot vertical wall or scoring their first bull’s-eye after learning from some of the most well-known instructors in the country. In the cool mornings, those same guys will lounge by the lake with their fishing poles, eagerly awaiting the day—and the first nibble on their line.

“’Fun’ is the watchword of the jamboree,” said Robert J. Mazzuca, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive. “This week is all about the boys.”

And “fun” will take many faces at the event. Scouts will have free rein to pick the brains of the amazing minds behind space exploration, cell phone photography, and flight simulation—and then to experience it all firsthand! They’ll interact with many of their sports and entertainment heroes, and cultivate seeds of greatness as they meet some of America’s most inspiring people.

Traditional Scouting will come to the forefront at venues like the Merit Badge Midway, which features a carnival of specialized experiences Scouts can get nowhere else. Scouts will throng to The Mysterium Compass, a live-action adventure combining elements of video gaming with theme park-style immersion, actors, and theatrical settings sponsored by the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society. The OA also will immerse Scouts in an air of tradition and American Indian lore with authentic dance performances at the American Indian Village.

“The National Scout Jamboree is a mountaintop experience for any Scout,” Mazzuca said. “But this jamboree during our 100th Anniversary is truly more than anyone could have imagined.”

Two arena shows are planned for the event, but “show” is a bit of a misnomer. Scouts will be buzzing all day about the opening show on Wednesday, July 28, which traditionally features an inspirational address by a well-known role model. The closing show on Saturday, July 31, will give every Scout in America the chance to be a part of history as the festivities from the arena are webcast around the world. More than a few tears are expected as youth and adults alike renew their spirits and commitments to the Scouting movement.

“In the midst of all the action, all the unbelievable activities, there will be this moment of awe where Scouts will realize that the program they love so much also means so much to America,” Mazzuca said. “And those are only a few of the memories they will take home and treasure for a lifetime.”

About the National Scout Jamboree
Since 1937, the National Scout Jamboree has provided unforgettable experiences for more than 650,000 Scouts and adult leaders. More than 2.8 million young people between the ages of 7 and 20 are members of the Boy Scouts of America. More information on the 2010 National Scout Jamboree is available at www.bsajamboree.org.

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Contact: National News and Media
Telephone: 972-914-USA1 (8721)

Boys’ Life Magazine Hosts World-Renowned Authors

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:26:00 GMT

Christopher Paolini , James Patterson and Michael Scott at the 2010 100th Anniversary National Scout Jamboree.

Boys’ Life magazine, the official publication of the Boy Scouts of America, is hosting world-renowned authors Christopher Paolini, (Eragon, Inheritance Cyle Book Series), James Patterson (Daniel X and Maximum Ride Book Series) and Michael Scott (The Alchemist, Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series), at the 100th Anniversary National Scout Jamboree, to be held in Caroline County Virginia, from July 26th- August 4, 2010. The authors will speak at several stage shows on the 12,000 acre Fort A.P. Hill Jamboree site and will meet many of the 37,000 Scouts, ages 12-17, who are attending the 10- day event. Sponsors of the authors’ appearances include Boys’ Life, Hachette Little Brown Books and Random House Publishing, who will provide free copies of the author’s books for several hundred Scouts on July 27th, 28th and 30th. The Scouts will have a chance to have their new books signed and many will receive custom-made patches, chapter samplers and other fun giveaways!

Boys’ Life is the official publication of the Boy Scouts of America and is one of the most beloved magazines in the U.S. It has influenced millions of young boys and girls, ages 6-17, since it was first published and it will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2011. Reaching almost 9 million readers in each issue, Boys’ Life is both entertaining and educational, serving the active lifestyle of it audience, while fulfilling the vision of the Boy Scouts of America to develop good character and leadership qualities. For more information, visit www.boyslife.org or contact Boys’ Life at 212 532-0985.

About The Authors
Michael Scott is the author of the New York Times bestselling and internationally known series, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, which introduces readers to legendary historical and mythological figures—weaving history, mystery, and magic together seamlessly. The first book in the series, THE ALCHEMYST, will be featured at the Jamboree. Michael Scott is one of Ireland’s most highly regarded and prolific authors, and an authority on mythology and folklore.

Christopher Paolini is the author of the phenomenally bestselling Inheritance cycle, whose books include Eragon (2003), Eldest (2005), and Brisingr (2008). Paolini began writing Eragon when he was just 15, and Paolini’s family self-published the novel. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers acquired the series and published Eragon in hardcover in 2003, when Paolini was just nineteen years old. It quickly went from self-publishing obscurity to worldwide publishing phenomenon. The Inheritance cycle has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. There are 50 foreign-language licenses for the series.

James Patterson is the author of the highly praised Maximum Ride novels, the Daniel X series, Witch & Wizard, and the bestselling detective series featuring Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club. His books have sold more than 180 million copies worldwide. In total, his Maximum Ride, Daniel X, and Witch & Wizard series for younger readers have spent more than 200 weeks on national bestseller lists, and all three series are in Hollywood development. His lifelong passion for books and reading led James Patterson to launch the website ReadKiddoRead.com to give adults an easy way to locate the very best books for kids. He writes full-time and lives in Florida with his family.

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Contact: Jillian Foley
Telephone: 212.532.6017
E-mail: jillian.foley@scouting.org