Scouts, visitors continue fun at Summit Bechtel Reserve

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — At the halfway point of the 2019 World Scout Jamboree, Mike Scott of Scouts Canada says none of his scouts are feeling fatigued yet.

“If anybody’s getting worn out, it’s the adults,” he joked on Monday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”

Scott is among the more than 40,000 participants in the 24th edition of the quadrennial event. The jamboree is in its second and final week at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in Fayette County.

The Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and Asociacion de Scouts de Mexico are co-hosting the event.

Scott, who has attended previous World Scout Jamborees, said this year’s event is nothing like he has ever seen.

“I know what a jamboree is supposed to be like, but this one is pretty unique because we have all the regular things you would find at a World Jamboree, plus we’ve got this incredible adventure base program that you find at probably one of the best adventure bases in the world,” he said. “It’s incredible, and the kids just can’t get enough of all of this adventure program that’s going on.”

Scott pointed out the Summit Bechtel Reserve’s zip line and shooting sports areas as activities that have been “vastly popular.”

“They’re just blown away by the site,” he added. “It’s something they’ve never experienced before, and they’re just having a great time.”

It’s not only scouts that have enjoyed the World Scout Jamboree so far; people have been able to visit the Summit Bechtel Reserve through purchasing day passes.

Lisa Strader, the director of Visit Southern West Virginia, said on “Talkline” last week the visit has resulted in increased business for surrounding attractions.

“It’s amazing,” said Michael Kessinger, mayor of Mount Hope.”The residual impact that the Bechtel Summit has not only on Mount Hope but southern West Virginia is tremendous. I don’t know a lot of folks even realize how many people come in and out of here.”

The final day for visitors is Wednesday; the closing ceremony will take place Thursday night.





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