Centennial Scout Jamboree draws thousands

AUGUSTA — Leading up to the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, Scouts gathered for a weekend of fun at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. The sometimes damp but never boring event drew 4,600 visitors. “We had 4,600 Scouts and 600 day visitors at this event,” said Elsie Hemmings, event coordinator. Scouts from mainly the northern part of New Jersey were in the majority but Scouts from Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York also attended. “Due to the size of the fairgrounds we could accommodate Scouts from out of the state,” said Hemmings. Scouts started arriving Friday night and camped until the closing ceremony on Sunday morning. The weather conditions Saturday morning delayed the arrival of the first of two New Jersey State Police helicopters. After a time it took off to be quickly replaced by a larger medical evacuation helicopter. The traditional fire starting techniques of using flint and steel and the friction of a spinning stick were demonstrated and taught. The pellet gun, archery, knife and tomahawk throwing ranges were busy. A laser light show was presented Saturday night and was completed before a thunderstorm passed over the fairgrounds. The U.S. Army brought in a tank to demonstrate “Military strength compression technologies applied to commercial recycling applications,” according to the published event program. Civilians know it as car crushing. Scouting was first introduced in London, England, in 1909 and the Boy Scouts of America formed in 1910. “On February 8, 2010, all current and past Scouts are asked to go outside and light a candle to celebrate the anniversary,” said Hemmings.

By the numbers 4600 scouts 600 day visitors 2 nights of camping 150 vendors and exhibitors 2 1/2 years of planning 100 years of scouting