What is Hometown Celebration?
Hometown Celebration is a special time at the Jamboree (Sunday afternoon, July 23) when units, groups, and individuals will share special elements of their hometown (or home area as some councils encompass large geographies) cultures, heritages, histories, and more. There are no limits to the creativity Scouts will see as they visit different unit campsites: units will be telling stories, put on skits, sharing favorite hometown foods or items, teaching people how to make a hometown craft, playing games that highlight their community, and more! This event is a way to share with others what we each hold special and to help Scouts practice curiosity, inclusion and belonging. This event is for youth to engage with each other in meaningful ways to practice curiosity, inclusion and belonging. Some participants will create their own hometown experience, while other participants will visit to experience the diversity of our scouting community.
Who Participates?
All units are expected to participate as hosts and participants. Units from the same council need not do the same thing; take the opportunity to showcase different facets of what makes the hometowns for your council special and distinctive. Scouts have the chance to visit units in all different campsites, subcamps, and basecamps. The thrill is in both seeing what is out there and in showcasing your hometown’s special aspects as you host visitors to your unit’s campsite.
When and How?
Hometown Celebration takes place 1p – 5p on Sunday, 23 July. Units can begin setting up in the morning and plan on being cleaned up in time for their evening meal. Units are encouraged to be creative in what they offer and how they offer it. Keeping the Scout Oath & Law and the Guide to Safe Scouting as guideposts, be creative in what you share, offer, demonstrate, or host. Some suggestions of ideas are included in this document. • Units are expected to bring materials with them or have them delivered. • No refrigeration will be available. • If a food experience is offered, plan for (at least) 1,000 visitors (remember, there are approximately 12,500 Scouts and leaders at the Jamboree) and follow the NSJ’s guidelines for food distribution (see next page) • Plan accordingly to staff your unit’s offering all four hours (e.g., work in shifts so everyone can both be a host and visit other units) The Camping Operations team in your base / subcamp will help your unit (as best they can) secure items such as additional tables, electricity, etc., through the ServeMart. Not all requests can be accommodated, and making requests early at the Jamboree will help the process. Bring what you can from home to help ensure you have what you want!
Questions?
We’re here to help! Want some creative inspiration? Need to check if your idea is workable? Looking to explore how to manage the logistics? Need something not mentioned above? Contact the Hometown Celebration coordination team at [email protected] … we’re here to help!
Requirements for Food Distribution
‘A Scout is Clean’ and safety is critical for a National Scout Jamboree. Follow guidelines if providing a food offering during the Hometown Celebration. If you have questions about this, please reach out to the Hometown Celebration coordination team for guidance. • Self-stable food is recommended for ease of distribution • Follow safe camp food preparation guidelines • Keep food at appropriate temperature to avoid spoilage • Maintain a sanitary distribution space to avoid contamination • Use individual serving vessels to manage food safety • Identify the food item and all ingredients to alert people that may have allergies • Provide a place to collect garbage from the tasting and dispose of immediately after the event
Suggestions, Ideas, and More!
You know what makes your council special and distinct. Many places are often known for many things, and you can help bring that to life at the Jamboree! Here are some suggestions to get the creative juices flowing…
If you live where… Maybe your unit…
- There’s lakes, oceans, or rivers – Offers something with sailing, fishing, canoeing, or what it’s like to use an ice auger
- Lots of yummy fruits and / or vegetables grow-A fasted corn cob shucking contest, a potato carving station, a fun fruit tasting station, pin the carrot on the snowman
- Cattle and western spirit are alive- Lasso and roping stations, take your picture in a giant cowpoke hat, play some horseshoes, brand your hat or belt, line dancing
- The mountains rise majestically- Identify which tree is which, ski on artificial snow, use a water purifier, experience what it’s like to breath at altitude
- It’s fun and games all the time- Shares the fun of an amusement park, spin the everybody-winswheel-of-fun, minature golf / putt putt, ride the waves surf style
- We just need ideas- Ask people to help paint a big mosaic, do a Stump-the-Scout contest, photobooth of people’s smiling faces, teach a local dance or song, smash open walnuts or Buckeye nuts