Get Fit For The Summit

Guidelines That Will Get You Ready For Adventures At The Summit

The 2013 National Scout Jamboree is closer than we think. And as construction of the site at the Summit Bechtel Reserve continues to progress, there are two things to remember – expect fun and be prepared for the adventure.

“We will have skateboarding for the first time ever, as well as mountain biking, rock climbing and rappelling, and a more involved BMX experience.” — Larry Pritchard, 2013 jamboree director

Mentally, but most importantly, physically, every Scout should spend the next two years preparing himself or herself for one of the most high-adventure, action-packed trips of a lifetime.

Because of the level of physical health and fitness that is needed at the Summit, and to keep everyone safe, the Boy Scouts of America has developed a set of guidelines. If you have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40, then you will not be allowed to attend the Summit. If you have a BMI of between 32 to 40, then you may be allowed, but you will have to consult with a physician.

The Adventure

With activities like hiking up to the top of mountain peaks, whitewater rafting down some of the wildest rapids in the world, biking through rough and rugged terrain, zip lining through the trees and traveling several miles each day without the use of any type of motorized vehicle, fitness at the Summit is not only important, it is essential.

Get outside. Get fit. Get ready for the Summit. (Photo by woodleywonderworks/Flickr Creative Commons)

“We will have skateboarding for the first time ever, as well as mountain biking, rock climbing and a more involved BMX experience,” says Larry Pritchard, the 2013 jamboree director. “And for some, whitewater rafting or kayaking,”

And not only are the activities more intense, the land itself is more intense, as well. With a mean elevation of 2,500 feet above sea level, there is an elevation change of 200 feet from the Summit Center to the Staff Village. Also, with no transportation on site, this means that you could be walking up to 3 miles to reach your destination.

“The site here at the Summit is physically very different than sites from our previous jamborees,” says Pritchard. “We want to make sure our folks are prepared for those changes. While you don’t have to travel as far to get from point A to point B as you did at Fort A.P. Hill, you may have to travel up and down steep grades and will need to be prepared for that.”

Ever been trail running? It's a great way to explore and work up a sweat while doing it. (Photo by Dawn - Pink Chick/Flickr Creative Commons)

To get ready for the Summit, get off of the couch and get outdoors. Run. Play. Swim. Hike. Bike. Do whatever it takes to get ready, because the Summit is going to be a physical challenge.

“It’s important to follow us on Facebook, so that you can see as we get closer, the activities that we will be doing,” Pritchard adds. “To get prepared, you should get outdoors and out of the house. You need to be hiking, biking, swimming and getting out as much as possible.”

Time is winding down, but it’s never too early to prepare for the Summit. What kind of activities are you doing to get in shape for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree?

Category: Jambo | Tags: 2013 National Jamboree, Biking, BMI, Body Mass Index, Boy Scouts Of America, Fitness, Hiking, Mountain State, New River Gorge, the Summit, Whitewater Eafting, Zip Lining

Al Lundy

I was initially very apprehensive that another National Jamboree could be pulled off in just three years, especially at a new camp that was just beginning to be developed. However, I am very impressed with what is happening at Summit/Bechtel Reservation and I think this is looking like a fantastic Jamboree for 2013.
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http://summitblog.org Summit Blog

You probably won’t be the last person surprised at the pace of progress, Al. At the 2010 jamboree, there were a lot of naysayers who thought the Summit could never be ready for 2013. We hope they’re just as delighted as you that their concerns were cleared up!

Jdoe

I am disappointed with the BSA insitence as using BMI as the final arbiter for determining participation at Jamoree and High Adventure. You going to limit the experieinces of bys and leaders with this short sighted approach. You are also not providing any incentive or motivation for people who are attempting to improve their physical fitness.

http://summitblog.org Summit Blog

As Tico explains, the terrain for activities at the Summit (outside the heavily improved central area for visitors) will be challenging for individuals with a high BMI, and he also explains that that’s not the sole factor for determining participation, just one of the biggest. For incentive and motivation, please check out the ScoutStrong Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge recently launched by BSA: http://www.scouting.org/scoutstrongpala.aspx
Jordan Santoli

I kind of agree, it is really unfair, how are you supposed to know what your bmi is? It’s completley unorthadox

Drew Morton

I would agree.. as a contingent leader, I am working to get in shape, but my BMI is over 40.. not a lot, just a little.. but I am also 6’5″, hike, hunt, fish, work around the house.. i am not lazy at all..im just a big guy.. will always be a big guy.. i can keep up with the best of them.. doing Boundary Waters this summer (not through northern teir becuase of the goofy rules). I understand the rules somewhat, but Ill sign a release.. i know better than them if i can handle it.

http://summitblog.org Summit Blog

Guys, you’ll be pleased to know that the BMI isn’t the only factor for the jamboree. From the site:

“The national jamboree at the Summit has some high-adventure elements but is not a 24/7 high-adventure experience, so we have modified the criteria for the jamboree.”

Thanks for the comments. Hope this info helps. :-)

James Mclelland

I think that it is so cool how the contingents get to be so diverse with other contingents from all over the world. You could have a New York troop next to an Hawaiian troop. SO COOL

http://summitblog.org Summit Blog

Totally agree, James. In 2019, when we host the world jamboree, there will be over 160 different countries represented. Pretty cool.