Media Correspondents

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Information for Media Correspondents

Members of the working media are invited to register for credentials to cover the 24^th World Scout Jamboree, which will be held from July 22–August 2 at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in Mount Hope, West Virginia. This epic quadrennial event will welcome more than 45,000 Scouts and leaders from more than 150 countries to an action-packed event that is predicted to be the largest World Scout Jamboree since the event was started by Lord Baden-Powell in 1920.

The site — which also serves as the permanent home for the Boy Scouts of America’s National Jamboree, a celebration of American Scouting held every four years — features more than 10,000 acres of excitement and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From one of the longest zip line courses in North America and world-class skating and BMX offerings to treetop canopy tours, rock climbing, patch trading, and stadium shows, the 24^th World Scout Jamboree will be filled with all that Scouting has to offer.

The World Scout Jamboree is about more than adventure; it is the largest outdoor educational event organized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which now serves more than 51 million youth worldwide, The event brings together the world’s young people to promote peace and mutual understanding and to develop leadership and life skills.

The 24^th World Scout Jamboree is being jointly hosted by Scouts Canada, Asociación de Scouts de México, and the Boy Scouts of America. It will be the first time the World Scout Jamboree will be held in the United States since 1967.

Applying for Credentials

All working media should request credentials in advance of the jamboree by sending an email to [email protected]. Media should provide their name, media outlet, location, and dates planning to attend the jamboree. No phone requests will be accepted. Media credentials will be issued to working media, as space allows.

If media are not working on a story, visitor passes are available via the Day Visitor page.

Broadcast Capabilities

Broadcast media are welcome at the 24th World Scout Jamboree. Although television live trucks or satellite trucks for live shots or broadcasts cannot be accommodated on the jamboree site, a limited number of satellite trucks can be accommodated at:

The J.W. And Hazel Ruby West Virginia Welcome Center
55 Hazel Ruby Lane
Mt Hope, WV 25880

World Scout Jamboree Media Team members will provide recommendations and access to the best available shots based on the planned activities to help ensure crews get needed footage.

Arriving at the World Scout Jamboree

From July 23 through Aug. 1, 2019, media must check in each day at the Jamboree Credential Center and clear visitor security screening. The Jamboree Credential Center is at:

The J.W. And Hazel Ruby West Virginia Welcome Center
55 Hazel Ruby Lane
Mt Hope, WV 25880

PLEASE NOTE:  No media will be allowed directly on the Summit site and must follow the procedure below to gain access.

The Jamboree Credential Center hours are generally 7:45 until 17:00 each day. Media requesting credentials for the first time at the Jamboree Credential Center must show proof of professional affiliation and a driver’s license or passport identification. Media vehicles may be parked in the Ruby Welcome Center parking lot. Upon arrival at the Ruby Welcome Center, media will be issued credentials.

Transportation to the Jamboree

Media will only be transported to and from the jamboree site via the designated media van, based at the Ruby Welcome Center. Please note that it typically takes up to 45 minutes to get to the Summit Center and more than 15 minutes to get from the Summit Center back to the Ruby Welcome Center.

Personal or media vehicles will not be permitted on the jamboree site. The media van will not make intermittent stops between the Summit and the Ruby Welcome Center. If media miss the van, no additional transportation will be provided.

Scheduling

Media will be able to choose from one of two coverage period windows for covering the World Scout Jamboree each day.

For the most part, coverage and interview opportunities will be identical during these two periods. The two windows are being offered as a way to allow media to report on the jamboree without having to spend all day on site.

Please note these coverage windows may change, so it is recommended to regularly check the online schedule for the latest information.

Sample Day

7:30–12:30

• 07:30: Media arrive at the Ruby Welcome Center / Jamboree Credential Center for check-in.
• 08:00: Bus departs for the Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR).
• 09:00-12:00: On-site World Scout Jamboree experiences
• 12:00: Bus departs for Jamboree Credential Center. (Media may stay on site if they desire.)
• 12:30: Bus arrives at the Jamboree Credential Center.

13:00-18:30

• 13:00: Media arrive at the Ruby Welcome Center / Jamboree Credential Center for check-in.
• 13:30: Bus departs for the Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR).
• 14:30-17:45: On-site World Scout Jamboree experiences
• 18:00: Bus departs for Jamboree Credential Center
• 18:30: Bus arrives at the Jamboree Credential Center

Daily Schedule

Summit Bechtel Reserve Access

Upon arrival at the Summit Center, media will be checked in and escorted by a World Scout Jamboree Media Team member while on site. Media will be able to see exhibits, visit the main retail store, purchase food, and experience Summit Center program elements including Brownsea Island, Boulder Cove, Challenge Course, Canopy Tour, Skateboard Plaza, mountain biking, shooting sports, climbing, and BMX riding.

Summit Center will also be the site of the jamboree stadium shows, where there will be a designated area for media covering the shows. Beyond accommodations for the stadium shows, there will be no evening media opportunities.

The World Scout Jamboree International Media Team can arrange for media to interview Scouts attending the event; however, media interested in speaking with a Scout group from a specific geographic region are advised to make contact with their local council or national Scouting organization to make arrangements prior to the start of the event. The World Scout Jamboree International Media Team will not be able to set media up with a local Scout on site.

Media will receive a schedule including events and interview availabilities for each day of the event. Any updates or changes to the schedule will be provided to media at the time of check-in or departure from the Jamboree Credential Center. It is suggested that interview requests beyond designated times / topics / spokespersons be sent ahead of time to [email protected], but it is not guaranteed that such requests can be granted based on event schedules.

Preparing for a Successful Visit to the World Jamboree

The Summit is a rugged, vehicle-free area, and media should be aware that there will be a significant amount of walking while at the event. You should plan to dress for physical activity as well as the summer temperatures; wearing dresses, skirts or open-toed shoes may prevent you from being able to access the day’s activities.

Again, there will be no private vehicles allowed on site, so be ready to carry all the gear you need. If a member of the media has a condition that would prevent them from walking or standing for an extended period of time, please notify [email protected] so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Hydration is an extremely important to your safe Summit experience. Media are strongly encouraged to bring their own canteens or reusable water bottles, which may be refilled at one of the many watering stations available throughout the property. As part of the Summit’s sustainability efforts, the BSA is reducing the use plastic water bottles.

In addition to a water bottle, media visitors may want to bring:

• Hat for protection from sun and rain
• Sunscreen
• Rain gear or umbrella
• Hiking / walking shoes (no open-toed shoes; trail shoes or hiking boots are recommended)
• Backpack for carrying water and equipment
• Clothing appropriate for the outdoors (i.e. men’s suits and women’s dresses are not recommended)
• Snacks, or money to purchase concessions on-site

For More Information

Media inquiries may be sent to [email protected]; please provide your name, media outlet, deadline, questions, and contact information. For more information on the 24th World Scout Jamboree, please visit the jamboree website.

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