General Information
November 21, 2007
Dear Scoutmasters and Crew Advisors;
We are pleased to announce MassJam 08 to be held Columbus Day weekend, 2008. at the Barnstable County Fair grounds located in Falmouth on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. At MassJam 08, Boy Scouts, Venturers and their leaders will camp together for a mini-jamboree experience. MassJam 08 promises to be a real exciting Scouting event. Many volunteers are already hard at work on innovative activities. This will be a fun weekend for everyone. Boy Scouts and Venturers of all ages will test their physical fitness and demonstrate their Scouting skills in camping, pioneering, map and compass, knots, first aid, archery, air rifle shooting, confidence course and mountain boarding. Earn your foreign language interpreter strip. MassJam 08 is sponsored by Annawon, Boston Minuteman, Cape Cod and Islands, Knox Trail, Mohegan, Narragansett, Nashua Valley, Old Colony, Pioneer Valley and Yankee Clipper Councils. A question and answer fact sheet is attached to fill you in on the details about MassJam 08.
So, put MassJam 08 on your unit's planning calendar for October 11-13, 2008. Unit registration will start in the Springl. All further information regarding registration will be posted on the web site – www.massjam.org
At that time, registrations will be accepted on a first-come first-serve basis and registration will be done on line.. So register quickly to ensure your unit’s participation.
If you have any questions, please call Wes Durant at 978-562-7620 or email at
Sincerely,
Wes Durant Jr., Chairman
What is MassJam 08?
It’s the opportunity of a Scout’s lifetime. This giant mini-jamboree will bring together troops and crews from almost every Council in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We want you to share in the fun and excitement of this celebration. MassJam 08 will be a unique opportunity for the members of your troop and crew to make friends throughout Southeastern New England. Nine thousand Scouts and leaders are expected to attend. A variety of activities and entertainment will make MassJam 08 an event to remember.
Where and when will MassJam 08 be held?
MassJam 08 will be held at the Barnstable County Fair Grounds on Route 151 in the Cape Cod community of Falmouth. The site is easily accessible by routes 495, 28, and 3, and has over 100 acres of camping area. Details and maps will be provided. MassJam 08 will take place during the long Columbus Day weekend, October 11-13, 2008. For updates check our website – www.massjam.org.
What activities are planned for the Scouts?
All activities will focus on patrols. Scouts will be very busy. Day time activities will include a midway and interesting and challenging patrol competition events. The Baden-Powell award will encourage patrol participation in competitions, midway, shows, religious services, camp site cleanliness and a service project. Evening shows will be entertaining to Scouts and maintain Scout spirit. The preliminary schedule looks like this:
| Saturday | Morning | Unit Arrival and Set up |
| Afternoon | Opening Ceremony, Patrol Competitions, Midway, Trading Post | |
| Evening | Show | |
| Sunday | Morning | Religious Services, Patrol Competitions, Midway, Trading Post |
| Afternoon | Patrol Competitions, Midway, Trading Post | |
| Evening | Show | |
| Monday | Morning | Sub-Camp Closing, Cleanup, Departure |
Arrival, Parking and Check-out: Troops and crews will check in to sub camps on Saturday, Oct. 11 beginning at 7:00 A.M.. All vehicles will unload at campsite drop zones and then be directed to a secure off-site parking area. Check-out will be late Monday morning, Oct.13, after the closing ceremony. No unit will be checked out until a sub-camp inspection has been completed.
Campsites: Sites will be assigned at check-in, based on pre-registered, pre-paid size of unit. Units will be camping jamboree style. Units should come prepared for weather changes. Each unit must have at least two leaders registered at Sub Camp Head Quarters who will be present 24 hours a day throughout the event. The registered leaders are responsible for the entire unit.
Cooking and Water: No wood fires will be permitted. Units should plan to use propane stoves (preferably) or white gas. Water will be available at all sub camps. Units should bring containers to transport water to their sites.
Medical: Physicians, nurses, and emergency medical technicians will be on the site 24 hours a day. All injuries should be reported to the medical authority at the Sub Camp Head Quarters.
Handicap Facilities: Persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend. Handicap facilities and activities will be provided.
Religious Services: MassJam 08 will provide clergy and services for the major denominations .
Uniforms: Official BSA uniforms may be required for some activities.