Visit the Official BSA 2010 National Jamboree Website

Cartoons from the Jamboree

Jamboree Today - Knots Check out Richard Diesslin's Jamboree Today KNOTS Cartoons

Nearby Facilities - National Capital Area Council

Attending the Jamboree??

Camp William B. Snyder, located 75 miles outside Fort A.P. Hill, VA, is the perfect location for visiting Scouts and units. Cabins, dining hall, swimming pool, wall tents, and more will be available. We will also have transportation to all major attractions. More Information.

Grand Centennial Parade - July 25, 2010

Everyone loves a parade!!

Councils across the land: Come on down in July 2010 and be part of the Grand Centennial Parade of the Boy Scouts of America. The Parade is being co-sponsored by the National Council and the National Capital Area Council. Many councils have already expressed great interest. We are now able to
share greater details with you as we move forward with the planning – so here is the latest update:

When: July 25, 2010, 1:00 pm step-off. Most marching elements will begin assembling by 11:00 am. Participants will need to plan to be in DC around 10:00 am for staging. Last elements will disperse by 5:00 pm…

Where: Constitution Avenue in the heart of our Nation’s Capital, from 7 Street NW to 17 Street NW, past many prominent and historic monuments and the White House. This is the first BSA parade to be held on Constitution Avenue since the 1937 National Jamboree.

Themes: Scouting in Action: Five floats depicting BSA core principles of Leadership, Achievement, Service, Character and Outdoors.  A Century of Values: Ten historic divisions, each representing a decade, followed by the Eagle Scout
division.

Features: Every BSA council is invited to send a marching unit of 21 Scouts. Could be Cubs, Boy Scouts, Venturers, or a composite unit, your choice! Bring your council colors!

NCAC will provide another 6- 9,000 youth, either marching or reviewing the parade.  Councils will be organized by States which will be distributed across all the decades (e.g., Alabama will be in the first, Wyoming in the last).

1-2 bands or drum and bugle corps in each division. Many are or originated from Boy Scout units and are nationally renowned. If your council has a marching musical unit, let us know.

Helium balloons...floats…antique cars…

Highlights of historical Scouting events within each decade…

National Jamboree troops who are not officially representing their council in the parade will have the honor to serve as “Reviewing Units” at designated positions along the parade route.

General Information: Limited camping is available at Camp William B. Snyder located in Haymarket, VA (1 hour away). See the NCAC web site at www.boyscouts-ncac.org.

Before and after the parade, enjoy “Centennial Scouting on the Mall,” featuring Adventure Base 100. We will offer daytime Scouting activities like geocaching and historic hikes that will run continuously from July 23 through August 8.
 

Washington DC Area Attractions and Tours

Commonly Visited Sites in Washington, DC

The Arlington National Cemetery – Located in Arlington, VA, on the banks of the Potomac River, just across the Arlington Memorial Bridge from the Lincoln Memorial.  Features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Amphitheater, the Custis-Lee Mansion & the graves of Presidents John F. Kennedy & William Howard Taft as well as Astronaut and Eagle Scout Roger Chaffee. Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every hour on the hour & every half hour during the summer months. Scout groups can lay wreaths at the memorial with prior approval. Ample parking available – Fee applies. Open daily October – March: 8:00am-5:00pm, & April – September: 8:00am-7:00pm.- Telephone: (703) 607-8585. Metro: Arlington National Cemetery

The Bureau of Engraving & Printing - 14th & C Streets, SW. See how US currency is printed. March through August - Tours available Monday through Friday from 9:00am-7:00pm and require a free ticket distributed first come, first served beginning at 8:00am. September through February – Tours available Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm; no ticket is needed.   Congressional and group tours available with prior arrangement.  Closed weekends, federal holidays & Dec. 25 through Jan. 1. Telephone: 877-874-4114. Metro: Smithsonian.

 Ford's Theatre, Museum & Peterson House - 10th Street Between E & F Streets, NW. The site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Lincoln and his death the next day.  The Theater and Museum are open every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm except Christmas day; The Peterson House opens daily from 9:30am-5:00pm.  Free, timed tickets are required to enter and are given out daily on a first-come, first serve beginning at 8:30am at the Theater Box Office or can be reserved on Ticketmaster.  The tour consists of a 45-minute presentation within the theater and a tour of the Peterson House, maintained to represent the time of Lincoln’s death.    Telephone: (202)426-6924.  Box Office: (202) 426-6924. Group Tours: (202) 638-2367. Metro: Equi-distant from Metro Center, Federal Triangle or Gallery Pl-Chinatown.

The Foggy Bottom-GWU.  Kennedy Center – 2700 F Street, NW.  Free tours are conducted by the Friends of the Kennedy Center volunteers approximately every 10 minutes leaving from the Tour Desk on Motor Parking Lobby A.  Tours are offered Mon – Fri: 10:00am–5:00pm and Sat – Sun: 10:00 – 1:00 and feature Hall of States, Hall of Nations and many works of art and concludes on the Roof Terrace with a 360 degree view of the city.  Several foreign languages are available on request.  Telephone: (202) 416-8340.  Metro: Foggy Bottom/GWU.

The Library of Congress - 101 Independence Ave, SE. Hour-long tours of the historic Jefferson Building, located on First Street are conducted Mon – Sat: 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30 (and 3:30 M-F).  Groups of 12 or more need reservations and are held Mon – Fri only. Telephone: (202)717-9779. Metro: Capitol South or Union Station.

The National Archives - Constitution Avenue, NW. between 7^th and 9^th St. Spring/Summer Hours: Allow 90 minutes to explore exhibits which include an 11-minute film and the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. Allow time for entry (1 hour or more during peak periods). Open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Fall/Winter Hours: Open daily from 10:00am-5:30pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days. To avoid entry wait, self-guided tour reservations are recommended.  Guided tours for groups up to 20 are available Mon - Fri at 9:45 am. with reservation. Telephone:. 202-357-5450. Metro: Archives-Navy.

The National Gallery of Art - 6th & Constitution Avenue, NW. Numerous tours are offered daily including specialty and foreign language tours; see website for recent options.   The Gallery consists of the West and East Buildings and the Sculpture Gardens. Open Mon - Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm, Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm. Group tours can be arranged by calling (202)842-6247.  General Information Telephone: (202)737-4215.  Metro: Archives.

The Pentagon – Located in Virginia across the 14th Street Bridge (I-395). Tours will last 45 min to 1 hour, are 1 mile in length and include sights such as the Sept. 11 Memorial and Hall of Heroes.  Free group tours are conducted by active military personnel and are available by reservation only Mon – Fri: 9:00am-3:00pm. A security roster is required.   No public parking is allowed at the Pentagon and the closest parking is at the Pentagon City Mall parking garages (Fee applies).  Telephone: (703) 697–1776. Metro: Pentagon.

The United States Capitol Building Visitor Center - Located below the East Plaza of the Capitol between Constitution and Independence Avenues.  The Visitor Center allows visitors access to an exhibition hall, orientation theater, gift shop and 530-seat restaurant.  Reservations are recommended for the free guided tour lasting approximately 60 minutes. A limited number of same-day passes are available at the tour kiosks on the East and West Fronts of the Capitol or at the Information Desks on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center.  Allow at least 90 minutes to visit all areas.  Open Mon – Sat: 8:30am - 4:30pm; Closed Christmas, New Year's & Thanksgiving. Congressional tours can be arranged by contacting your local congressman prior to your visit or online.  See website for a list of Prohibited Items.  Telephone: (202)225-6827. Metro: Capitol South or Union Station.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - 100 Raoul Wallenbert Place, SW (old 15th street between Maine Avenue and Independence Avenue). The main entrance is on 14th street, next to the Bureau of Printing & Engraving. The permanent exhibitions are recommended for ages 11 and up. Daniel's Story is designed for children ages 8 and up. The visit will take from   1/2 to 3 hours. Currently tickets are required only for the permanent exhibit “The Holocaust” and only from March to August. Free same-day, timed tickets can be obtained at the museum each day – be sure to arrive early to ensure a ticket). Open 7 days a week from 10:00am - 5:30pm; Closed on Yom Kippur and Christmas Day. Telephone: (202) 488-0400. Metro: Smithsonian.

The White House - 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Tours are scheduled up to six months in advance through your congressional representative’s office and are available Tues – Sat: 7:30am - 12:30 pm.. This is a self-guided tour throughout the public rooms including the East Room and the State Dining Room.  Allow time for a visit to the Boy Scout Memorial near the Ellipse and the White House Visitor’s Center currently located at the southeast corner of 15^th and E Streets (see separate entries).  A list of all participants will be required and background checks are performed.  Also, since the White House is occasionally closed for official events, it is recommended that visitors schedule as far in advance as possible. Security information and prohibited items lists will be provided with the tour information by the congressional offices. There is no on-street parking near the White House so mass transit is recommended.  Telephone: 202-456-7041. Metro: Federal Triangle, Metro Center or McPherson Square.

The White House Visitor’s Center - 1450 Pennsylvania Ave, in the north end of the Dept. of Commerce Building.  Visit six permanent exhibits ranging from the architecture of the White House to the famous residents, experience a 30 minute video “Where History Lives” and visit the information booth for free maps and brochures.  Open daily from 7:30am-4:00pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days.  Telephone: (202) 208-1631.  Metro: Federal Triangle.

Lesser Known Sites

(But worth the time and possibly not as crowded)

The Corcoran Gallery of Art Museum - 17th Street and New York Ave.  Exhibits include permanent and rotating collections of 19^th and 20^th painting, sculpture and photography as well as Senior Thesis exhibits from the associated college.  Open Wed – Sun: 10:00am - 5:00pm staying open on Thursdays until 9:00pm. Tours are offered daily at noon.  Group tours can be pre-arranged with a nominal fee.  Entrance Fee applies.  Telephone: (202)639-1700. Metro: Farragut W or Farragut N. 

The Daughters of the American Revolution Museum – D Street, NW and 17^th Street, NW. Home to the DAR National Headquarters, the museum building also houses a premier genealogical library and Washington’s largest concert hall.  The museum features collections of early American items such as costumes, toys, furniture and art.  The 45-minute tour features period rooms ranging from a one-room pilgrim dwelling to an attic containing toys and dolls.  A walking tour brochure is available that aides work on the Boy Scout American Heritage merit badge.  Open Mon-Fri: 9:30am-4:00pm and Sat: 9:00am-5:00pm.  Closed Sundays, Federal Holidays and two weeks in late June/early July (differs each year). Tours are given every hour and half-hour Mon–Fri: 10:00am–2:30pm and Sat: 9:00am–4:30pm.  Groups of 10 or more, call for tour reservations. Free admission.  Telephone: (202) 628-1776.  Metro: Farragut W or Farragut N. 

The Department of State - 2201 C Street, NW. Free 45-minute tours are conducted Mon - Fri at 9:30am, 10:30 am and 2:45pm.  The tour includes the Diplomatic Reception Rooms and fine art found in the State Department building. Tours are by reservation only; it is recommended that reservations are made at least 3 months in advance of your trip. Telephone: (202)647-3241. Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU.

The Department of the Treasury - 15 St. and Hamilton Pl., NW.  This building has served as the headquarters for the Treasury Department since it was built in 1836. The free, 1 hour tour includes the history of the Treasury Department and the building's architecture history, including the Andrew Johnson suite, where, in 1865, President Johnson conducted official business for 6 weeks after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It also includes the beautiful Salmon P. Chase suite, the Cash room (the site for Grant's inaugural reception), and the 1864 burglar proof vault. Tours should be arranged through the office of your congressional representative prior to your visit. Open Saturday mornings, the tours last 90 minutes.  For hearing impaired tours, call (202)622-0692. Telephone: (202)622-0896. Metro: Metro Center or McPherson Square. 

National Aquarium – 1401 Constitution Ave, NW.  In the lower level of the Commerce Building.  The exhibits highlight habitats protected by the National Marine Sanctuary Program, such as the Florida Everglades and California’s Channel Islands.  Over 200 species are represented including alligator, piranha, shark and eel.  Open daily 9:00am-5:00pm with feedings and talks at 2:00pm.  Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving Day.  Prices range from $3-7 (cash only).  Telephone: (202) 482-2825.  Metro: Federal Triangle.

The National Building Museum - 401 F Street, NW, between 4th and 5th streets. Tours are 45 minutes in length and include the Grand Hall which has housed 17 Inaugural Balls and is home of some of the largest Corinthian columns in the world at 75 feet.  Open Mon – Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm and Sun: 11:00am - 5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Free but $5.00 donation is suggested.  Tours are led by docents daily at 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30; for group of 10 or more, call for reservations or to custom-build a tour.  Scout Programs/Days available (fee applies).  Telephone: (202)272-2448.  Metro: Judiciary Square or Gallery Place/Chinatown.

The National Geographic Society - 17th & M St., NW.  Permanent and rotating exhibits of famous scientific expeditions and National Geographic adventures.  Free admission to most exhibits. Open from Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Telephone: (202)857-7588. Metro: Farragut N or Farragut W.

The National Postal Museum - 2 Massachusetts Ave., NE in the Washington City Post Office Building next to Union Station. Permanent exhibits include the history of the mail service, “Moving the Mail”, and “The Art of Cards and Letters.”  Open daily from 10:00am - 5:30pm; closed Dec. 25. Free admission. Tours available for groups by calling (202)633-5534.    Telephone: (202) 357-2700. Metro: Union Station.

The Old Post Office Pavilion - 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. The tower itself is operated by the National Park Service and free tours are given every 5 minutes on the stage level of the Old Post Office Pavilion. The self-guided tour consists of the bell tower and the observation deck 270 ft. above street level with one of the best views   of the city. The lines for this tour are normally much shorter than for the Washington Memorial and do not require tickets.  Some holidays the hours may vary due to bell concerts. The pavilion also offers a food court and several shops.  Summer Hours (June through Labor Day): Mon –Fri: 9:00am-7:45pm; Weekends and holidays: 10:00am-5:45pm. Winter Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00am-4:30pm; Weekends and holidays: 10:00am-5:45pm.  Telephone: (202)606-9686.  Metro: Federal Triangle.

The Phillips Collection – 1600 21st Street, NW.  The nation's first museum of modern art with 3,000 works by American and European artists. Open Tues - Sat from 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am-6:00pm, staying open Thurs. until 8:30pm with special programs offered.  Concerts offered Sundays at 4:00pm Oct – May.  Closed Mondays, Jan. 1, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, and Dec 25.  Telephone: (202)387-2151. Metro: Dupont Cir.

The Textile Museum - 2320 S Street, NW. The museum contains over 18,000 objects from around the world as well as a Textile Learning Center with a hands-on exhibit.  Gardens open during museum hours.  Free with $5.00 suggested donation.  Open Tue - Sat: 10:00am-5:00pm and Sun: 1:00pm-5:00pm.  Closed Dec. 24 and Federal Holidays. Telephone: (202)667-0441. Metro: Dupont Cir.

The United States Botanic Gardens – 100 Maryland Ave, SW in the shadow of the Capitol Building on the National Mall.  The conservatory is separated into different rooms, each displaying a differing habitat.  The garden displays a variety of ornamental landscaping typical of the Mid-Atlantic region as well as specialty gardens.  The Conservatory is open daily from 10:00am-5:00pm and the garden is open 10:00am-7:00pm year round. Free admission.  Group tours are available by request. Telephone: (202)225-8333.  Metro: Federal Center SW.

The United States National Arboretum – 3501 New York Ave. 446 acres of trees, shrubs and assorted plants in the northeast section of the District of Columbia that includes the National Grove of State Trees.  The grounds are open from 8:00am to 5:00pm daily; closed Dec. 25.  Free admission.  The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum is open daily from 10:00am–4:00pm, except on federal holidays.   From spring to fall, a tram takes visitors on a 35-minute, non-stop guided tour (fees apply).  For the tram, enter at the R Street gate. Ample free parking is available throughout the grounds.  Please make reservations for groups. Telephone: (202)637-7000.  Metro: Stadium Armory, then Bus number B2.

The United States Naval Observatory - 34th and Massachusetts Ave, NW.  The Naval Observatory is one of the oldest scientific agencies in the country and is the official source of time for the DoD.   Tours are available by reservation only on alternating Monday nights at 8:30pm, weather permitting, except on Federal holidays. Tours will include the mission and history of the Naval Observatory, established in 1883, information on the official Master Clock, and a look through a refracting telescope (weather permitting).  When reserving, names and birth dates will be requires for all in the group.  There is considerable walking on the tour.  On-street parking is available outside the gate. Telephone: (202) 762-1438.  Metro: Archives, then bus 32.

The United States Supreme Court - First Street & Maryland Ave., NE.  Public lectures are conducted in the courtroom from 9:30am to 3:30pm every hour on the half hour, except when court is in session.  Allow time for the 24-minute film and the exhibits about the history of the Supreme Court.   Open Mon - Fri: 9:00am-4:30pm (closed on Federal holidays).  Telephone: (202)479-3211.  Metro: Capitol South or Union Station.

The Washington Navy Yard – 9th & M Streets, SE, on the banks of the Anacostia River.  The Washington Navy Yard is the U.S. Navy’s oldest shore establishment and features the U.S. Navy Museum and the USS Barry, a Vietnam-era destroyer.  Both are free of charge to the public.  Access to most of the yard is limited to the public and requires photo identification. Entry on weekdays is limited to the 11^th St. entrance at O St.; Weekend and Holiday entry requires reservations and is limited to the M St. entrance at 6^th St., SW.  The U.S. Navy Museum and the USS Barry are open Mon-Fri: 9:00am-5:00pm and Sat-Sun: 10:00am-5:00pm.   Limited garage parking is available free of charge with a permit that can be obtained at the museum guard station.  Telephone: (202)433-6897. Metro: Navy Yard or Eastern Market.

Memorials, Monuments and Points of Interest

The African-American Civil War Memorial – 1200 U Street N.W.  Designed by Ed Hamilton of Louisville, Kentucky, this is the first memorial remembering the United States Colored Troops of the Civil War.  It displays 209,145 names and was unveiled on July 18, 1998.  The sculpture stands ten feet tall and features uniformed black soldiers and a sailor poised to leave home. Telephone: (202) 667-2667. Metro: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardoza Station.

The Boy Scout Memorial – Located in the President’s Park, next to the White House near 15 Street, NW.  Placed on the site of the first Boy Scout Jamboree of 1937, it was dedicated on November 7, 1964.  It is one of only a few Washington, DC memorials recognizing a living cause. Telephone: (202)208-1631. Metro: Federal Triangle.

The Jefferson Memorial - South bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. Open 24 hours daily with rangers on duty from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 P.M. At the Swan Boathouse, you can rent a paddle boat to cruise on the Basin. Telephone: (202)426-6841. Metro: Smithsonian. 

The Lincoln Memorial - West Potomac Park at the foot of 23rd Street, NW. Open 24 hours daily for viewing and rangers are on hand from 9:30am to 11:30pm to answer questions.  There is a small visitor’s center located in the basement with exhibits about Lincoln’s life and gift shop.  Telephone: (202)426-6841. Metro: Foggy Bottom/George Washington University.

The United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center - 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.  The Navy Memorial, dedicated in 1987, features the statue The Lone SailorÓ which is surrounded by an exact scale replication of the world’s oceans.  The Naval Heritage Center is adjacent and features rotating exhibits, a film gallery, a library and a gift shop.  The memorial is open 24 hours a day and the Visitors Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30am to 5:00pm and Sunday, noon to 5:00pm. Telephone: (202)737-2300 or 800-821-8892.  Metro: Archives/Navy Memorial.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Located at the western end of the National Mall, adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial in West Potomac Park. Open 24 hours daily for viewing. Constructed of black granite to honor all Americans who served in the Vietnam War 'as a special tribute to those who did not return.’  The names of more than 58,000 who gave their lives or who remain missing are inscribed in the Memorial's walls. The names are in chronological order. Telephone: (202) 426-6841. Metro: Foggy Bottom/George Washington University.

The Washington Monument - On the Mall at 15th Street, NW. Stands 555’ 5 1/8” tall.  Open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm, except closed on July 4^th and Dec. 25^th. Free, timed tickets are required to enter and are given out daily on a first-come, first serve beginning at 8:30am at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15^th St. or can be reserved at www.recreation.gov for a small fee.  Telephone: (202)426-6841.  Metro: Smithsonian.