GLEN JEAN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey officially welcomed more than 15,000 Scouts, volunteers and visitors from across the country Thursday during the opening ceremony of the 21st National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Fayette County.
Addressing thousands gathered at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, Morrisey highlighted the leadership skills Scouts develop and encouraged them to carry those lessons back to their communities.
“Our nation needs what you are building here in West Virginia,” said Governor Morrisey. “We need problem solvers who know how to navigate by a compass, lead a team through a storm, and leave every place better than they found it. Take what you learn here at the Summit, carry it home, and be the servant-leader your neighborhood needs.”
Morrisey also promoted West Virginia’s outdoor recreation opportunities, encouraging Scouts and their families to return to the state in the future
“We want every single Scout and family member here to experience the unmatched beauty, warm hospitality, and outdoor adventure that make West Virginia so special,” said Governor Morrisey.
“Whether you’re on the trails, on the water, or taking in these incredible mountain views, we hope this trip is just the beginning and that you’ll bring your families back to visit us time and time again.”
To support the event, the West Virginia National Guard is marking its 13th year leading the Joint Task Force-National Scout Jamboree.
Operating from the West Virginia National Guard Armory in Glen Jean under Unified Commander Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, the task force is providing logistics, transportation, medical, communications and public safety support.
The operation includes the West Virginia Army and Air National Guard, out-of-state National Guard units, the U.S. military and several state and federal partners, including the West Virginia Emergency Management Division, West Virginia State Police, Division of Highways, Department of Health and Human Resources, State Emergency Operations Center, FEMA Region 3 and the Civil Air Patrol.
The National Scout Jamboree brings together youth from all 50 states for outdoor adventure, leadership training and community service projects. The event runs through July 31.
