WashJam 2009

Six Scouts from our Troop attended WashJam (Washington State Jamboree) and we brought two Cub Scouts from Pack 793 with us. We joined over 6,000 other Scouts from all over Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and even California!

We arrived at north Fort Lewis at about 7:30am, checked in, and went to our camp, Sub-camp Orange. There were hundreds of tents spread across the camp. Since it was raining some of us were convinced that it would be a bad experience but we didn't know what was to come. After we were done setting up we went to where the flag was being hoisted, did the flag ceremony and went to our activities.

Some of the many activities we participated in were rock climbing, cooking, rifle shooting, timed running races, fly fishing, tomahawk, knife and spear throwing, archery, monkey bridge lashing and climbing, and baseball and frisbee golf. We did these until lunch at noon. We re-grouped at camp and ate lunch. After this we participated in more activities until it was time for dinner at five. Prior to this the Army and S.W.A.T put on a show for us and the sheriff landed a helicopter near to our camp and the police drove their Lenco Bear (armored car) and several other police vehicles. The army brought in a Humvee and a flat-bed truck to explore.

After we had done more activates we assembled back at camp to eat dinner. We made Teriyaki and rice and it was good. After we cleaned up, we went to a show/concert with lots of bands and performers on a big stage.

The next day we started out with bacon, eggs, and cheese on english muffins. After this we headed to the flag ceremony, and continued with the activities and presentations all over the camp. This was a once in a lifetime experience for most of us. The next time WashJam comes around, most of us won't be Scouts anymore, so we were all happy we attended. - AJK

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