 The national Scout jamboree is a gathering of Boy Scouts from across the US . It is usually held every four years , with some adjustment for special years such as the 2010 National Scout Jamboree that celebrated the BSA centennial . The first jamboree was held in 1937 at the Washington Monument in Washington , D.C. Since then , jamborees have been held in varying locations . Beginning in 1981 , the jamboree has been held at Fort A.P. Hill , Virginia . A permanent location owned by the BSA was sought in 2008 for future jamborees , high adventure programs and training . The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve near Beckley , West Virginia is now the permanent site beginning with the 2013 National Scout Jamboree . 
