BLM Brings Public Lands to Life at Scouting America’s 2026 National Jamboree

Under a canopy of West Virginia hardwoods, thousands of Scouts stepped into a hands-on world of conservation — including a walk-through inflatable cave — while learning how to recreate responsibly and care for America’s public lands.  

From July 22–31, Scouting America’s 21st National Jamboree transformed the Summit Bechtel Reserve into a hub of adventure, leadership, and stewardship. Across more than 10,600 acres of forested mountains, participants explored world-class facilities and landscapes while testing their limits on ziplining, mountain biking, technical climbing, BMX, shooting sports, aquatics, and whitewater rafting in the nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.  

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern States partnered with BLM Recreation and Visitor Services to staff an interactive booth along the Conservation Trail—a series of agency exhibits connected by a wooded path that showcased conservation, recreation, and natural resource management. Over eight operating days, approximately 4,492 Scouts visited the trail to connect with federal experts, practice outdoor ethics, and discover public land opportunities near home.  

The BLM Traveling Cave Display — a 20-by-30-foot inflatable exhibit with interpretive panels, three chambers, and 80 feet of passage — offered a safe, immersive introduction to caving. With air-conditioning and generators keeping conditions comfortable, Scouts crawled through the tunnels to see geology up close and learn about fragile cave ecosystems.  

“The cave display was a hit — it gave Scouts a memorable, hands-on way to experience another resource BLM manages as part of our multiple-use mission,” said Mike Setlock, BLM Eastern States Community Resources Lead.  

This year’s Jamboree also marked the kickoff of Scouting America’s newly created Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge. Members of the newly formed U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) were on-site to share how fire professionals protect communities and ecosystems, and to introduce pathways for youth to serve.

Scouting America’s Jamborees create a national stage for federal agencies to connect with outdoor-oriented youth of all backgrounds. By pairing adventure with education, BLM helps future leaders build skills, discover careers, and develop lifelong stewardship habits.

To learn more about BLM youth engagement, volunteer opportunities, and how to recreate responsibly on your public lands, visit blm.gov.