Dive In and Make a Difference: Scuba at the 2026 National Scout Jamboree
By Jeffrey Bozanic, NAUI 5334
How would you like to help introduce more than 10,000 youth to scuba diving—in just 10 days?
Yes, you read that right—10,000 youth. That’s the scale of the scuba program at the upcoming 2026 National Scout Jamboree, and we need your help to make it happen.
Every four years, Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America) hosts its National Jamboree—a massive gathering of Scouts, leaders, and volunteers from all over the United States and beyond. The next event will be held July 22–31, 2026, at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, a high-adventure base located in the mountains of West Virginia. With attendance often exceeding 30,000 participants, it’s one of the largest Scouting events in the world.
The Jamboree is designed to challenge, inspire, and connect youth aged 12–20. While many attend to work on advancement—earning merit badges and rank requirements—much of the experience focuses on fellowship, service, and high-adventure activities that may not be available in their home regions. The Summit was built to deliver these kinds of life-changing experiences, offering everything from rock climbing and whitewater rafting to ziplining, mountain biking, and—yes—scuba diving.
The scuba activity is pool-based and tailored as an introductory experience for first-time divers. It’s a fast-paced, tightly choreographed operation:
- Groups of 48 participants are briefed together
- They’re divided into 8 teams of 6 for equipment fitting
- After gearing up, they head to one of four massive above-ground pools (40’x80’)
- Each group gets about 20 minutes of in-water time, under professional supervision
It’s high-energy, high-volume, and incredibly rewarding. For many Scouts, it’s not only their first exposure to scuba—it’s their first realization that scuba diving is something they could do. These experiences have led countless participants to complete their Scuba Diving Merit Badge, pursue certification, or develop a lifelong interest in underwater exploration. And it all starts with a single breath beneath the surface—taken under your guidance.
To make this possible, we need a strong team. In 2017, the scuba program relied on nearly 200 volunteers, many of them NAUI Instructors, divemasters, and support divers. In 2026, we expect similar numbers. If you’re an active-status dive professional, or even just an experienced diver interested in helping with logistics and youth interaction, you are welcome to join.
They are still recruiting staff for the scuba program. If you are interested in volunteering, you must be registered with Scouting America and pay a staff registration fee. Those who are not currently involved in Scouting can receive guidance on completing the registration process. Volunteers may serve for the full Jamboree or choose a half-term option, and discounted rates are available for younger staff members (ages 16–29). Meals are provided on-site, and the experience of working with thousands of enthusiastic youth is something you’ll never forget.
If you’ve ever been a Scout, or had a child in the program, or just enjoy mentoring young people in the outdoors, this is a rare opportunity to combine your passion for diving with meaningful service. You’ll also be helping to raise awareness of scuba as a lifelong pursuit, both within Scouting and beyond.
Even if you can’t attend, please help spread the word to others who might be interested—dive buddies, instructors, Scouters, or anyone who wants to make a lasting impact.
#NatJamboree2026
For more information or to apply, visit jamboree.scouting.org/staff, or contact:
Mike Meenehan
2026 National Scout Jamboree Scuba Team Leader
📧 moc.l1757689671iamg@1757689671nahen1757689671eemmm1757689671
