Scouting America’s National Jamboree Faces Changes Amid Pentagon Pressure

Scouting America has made significant changes to its National Jamboree program, dropping dedicated spaces for gay youth, women, and scouts of color. Pressure from the Pentagon has driven these changes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized what he described as the organization’s ‘woke’ policies.

Originally scheduled to be a diverse event, some scouts opted out of attending the Jamboree, held in West Virginia. Hegseth stated that the longstanding partnership between the Pentagon and Scouting America would be at risk without these shifts in focus away from diversity efforts.

Scouting America rebranded in 2024 to better include the increasing number of girls in its ranks. Assistant scoutmaster Samuel J. Aronson expressed concern that eliminating these spaces denies the safe and enjoyable environment that Scouting is meant to provide for many young people.

Approximately 15,000 scouts, leaders, and volunteers attended the 10-day event featuring activities like mountain biking and kayaking as well as leadership and educational sessions. While a spokesperson for Scouting America stated that the organization remains committed to all youths, they did not address queries about the changes made to the Jamboree.

The Pentagon, in a February agreement with Scouting America, has faced scrutiny and conflicting interpretations. Activist James Dale, known for being expelled from the Boy Scouts in the early 1990s over his sexual orientation, obtained the agreement outlining Pentagon oversight. Dale compared the Pentagon’s influence to bullying tactics, expressing concern over their ability to influence the organization’s decisions.

The longstanding relationship between the U.S. military and Scouting America includes logistical support for the Jamboree and scout troop meetings on military bases. Hegseth previously stated that compliance would be monitored closely, and non-adherence by late August may lead the military to cease support.

Reactions from scouts have been mixed. John Andrew Segebarth, a 21-year-old Eagle Scout, expressed disappointment over the removal of inclusive spaces such as LGBTQ+ and Allied Scouts. He, along with Aronson, decided not to participate in this year’s event.

Despite the changes, 21-year-old assistant scoutmaster Layla Grace chose to attend. Previously finding community in these spaces, Grace volunteered to support areas addressing mental health and education. In the absence of designated spaces, she expresses identity and solidarity through personal symbolism.

Grace and others continue to support the community in creative ways, maintaining the spirit of inclusion within the constraints of this year’s National Jamboree.