Surveying at the 2026 Scouting BSA National Jamboree

The 2026 Scouting BSA National Jamboree will be held from July 22 through July 31, 2026, at the Summit Bechtel Reserve near Glen Jean, West Virginia.  The National Society of Professional Surveyors is again providing sponsorship for the offering of the Surveying Merit Badge.  The Surveying Merit Badge is one of the more difficult badges to obtain because of the significant requirements.   

I had the honor of serving as a surveying merit badge counselor for the 2023 Jamboree and found it extremely rewarding.  At the 2023 Jamboree, over 250 scouts earned the surveying merit badge, of which approximately 50 of them were young women. We worked with about 10 youths who were attempting to complete all 140 merit badges, several of whom only had a few remaining to complete, and one of which completed all 140 when he completed his Surveying Merit Badge with us. Through our efforts, Surveying Merit Badge jumped up a couple of spots on the yearly rankings for earned badges. 

We worked hard for 9 days, having 3 staff members for the first half, and 5 for the remainder. Unfortunately, we had to turn away a lot of kids because we didn't have the staff available. It was a great time, and we had a lot of opportunities to explain the profession to our youth.  

We are currently looking for surveyors who would be willing to assist at the 2026 Jamboree.  You get to camp in tents just like the scouts.  You can come for the entire 9 days, or for just a couple of days.  There is also an opportunity for day staff, for those that only have the availability to help for a day or two, who live locally, or want to stay at a hotel.  If you are going to stay at the event, there is a “room and board” charge.  

If you have any questions, you can contact Kyle Schultze at kyle.schultze@gmail.com. I had the opportunity to work with Kyle as well as surveyors from around the country in 2023.  Kyle is an Illinois PLS, who is coordinating this on behalf of NSPS.  Like myself, Kyle is an Eagle Scout, who has experienced the benefits of Scouting and wants to provide these opportunities for future generations. 

While July 2026 seems a long way off, if you are interested in participating, you should contact Kyle as soon as possible.  There are many logistical considerations that need to be addressed. 

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D. Robert Davidson, PLS, Esq., Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 33G Riverside, Columbia – Montour Council Scouting BSA