Utah Scouts pushing themselves at National Jamboree during Scouting's 100th year

FORT AP HILL, Va. — A Scout, of course, is trustworthy — so it wouldn't be entirely truthful to say the activities at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree range from A to Z. The fun here actually stops at T (from Action Alley to Trapshooting).

Still, Utah Scouts say there is more than enough adventure to fill their 10 days at the jamboree. The leaders, meanwhile, say the outdoor events are teaching their charges things about themselves that simply can't be taught in the air-conditioned comfort of home.

Each day Utah Scouts here are earning merit badges, trading patches and making new friends from all corners of the country. But the jamboree experience is anchored by its long list of high-adventure activities designed to teach new skills and the value of teamwork.

"I really like the scuba and all the water activities," said Chris Johnson, a 12-year-old from Mendon, just before tackling a climbing station on Action Alley. "It's all been a lot of fun."

Despite the hot weather and occasional rain, Utah Scouts are learning how to shoot muzzle-loading rifles, crack a bullwhip, fletch arrows on archery targets, scale multistoried climbing towers, reel in a catfish or bag a few clay pigeons at the trapshooting range.

South Jordan's Alex Burnett admitted to feeling a bit homesick — but he's found the remedy in keeping busy with fellow members of Great Salt Lake Council Troop 615. Thursday found him on the obstacle course climbing to the top of a tower to ring bells, then crawling on his belly below a series of low-hanging logs across the "lava pit." Even as he navigated through the course, he was already looking forward to the fun that waited.

"I'm excited to head to the BMX track and also try the mountain boarding," he said.

Scout leader Robert Piper of Taylorsville said the jamboree's confidence and obstacle courses require the boys to push themselves and look out for one another. More than muscles are being built, he said.

"The boys look back and realize they are stronger and more experienced than they were before," he said. "That's the magic of the jamboree."

Barry Phillips, a Scoutmaster from Taylorsville, said the myriad adventure activities are best enjoyed when the Scouts work together. Completing the course teaches teamwork and leadership that will serve the Scouts well in the future.

"That training is so valuable, regardless of what occupation they get into," Phillips said.

Tyler Shelley, 13, of Taylorsville, descended the obstacle course climbing tower Thursday with a grin stretched wide across his dirt-streaked face. He was tired but happy. He'd accomplished his mission.

"I just wanted to ring that bell," he said.

e-mail: jswensen@desnews.com