Reaching Out to the Next Generation

 

 

August 16, 2019 - Members of Scouting organizations from 145 countries recently gathered in Glen Jean, West Virginia, USA, for the 24th World Scout Jamboree. While the event featured traditional activities like hiking, camping and fishing, attendees also got a crash course in mining and how it impacts their lives for the better.

 

Held from July 22-August 2, 2019, this Jamboree was hosted not by a single country, but as a team effort between the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Scouts Canada and Asociación de Scouts de México.

 

Approximately 45,000 Scouts — young men and women between the ages of 14 and 18 — and their leaders gathered at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in the wilds of West Virginia. The Reserve is over 14,000 acres situated on a reclaimed coal mining property. The world's most sustainable campsite, the Summit is also the most advanced adventure facility for youth in the world.

 

The theme of this year’s Jamboree was “Unlock a New World,” inviting attendees to unlock new adventures, cultures and friendships. According to 24th World Scout Jamboree co-chair Scott Sorrels, this theme was created by youth representatives from all three host countries.

 

“Holding fast to our traditions of conservation and outdoorsmanship, a jamboree in the New World is a jamboree that embraces the growing trend of leadership development and global citizenship that our movement has cultivated,” said Sorrels.

 

One of the most important aspects of the Jamboree is education. Attendees were given the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of topics at stands, booths and demonstrations all over the Reserve.

 

 

Many were devoted to traditional outdoor activities and skills, such as hiking and camping, aquatics, orienteering, and fishing. Others focused on topics like leadership, sustainability, faith and beliefs, and cultural exchanges. And some were focused on educating attendees on real-world topics in fields such as mining, transportation, economics, communications and more.

 

A Crash Course in Mining

 

The Mining exhibit was led by Charlie Zimmerman, a Caterpillar Global Mining industry marketing representative. An Eagle Scout, Zimmerman also sits on the Mining Education Coalition (MEC) — a program of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME).

 

“This was a really exciting opportunity for me,” said Zimmerman. “It’s been an amazing confluence of events and experiences, with my background in Scouting and being in mining for nearly 20 years. This was a chance to bring all those things together and allow me to give back.”

 

The Mining exhibit for this Jamboree drew on the program from the 2017 National Scout Jamboree, which also took place at Summit Bechtel Reserve. According to Zimmerman, that program allowed attendees to complete all the requirements for the BSA’s Mining in Society merit badge.

 

However, Zimmerman said this year’s focus had to grow beyond the BSA-specific merit badge to be relevant to a global audience.

 

“Obviously we didn’t want kids to fulfill all the requirements for a badge they can’t earn and wear in their home countries,” said Zimmerman. “So we had to look through our program and decide what we wanted the Scouts to take away from their visit.”

 

The MEC’s Scouting Subcommittee decided to use the example of a mobile phone to show attendees how mining impacts their everyday lives.

 

“We needed a constant — something universal that nearly every teen from a developed country has experience with,” said Zimmerman. “What could be better than a cell phone? They almost all have one, and they know how much they depend on it; but they don’t necessarily know how it’s made. That’s where mining comes in.”

 

The exhibit took over 2,300 of the Jamboree’s attendees on a journey through different aspects of the mining industry. The program covered topics including geology and geography, basic mine operations, safety, sustainability, reclamation and more.

 

The key questions posed by the exhibit were:

 

- What minerals and metals are in my cell phone?

- Where do they come from?

- How are they extracted and processed?

- What role does safety play in modern mining?

- Is my cell phone a sustainable use of mining products?

- What is reclamation?

- What does the future hold for mining and exploration?

- What careers are available in the mining industry?

 

The exhibit used a combination of practical examples and digital information to help attendees get a brief but comprehensive look at all aspects of the mining industry. Attendees got a firsthand look at mining by watching videos, reading posters, working with instructors and handling real mineral samples, safety equipment and more.

 

The exhibit also included a custom Snapchat filter featuring the slogan “Mining Makes It Possible,” which was available for use in the area around the exhibit tent. Attendees were also encouraged to use QR codes to access a wealth of resources that could help them learn more about complex topics.

 

After completing their tour of the exhibit, attendees received a unique patch and pin to commemorate their visit. They also had the chance to pose for a photo with a 12-foot mining truck tire.

 

World Scout Jamboree

 

The exhibit program was available in English, Spanish and French so interested leaders can use it with Scouts who couldn’t attend the Jamboree.

 

“We wanted to show everyone that mining cares, and that it’s an industry with a bright future,” said Zimmerman. “It was very exciting to have the chance to show these kids how mining affects their world in a positive way.”

 

“I know firsthand how Scouting can help prepare you for the future. And now, hopefully, we’ve prepared some of these Scouts for a future in the mining industry.”