WashJam article from August 2008 Chief Seattle Council eTotem newsletter

For only the second time in Washington State History, the Boy Scouts of America will host an all-state Jamboree: WashJam 2009. Co-sponsored by the Chief Seattle Council and Pacific Harbors Council, WashJam will attract youth and leaders from all over the Puget Sound region. Each will assemble at Fort Lewis Army Base, just south of Tacoma, Washington on August 20-23, 2009, for the most exciting Scouting event of the year. Entertaining activities and unforgettable shows will attract thousands of Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Venturers.

"This is a great opportunity for our young people to try new activities and gives the youth a chance to form relationships with Scouts from other packs and troops across council boundaries," said Rick Cordray, the WashJam chairman. "It is a way for youth to experience a unique Jamboree setting while keeping travel expenses low. Scouts and Leaders will set up camp on the grounds of Fort Lewis and cooking will be done by patrols in traditional jamboree style. Nearly 4,000 attended the first event of this kind in 2004 and we anticipate even more participants this time around."

The WashJam 2009 theme, "Celebrate the Adventure," coincides with the theme of the BSA centennial, and this event will kickoff more than a year of special events celebrating this historical milestone. WashJam memorabilia will be available to enhance Scouts and Scouters collections.

The event is being led by overall chairman Rick Cordray. Brian Harron heads the contingent of adult volunteers representing the Chief Seattle Council and Jeff Mann is the chair for volunteers for the Pacific Harbors Council.