Scout jamboree a boon to economy

An economic impact study by West Virginia University’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research found the national Scout Jamboree, held every four years at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, has an economic impact of $76 million, and generates 350 jobs and $1.2 million in local and state tax revenue.
The Summit Bechtel Reserve, in Raleigh and Fayette counties, is a 10,000-acre national Scouting center. It is also used by WVU to develop academic programs and outdoor recreation programs. WVU Institute of Technology in Beckley, for example, created an undergraduate program in adventure recreation management.
The report, written by BBER director and WVU economist John Deskins, said during years when the Jamboree is not held, the Summit Bechtel Reserve boosts the state’s economy by $28 million and generates nearly $1 million in state and local taxes. The facility, located near the New River Gorge, also supports 280 jobs.
More than 80 locations in 28 states were considered by the Boy Scouts of America as the permanent site of the Jamboree. When the World Scout Jamboree is held, the event attracts 45,000 people from 150 countries.
“The Summit undoubtedly creates many other benefits for the state that we do not attempt to quantify,” Deskins said in a statement. “For instance, many Summit visitors leave with a positive impression of West Virginia and this goodwill likely further boosts tourism in our state in the future.”
Deskins’ report also found the Summit is responsible for $13.5 million in salaries during the years the Jamboree is held and $10.6 million in salaries in the years it is not.
The 24th World Scout Jamboree will be held July 21-Aug. 2 at the Summit. Around 50,000 Scouts and Scouting leaders from 55 countries, as well as 9,000 volunteers are expected to attend the event. The next national Jamboree, meanwhile, will be in 2021.
“The estimated impact also does not include non-quantifiable impacts such as the exposure the state’s tourism industry receives from hosting the event, which in and of itself could boost the state economy,” the report said.