Next summer, it happens again: Scouts from across the United States and from around the world will be looking to AAPG members to learn more about geology at the National Scout Jamboree.
And once again, if you’re an AAPG member, you have an opportunity to help deliver the lessons yourself, because a team of volunteer geologists is being sought right now to teach, train and bring geology directly into the lives of young people – and that volunteer can be you. 
It’s all about helping to operate the Geology Merit Badge pavilion at the next Scout National Jamboree, a quadrennial assembly that is the single largest event on the Scouting calendar.
Next year’s event will be held July 22-31, at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, near Beckley, W.Va. More than 20,000 boys and girls are expected to attend what has been called “a celebration of community, training and 360-degree fun.”
AAPG has been active with the BSA Merit Badge Program since the 1940s, with the then-AAPG Boy Scout Committee being the precursor to today’s AAPG Youth Education Activities committee. The AAPG Foundation has been the key sponsor of the Geology merit badge since the 2001 National Jamboree.
“What we’re looking for are geologists who will share their stories and experiences with the Scouts,” said longtime program participant Ron Hart, “and, of course, help them achieve their Geology merit badges by staffing the pavilion.”
Hart, an AAPG member and former AAPG science director, is once again recruiting and organizing the team, appropriately so – he’s been crucial to the Association’s Jamboree initiative since 2001.
“I picked up the job from Jim Adams, of Midland, Texas, who handled the organizing chores for years,” Hart recalled. “Back then, the West Texas Geological Society gave us a small grant (to help cover expenses), and the AAPG Foundation matched it.”
Subsequently, AAPG giants (and scouting enthusiasts) Bud Reid and Larry Funkhouser “personally added funds to help with our planned, larger presence,” Hart said.
“The scouting merit badge program is designed to expose young people to a potential career or lifelong hobby,” he added – and for many of the Scouts, geology connections are rare.
“So many scouts live in urban areas and have no ability to talk with a geologist about careers,” Hart said. “We take this for granted in places like Oklahoma or Texas.
“Scouts come into our program area with eyes wide open and full of questions,” he said. “Most of them have had earth science in middle school, but it’s a treat to talk with a professional and actually put their hands on samples.
“We think it’s important for a scout to learn about industry jobs,” he said, “and that geology isn’t just about teaching or government service. My heroes found oil in the ground.”
Hart said that he, like others who volunteer, had a “lifelong pleasure” of being in the outdoors, which attracted him to scouting as a youth and, eventually, geology as a career.
“I personally like sharing their experience with the next generation,” he said. “Scouts are taught to respect the environment, but we try to share the concept that environmental respect can both happen, and care must be taken.”
Getting Involved
AAPG Foundation chair Jim McGhay said that support for the Scouting initiative remains a solid priority for the Foundation – especially in its mission of bringing geology to young people.
“Having a presence at the Jamboree, and having direct contact with Scouts through the volunteer teams that have helped for so many years, is something we’ve been proud to accomplish,” McGhay said.
“By participating like this, the Foundation has not only had a positive impact on their knowledge of, and interest in, their home planet, but also made an impact on their possible future career opportunities,” he added.
“And we’re always looking for more ways to engage with these young people, even beyond the Jamboree.”
The AAPG Foundation Trustees are scheduled to discuss the proposal and details for the 2026 Jamboree at its November meeting, McGhay said.
In past years, Foundation support went toward the expenses in providing materials and in preparing the volunteer team members (materials and registration fees) who will be helping the Scouts work toward earning the merit badge.
“Our assignment was traditional,” Hart said of the most recent Jamboree. “Our team organized a classroom and science museum experience, designed to teach, and we hosted twice-daily classes.”
Scouts also could inspect and touch a rock and mineral collection, plus a continuous stream table to demonstrate erosion, deposition and stream processes. 
And the best part for all: Scouts got to ask questions and volunteers got to share knowledge, experiences and fun anecdotes.
Both men and women can be part of the team.
“Our total need is 10-14 staff to serve full- or part-time during the 10-day run of the event,” Hart said. “A volunteer need not serve the entire 10 days of the Jamboree, although several full-time staff positions are available.”
Team members must be U.S. citizens and must register as an Adult Leader with Scouting USA. “We can help you through that process,” Hart said.
No Scouting experience is necessary.
“We’re always looking for a few more good men and women,” Hart said. “If you can handle 12 days of Scout camp food, tent camping, lots of fresh air and sunshine, and plenty of fun, please, drop us a line.”
Interested in volunteering? Send your name and contact info to Ron Hart (chair), at: [email protected].
For more information on contributing to the Foundation’s support of the program, visit the Foundation website at foundation.aapg.org.