More than 72,000 Boy Scouts and adult leaders gathered at Fort AP Hill, VA, July 26 to August 4, 2010, for the 100th Anniversary National Scout Jamboree, a once-in-a-lifetime event that was truly a century in the making.
Recognizing the special opportunity to reach a new generation of boys and their families with the Scouting message, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) hired Corporate Magic to plan and execute a weeklong series of events that would leave an indelible impression on the thousands gathered at Fort AP Hill, and those watching across the globe.
Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca directed that the centennial Jamboree must not just be bigger and better than ever. Rather, the overriding goal was to remind boys and their parents around the world that Scouting is fun, it’s “cool,” and it is the most direct path to future success and leadership.
Corporate Magic assembled a “dream team” of companies and individuals that spent more than a year mapping out the week’s activities, ensuring that every detail contributed to the overall theme envisioned by the BSA. Logistical challenges abounded, including the remote location of Fort AP Hill (roughly 75 miles south of Washington, DC, and 35 miles north of Richmond), and the myriad restrictions associated with working on an active Army base. The campgrounds and activity areas were dispersed over more than 3,000 acres, which required many Scout troops to hike one or two hours each way to the show arena.
Alford Media Services was recruited to manage the audio/video needs of the three major productions staged during the week, which included performances by popular bands Honor Society and Switchfoot, appearances by Miss America Caress Cameron, Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe, and US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, along with a videotaped message from President Barack Obama.
GoVision erected the tallest portable LED screen ever built, a monumental undertaking eclipsing the company’s work at presidential inaugurations and global sporting events. At more than 60’ high and 18’ wide, it was so massive that 26,000 gallons of water and 76,000 pounds of concrete were needed as ballast to keep the 100 LED panels from falling forward. GoVision also constructed two 18 x32’ LED video walls on either side of the main screen.
Other highlights of the arena shows included the largest theatrical fireworks display ever allowed on a military installation, with over 4,500 shots; flyovers and aerial jump teams from every military branch; parade horses; US Army Strykers; a cast of 400 Scouts incorporated into the stage production; dozens of pre-produced video packages; and original music composed and produced by Corporate Magic.
Seven towers stretched 395’ across the stage, and the various structures were composed of 17,296 parts. Twenty miles of cable tied everything together. The arena spread out over 13 acres.
In the end, grown men were overcome with emotion and a new generation of boys had gained a greater appreciation for the role Scouting can play throughout their lifetimes.
Creative Team
Jim Kirk, Chief Creative/Executive Producer
Stephen Dahlem, Senior Creative Director
Melinda Lovelace, Senior Producer
Brian Greenway, Event Director
Eric Hagstrom, Technical Director
Alford Media, Lighting and Audio Design
Stephen Dahlem/Jim Kirk, Musical Direction
Greg Crane, Set Design
Jamie Smith, Pyrotechnical Designs
GoVision, LED Screens
Stage Technologies Equipment
196 Daktronics PST-12HD Panels
10 150’ Fiber Reels
Grass Valley LDK 8000 Camera
Camera System, HD-SDI
Wide Angle Lens 13x4.5 Fujinon
88x8.8 HD Lens and Tripod
Robotic Camera, Broadcast Full Control
20 50’ 19-Pin Socopex Power Cables
2 V-Links 3 DDS Control System