Order of the Arrow - Jamboree 2001: Scoutopia

Scoutopia is the sequel to the highly acclaimed Odyssey of the Law production at the 1997 National Boy Scout Jamboree. Odyssey was an original live performance produced by the Order of the Arrow for the jamboree. It served 18,000 Scouts over 8 days in a 375-seat air-conditioned theatre. It was the first time a production of its nature was attempted at the jamboree. Scouting Magazine declared it "the hit attraction of the jamboree." Although it was restricted in attendance to only 50% of jamboree participants, it was rated in the overall jamboree participant survey as one of the top 3 events (along with the 100% attended outdoor-arena extravaganzas).

The purpose of Odyssey was to be the one place at the jamboree where the message and meaning of "Character Counts" would be delivered. It was the one place where you could sit a youth down, in a comfortable environment, and utilize state-of-the-art theater and effects to make the Scout Law come alive in his heart and mind.

Scoutopia is the "next generation" show for 2001. It is being planned to serve every youth at the Jamboree: 30,000 boys.

It is the merging of the words "Scout" and "utopia". Perhaps it can best be explained as a place -- a place in a Scout's mind -- a place where character lives. In today's digital world kids know that the objective in an action-adventure video game is to advance to the next level. We will define for a Scout that Scoutopia is the next level: where a boy becomes a man; where a boy understands the meaning of character, ethics and responsibility taught by the Scout Oath and Law; where he applies those things - that character - to his life each and every day.

An indoor theatre will be fashioned from a clearspan fabric structure (air-supported, stress-membrane, or rigid-sidewall building) that is air-conditioned. The building will be fitted with 500+ theater seats in tiers surrounding a custom stage, full theatrical lighting and sound, large screen video/television, a turntable, and lots of special effects such as lasers and fog.

The Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society, will provide the staffing, leadership and direction for Scoutopia. A full troupe of 160 Arrowmen will form the technical crew and cast.

The hour-long show will be presented 6 to 8 times per day. The subject matter or theme of the show will be similar to that of Odyssey, but will be presented in an entirely different manner. Scoutopia will be a unique, one-of-a-kind experience that a young man will not be able to see anywhere else.

The Boy Scouts of America and the United States Marine Corps are proud to announce their partnership in the presentation of Scoutopia at the 2001 National Scout Jamboree.

The Order of the Arrow is creating and producing Scoutopia. The Marine Corps is contributing to the financial cost and will also man a "Character at the Corps" display at the entrance to Scoutopia.

This is an exciting partnership between two organizations that highly value the twin responsibilities of duty and honor. The jamboree theme of "Character Counts: Strong Values, Strong Leaders" is now set to fully come to life at Fort A.P. Hill next summer.

Revised 7/13/01.

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SCOUTOPIA

What is Scoutopia?

What does the name "Scoutopia" mean?

How will it work?

How is the US Marine Corps involved in Scoutopia?