I graduated from high school in 1973. That very same year I had the chance to attend the Boy Scout National Jamboree West in Idaho with my two brothers. A scout jamboree is where scouts from around the world converge for fellowship and fond memories.  A few scouts from our troop got together with scouts from a few troops in the San Mateo Council to form a contingent troop from the SF Peninsula..

Due to an unplanned nationwide train strike, we had a chance to tour the Canadian Rockies by bus on our way to Idaho. It took under a week to marvel at scenery and rest stops. We stopped by Vancouver for its iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, Jasper for their world renown Columbia Icefields Parkway (glacier), Lake Louise for their magnificent lake and hotel (and a mirrored globe on a pedestal overlooking the lake), and Banff for their sulfur spring, pool and cave. I actually put those sites on a bucket list....to return for a honeymoon when I got married. I crossed that item off the list 14 years later. Accommodations while on the road to the Jamboree included the roomy bus and an auditorium of a church in Banff

The Jamboree itself was held at Farragut State Part, a very large open space in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It was here where the seasoned scouts showed off their skills in cooking and eating rainbow trout the correct way. Chinese kids ate with chopsticks and picked the flesh off the fish with ease, leaving the bones clean. ; It was also where we got to see and listen to the words from honorary guest celebrity, Bob Hope. Activities included scout advancement related instruction and exams and stuff just for fun. This included a type of match game where one would find other scouts with different letters to form the theme of the day, "Growing Together". There was also an activity card you could complete by finishing all the activities listed on the card.

When it was all over, we parted our ways.  I'm sure some actually kept in touch. Regretfully I lost touch with the San Mateo gang after the Jamboree. Keeping in touch is one of my major flaws I'm trying to avoid. With that said, here is the rag tag group which made it through the Canadian Rockies and the tent city in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. If by chance you recognize yourself, do contact me.