Camp Ripley hosts Regional Boy Scouts Jamboree
MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release
June 1, 2023
LITTLE FALLS, Minn. – More than 1000 Minnesota Scouts and volunteers representing the
Boy Scouts of America will participate in the Biennial Boy Scouts Jamboree Saturday at Camp
Ripley to learn leadership skills and basic military tasks.
“The longstanding partnership between the Boy Scouts and the Minnesota National Guard is one
that benefits both organizations,” said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rian Hofstad, Camp Ripley’s
Command Sergeant Major. “I have been in Boy Scouts for the majority of my life, and I am
excited to continue to work with them on Camp Ripley to offer the Scouts a little of what the
Minnesota National Guard has to offer and watch them as they learn these important life skills.”
The Boy Scouts Jamboree will include the leadership reaction course, climbing and rappelling,
hunting, fishing, and shooting sports lessons. The Jamboree will provide educational experiences
with Emergency Medical Services and Department of Natural Resources classes to teach
essential life skills. The Scouts will also interact with different Military displays and partner with
members of the Minnesota National Guard, who will teach basic military tasks as they work
through land navigation, obstacle courses, and basic medical skills.
The Boy Scouts Jamboree will also offer experiences with zip lines, hiking, canoeing, and
fishing, hosting a stage show and fireworks on Saturday evening at Camp Ripley. During the
Jamboree to the Jamboree, the Boy Scouts of America and the Minnesota National Guard will
recognize more than 20 Boy Scouts who have become Eagle Scouts this past year.
“We are excited to be a part of this Jamboree, and to give recognition to the Scouts who are
becoming Eagle Scouts is something we are proud to be a part of,” said Army Maj. Chaz
Ochsendorf Recruit and Retention Battalion’s Officer-in-Charge for Task Force North. “Service
members interacting with the Boy Scouts provides an opportunity to show the benefits of being
a member of the Minnesota National Guard, but also gives us the opportunity to see first-hand
how the Boy Scouts of America are mentoring our youth to be great people.”
NOTE: Media members are invited to attend and capture the events starting at 8 a.m. on
Saturday, June 3rd at Camp Ripley, 15000 HWY 115, Little Falls, Minn. Camp Ripley staff will
escort media to the range where they can capture video and photos of the Jamboree. To RSVP
to the June 3rd event contact Army Capt. Will Hermanson at william.t.hermanson.mil@army.mil
or 651-435-3180.
About the Minnesota National Guard –
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than
13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers
and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars,
protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more
information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.
