Since 1950, the Order of the Arrow has upheld a proud tradition of cheerful service at National Jamborees. Few moments in that history stand out as boldly as Project 2013, the Order’s unprecedented commitment to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. More than a decade later, as Scouting America prepares for the 2026 National Jamboree, that legacy continues through Operation Arrow.
In 2013, Scouting America hosted its first National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. With more than 40,000 Scouts and Scouters in attendance, the event marked a new era for national jamborees. The Order of the Arrow rose to the occasion with its largest jamboree staffing effort in history.
Known as Project 2013, the initiative brought together more than 600 Arrowmen who volunteered to serve across the jamboree in critical leadership and service roles. This marked nearly three times the participation of previous jamborees and represented the largest single corps recruitment in the Order’s history at that time.
Arrowmen served in four primary program areas. The OA Service Corps supported programmatic and administrative needs across the Summit, stepping in wherever help was needed to ensure the jamboree operated smoothly. Jamboree Trek Guides led troops and crews on treks throughout the property, including hikes to the Summit of the Summit on Garden Ground Mountain, providing participants with adventure, interpretation, and inspiration.
The Day of Service program showcased the Order’s commitment to community engagement. Arrowmen guided Scouts and Venturers as they completed service projects benefiting local communities, national park areas, and the Summit itself. Meanwhile, the American Indian Village offered jamboree participants a deeper understanding of American Indian culture through dance, regalia, singing, and craftsmanship.
Beyond these programs, Arrowmen coordinated staff recreation and supported evening activities, ensuring a positive experience for both participants and staff. Collectively, Project 2013 staff contributed more than 31,000 hours of service, the equivalent of a $548,000 donation to the jamboree. The impact of that service was felt not only in logistics and programs, but in the spirit of brotherhood that defined the event.
Now, in 2026, Scouting America once again looks to the Order of the Arrow as preparations continue for the next National Jamboree. Operation Arrow builds upon the foundation laid by Project 2013, carrying forward the same commitment to leadership, service, and example.
Here is what 2013 National Chief Matt Brown and National Vice Chief Jordan Hughes had to say about their experience leading Project 2013:
“There was an unmistakable buzz surrounding the 2013 National Jamboree. For the first time, it had a permanent home at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, and the excitement around this brand new high adventure playground was electric. With ziplines, canopy courses, adventure sports, and world class shooting facilities, the Summit felt like an amusement park built just for Scouting. From the Project 2013 perspective, the Order of the Arrow was determined to serve as the backbone of the Jamboree. For every single Scout arriving, the very first staff member they met was a member of the Order of the Arrow. It was a Jamboree unlike any before it. With a brand new site came a blank slate and, naturally, a fair share of challenges, but I still look back on those two weeks with tremendous pride. What we accomplished mattered, both for the OA and for Scouting as a whole, and the memories from that first Jamboree at the Summit remain some of my favorites.”
Their leadership no doubt set the groundwork for the fantastic service that will occur at the 2026 National Jamboree with Operation Arrow!
Matt Brown (Left) and Jordan Hughes (Right) at Project 2013.