1935 Jambo JSPs

The first BSA National Jambo JSP (Jamboree Shoulder Patch) goes back to the one in 1935. This was the Silver anniversary (25 years) of the Boy Scouts of America. Unfortunately, as you may know, just weeks before this event it had to be cancelled due to a Polio epidemic outbreak in the Washington, DC area. These JSPs were not issued from an individual council, but rather from the national office. The picture of the one above is for Troop 5 from Area 5 within Region 9. These felt patches are often referred to as "half moons."

Several councils have issued contingent patches over the years, really debuting at the 1950 Jambo. Council JSP's seemed to have started appearing more frequently around the 1973 Jambo. Others may have a different take on this, but based on my personal Jambo observations, more councils began to adopt a single JSP issue by the 1985 Jambo. Then, at the 1993 event, it became quite common for councils to start issuing patches for each Jambo troop. Around 1997, some JSPs that "interlocked" arrived on the scene. These were to become more popular in the years ahead. Some councils also adopted a contingent, trader, and fundraising JSP. The 2010 Jambo will see the greatest variety of JSPs ever! I have seen some that are truly spectacular.

One may wonder what the future will hold for National Jambo JSPs. My prediction is actually based on historical Troop JSPs from the 1995 World Jambo I staffed. Though it may be hard to believe, I think individual Jambo troops will issue several JSP patches for the next Jambo. These will probably be for the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Patrol Members (maybe even some other troop leadership positions!). Why so many JSPs one may ask. My guess is because a special JSP at the Jambo helps everyone realize they are part of the bigger picture of this grand event.