TIME:        1 p.m.
DATE:       Sunday, July 25, 2010
PLACE:    Constitution Avenue,  Washington, D.C.

The SJAC contingent will be represented by one marching unit comprised of 20 marchers and one council flag bearer. Ideally, we will send 19 youth and 2 adults (minimum 2 deep leadership for marching unit). We hope to have Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers represent SJAC.

Because each council will have a single marching unit, interested persons are asked to register online. Please read all information before registering:

• Registration is done securely by clicking the "Register Now" button below. You will leave the Stonewall Jackson Area Council and proceed to the Parade Registration form with the National Capitol Area Council.
   
• Most, if not all other questions may be answered by visiting the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) Centennial Parade "out of council" information page
   
• You will be asked to pay the $20 Registration Fee (explanation of the fee provided below).
   
• You have a complete and full BSA uniform (no lookalike pants, belt, socks).
   
• If multiple people wish to register from the same unit (pack, troop or crew) they may do so but each registration will be done individually.
   
• Deadline for registering to be in SJAC's marching contingent is extended to June 30, 2010.

Why is a fee being collected by the National Capitol Area Council?

Only four parades are permitted in Washington D.C. per year: Memorial Day, Independence Day, St. Patrick's Day and the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. But this year, the District and the National Parks Service is welcoming one more – the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Grand Centennial Parade. Not only are we celebrating our 100th Anniversary, but because of the historical significance and contributions of the BSA to the fabric of American society, our centennial parade is being permitted to march down Constitution Avenue. The significance of this should be a signal to every Scout in every state and to all our supporters coast to coast that Scouting is source of national pride.

A parade in the nation's capital is expensive. In addition to the floats, the bands and the balloons, there is public safety, sanitation, clean-up, etc. We are required by the National Park Service to have the parade professionally managed and NCAC hired a company which also manages some of the other D.C. parades. Participation fees will cover approximately 50% of the expenses. The remaining expenses will be covered through sponsorships and/or donations. Each parade participant will receive a “centennial celebration packet” to remember this historic occasion and their part in it.

To put the parade in perspective, many regional events, such as charity events (5Ks, 10Ks, marathons, walk-a-thons, bike-a-thons, etc.), charge around $20-$25 to participate. It is not unusual to spend $10 or more per person to go to a movie. It stands to reason then that $20 to march down Constitution Avenue into history is a small price to pay for this historic experience.

This will be the first parade in Washington, D.C. exclusive to the BSA since the first National Jamboree in 1937.

Download/print informational flyer for your unit or family

Questions? Email Scott Lancey, SJAC staff adviser for the BSA's 100th Anniversary Celebration here.

<--Previous