PlayVS, a company that runs esports leagues for schools across North America, has teamed up with Scouting America to set up a gaming area at the 2026 National Jamboree.
Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America) is one of the largest youth organisations in the United States, providing character development, citizenship training, and outdoor leadership skills to youth ages 5 to 20. The National Jamboree, on the other hand, is Scouting America’s largest event.
Tens of thousands of Scouts, troop leaders, and staff travel in from around the country. The event centers on outdoor activities, leadership training, and large group shows, giving Scouts a chance to try new skills and meet peers from other regions.
The 2026 National Jamboree edition is taking place from July 22 to 31 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. For the first time through partnership with PlayVS, the Jamboree will include a dedicated gaming setup, called the PlayVS Arena, running for the full length of the event.
As per the official details, it will offer organised tournaments on a rotating schedule, leaderboards that let Scouts track their standing over the course of the event, casual, drop-in gaming for anyone who just wants to play and hands-on demos of newer gaming technology. The space is open to Scouts regardless of how much gaming experience they have, from first-timers to more serious players.
The announcement also confirmed that the activation is built around a mobile trailer equipped with gaming stations, virtual reality equipment, and a racing simulator. Next to the trailer, a separate tent adds more console stations where Scouts can play casually, watch others compete, or just hang out with friends who share an interest in gaming.
Andrew Barnett, Partnership Lead, said, “At PlayVS, we believe gaming can be a powerful way for young people to build confidence, practice teamwork, and develop meaningful connections. Partnering with Scouting America allows us to bring that experience to one of the country’s most iconic youth gatherings and show how structured gaming can complement the values of leadership, fellowship, and skill-building that Scouting has championed for generations.”
The Jamboree activation adds to a string of recent moves by PlayVS beyond its core school leagues. About a month ago, PlayVS and media company Urban One revealed the name and logo for their joint esports initiative, the Power4+ HBCU Esports League. In April 2026, PlayVS announced a partnership with the Army National Guard to grow high school esports and introducing students to career paths tied to the military. Around that same time, PlayVS said it was acquiring LeagueSpot, a platform used to run esports leagues and tournaments globally.
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