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Jamboree goes high tech
The National Scout Jamboree goes high-tech
Date published: 7/28/2010
By PORTSIA SMITH
Once upon a time, two tin cans and some string were all Boy Scouts needed to communicate with each other. But now, in today’s world of cell-phone talking, texting and tweeting, National Scout Jamboree officials decided it was time to get with the technology program. Scouts can’t help but notice the presence of AT&T, the jamboree’s exclusive communications sponsor. All jamboree attendees have free access to the AT&T Wi–Fi network in order to connect to wireless Internet. AT&T is also keeping Scouts connected through six Connection Zones equipped with laptops and cell phones throughout the jamboree to let Scouts go online and make free phone calls home. READY, SET, CHARGE There are even charging stations, which resemble post office boxes, where attendees can attach their cell phones to one of eight adapters. They get a key to the box so they can lock their charging phones in the box and come back and get it later. Assistant Scoutmaster Andrew Hyer of Troop 942 in Utah stood in line to use the station to charge his Palm Pre Smartphone. “I think it’s a great idea, but they underestimated the demand,” he said, as dozens of kids surrounded the station looking for an available box. Staci Johnson, an AT&T representative at the jamboree, said the Connection Zones have been popular with the Scouts. Another popular attraction has been the Fanzone, an air-conditioned AT&T trailer where the boys can play games and watch TV. ESPN has been the most-viewed channel, she said. While AT&T is proud to offer this service, a different representative did confirm yesterday that two iPhones had been stolen from Connection Zones in the western region area. AT&T spokesperson Jennifer Clark said the company invested millions of dollars in this year’s jamboree, which includes two permanent towers that will stay at Fort A.P. Hill even after the jamboree’s expected 2013 move to West Virginia. NO CASH, NO WORRIES Another new concept this year is smart bracelets. Scouts don’t need to carry cash for snacks and supplies. Instead, they can wear water-resistant, disposable smart bracelets, which include an RFID chip that allows them to make purchases that can be charged to their accounts.
is ATT going to give USERS at FT AP HILL WI Fi too?
(posted by
WoodinVirginia
, July 29, 2010 9:42 pm)
Will Military users at FT AP Hill have WI Fi after the Boy Scouts have finished camping for their 10 day stay?
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