Imagine the challenge: registering tens of thousands of Scouts, leaders, and staff from all over the country for a single, 10-day event. It’s one of the biggest logistical puzzles in the Scouting world, requiring a system that’s not just powerful, but also secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. When the planning committee for Scouting America’s 2026 National Jamboree went looking for a platform to handle this monumental task, they chose CouncilWare.
It’s a significant milestone that underscores what many councils have known for years: CouncilWare is built on a deep, authentic understanding of Scouting’s needs. For founder Russ Votava, this isn’t just another contract; it’s a chance to serve the organization on a national stage.
“We are incredibly honored to partner with the National Council for the 2026 Jamboree,” said Votava. “Our platform was born from a desire to solve the unique challenges that councils face. Being selected for the Jamboree is a testament to the trust we’ve built and our commitment to making even the most complex event logistics feel simple.”
A System Built for a National Stage
The Jamboree registration platform, launched in January 2025 to handle up to 20,000 participants, integrates directly with Scouting America’s national infrastructure. This seamless pipeline connects to the national single sign-on (SSO) and member verification systems, providing real-time validation of each registrant’s membership status, youth protection training, and background checks.
Pictured: Scouting America’s National Jamboree registration page shown on CouncilWare.
This level of reliability, honed through years of powering the national registration for the Order of the Arrow, ensures data integrity and saves countless hours of manual verification for volunteers and staff.
A Vendor and Partner in the Mission
CouncilWare continues to win over councils because of its modern, mobile-friendly interface and its reputation for being a true partner. Council leaders often get frustrated with other clunky, outdated tools. They choose CouncilWare because it’s simply easier to use.
That’s why leaders from the Order of the Arrow and the Jamboree committee pushed for Votava’s software; they knew it was created with their specific needs in mind.
“Ultimately, our goal has always been to get leaders out from behind the screen and back to the adventure,” Votava added. “We just want to help kids go camping. By powering the Jamboree, we’re helping to do that on a national scale.”
The same robust, intuitive, and secure platform trusted by the National Jamboree is available for your council. Schedule a demo to learn more about how we can help you simplify your registrations and get back to what matters most.
