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I'd echo what so many others have said -- canceling the Jamboree is not the solution. Over 40,000 Scouts and leaders are involved -- many with fixed-date airline tickets home and at least one year of planning this event under their respective belts. Boys have paid anywhere from $750 (no-frills trips from the Atlantic seaboard) to $4000 (Pacific Northwest) to attend.

The accident was tragic. Although it is possible that the Troop involved may go home (each Jamboree Troop has only four leaders, and the accident apparently killed them all), it's likely that four of the thousands of volunteer Jamboree staff members will step in if requested. Although technically all of those killed were "adults," as stated in the story, one was likely the Third Assistant Scoutmaster who by Jamboree regulation is between 18 and 21 years old. An adult perhaps, but a youth too.

I'm certain there will be respectful moments of silence and/or prayers formally held within each of the 800 Jamboree Troops, at the opening ceremonies, at the religious services held on the Sunday of Jamboree, and perhaps at the closing ceremonies.

I speak as a Jamboree Troop Scoutmaster from 2001, and as someone who was scheduled to be a Jamboree Troop Scoutmaster this year (but who had to drop about two months ago, after 8-10 months of planning, because of a job change). The Scout Spirit will live on through Jamboree, and that Spirit will include respectful prayers for the families of those involved.