What it takes to get to AJ2028
Who can attend, and what it costs — everything families need before registering.
Who can attend AJ2028?
The eligibility criteria below are designed to make sure each child is adequately prepared and equipped for the full 10-day camp experience. Every Scout is unique, so if you have questions about your child's specific eligibility, reach out directly to the NSW Contingent Team — we're here to help.
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts aren't old enough to be full ten-day participants, but they don't miss out. AJ2028 will run a dedicated Cub Experience, giving Cub Scouts a taste of Jamboree adventure without the full camp commitment.
- A special day program designed just for Cubs
- A first taste of the Jamboree atmosphere and activities
- Details on dates and how to register will be released closer to the event
Moving up to Scouts soon? If you become a Scout before registrations close (30 April 2027) and meet the Scouts eligibility requirements, you can register as a participant.
Scouts
Scouts attend AJ2028 as participants, joining a Patrol for the full ten-day program. To be eligible, a Scout must meet all of the following.
- Must be a current registered youth member in the Scout Section at the start of the event and through until at least the conclusion of the Jamboree on January 7, 2028.
- Must, by December 1, 2027, have completed or be working towards a Milestone in the Scout Section, and have completed Stage 3 in each of the Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping Outdoor Adventure Skills.
- Must have completed 10 nights camping in the outdoors with their Unit or Patrol in the Scout Section. Three of those nights must be consecutive. Camping with family or school does not count towards the 10 nights.
- Must not have turned 15 by December 29, 2027.
- Must have approval from the Unit Council and Group Leader.
- Must have consent from their parent or guardian.
- Must be considered by their parent or guardian and Unit Council to be of sufficient maturity and good behaviour to participate successfully in the Jamboree.
Venturer Scouts
Venturer Scouts can attend as Junior Service Leaders. A Venturer Scout must meet all of the following.
- Must be a current registered youth member in the Venturer Section at the time of application and through until at least January 7, 2028.
- Must, by December 1, 2027, have led four activities as a Venturer Scout, and have completed Outdoor Adventure Skills Stage 3 in Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping.
- Must be recommended by the Unit Council, Venturer Scout Leader and Group Leader as being of excellent character, a good role model to Scouts, and having the skills and abilities to undertake the activity or other tasks nominated on the application form.
- Must have consent from their parent or guardian.
Rover Scouts
- Have a desire to provide service to Scouts and help run the event
- Be a current registered Youth Member at the time of application and through until the event
- Ensure all adult compliance requirements are current throughout the event (WWCC, NPC, e-learning modules, etc.)
- Be ready to cope with the physical requirements of the event
- Additional requirements may apply — stay tuned for updates from the JOC
Leaders
- Must hold a Certificate of Proficiency prior to and throughout the event
- Have a desire to provide service to Scouts and help run the event
- Be a current registered member at the time of application and through until the event
- Ensure all adult compliance requirements are current throughout the event (WWCC, NPC, e-learning modules, etc.)
- Be ready to cope with the physical requirements of the event
- Additional requirements may apply — stay tuned for updates from the JOC
Other Adults
- Must be a current registered Adult Member at the time of application and through until the end of the event
- Have a desire to provide service to Scouts and help run the event
- Ensure all adult compliance requirements are current throughout the event (WWCC, NPC, e-learning modules, etc.)
- Be ready to cope with the physical requirements of the event
- Additional requirements may apply — stay tuned for updates from the JOC
How much does it cost to go to Jamboree?
The cost for NSW Contingent members to attend AJ2028 has now been finalised.
Participant
Aged 11–15 years
$2,440*Junior Service Leader
Aged 16 to less than 18 years
$1,700*Adults, Leaders & Rover Scouts
Aged 18 years and older
$1,600**These fees do not include GST, as the Jamboree has been declared GST-free.
Total cost = the Jamboree Fee plus the NSW Contingent fee, which already includes the unit fee — no extra to pay there.
Payment schedule
The same instalment dates apply to everyone; the amounts depend on your participant type. Payment itself — and your own personal fee breakdown — is handled through the AJ2028 application portal once you've applied; there's nothing to arrange separately.
| Due | Participant | Junior Service Leader | Adults, Leaders & Rovers |
|---|---|---|---|
| On registration | $150.00 | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| 1 November 2026 | $458.00 | $310.00 | $290.00 |
| 1 March 2027 | $572.50 | $387.50 | $362.50 |
| 1 May 2027 | $572.50 | $387.50 | $362.50 |
| 1 July 2027 | $458.00 | $310.00 | $290.00 |
| 1 September 2027 (final) | $229.00 | $155.00 | $145.00 |
| Total | $2,440.00 | $1,700.00 | $1,600.00 |
What's included in the Jamboree fee?
The Jamboree fee pays for
- Use of the Elmore, Victoria site
- All day and night activities
- Transport to and from all Jamboree activities
- All meals and snacks, breakfast through to supper, onsite
- Jamboree merchandise pack: polo shirt, 2x cloth badges, bucket hat, scarf & water shoes
- All entertainment
The NSW Contingent fee pays for
- NSW Contingent kit: roller bag, backpack, water bottle, woggle, Unit swap badges, 2x Contingent badges, Contingent shirt and Unit shirt
- Transport of you and your gear to Elmore, Victoria and back
- Youth and adult health & wellbeing support during the event
- Pre-Jamboree camps and unit incidentals
- Transport of your Jamboree Unit's gear (tents, cooking equipment, etc.)
Withdrawal & refunds
If you're unable to attend after applying, you must advise your Branch Contingent in writing as soon as possible by emailing nsw.contingent@nsw.scouts.com.au. What you get back depends on when you withdraw:
| Cut-off date | NSW withdrawal fee |
|---|---|
| Before 1 May 2027 | $150.00 |
| 1 May – 31 August 2027 | $300.00 |
| 1 September – 31 October 2027 | $600.00 |
| After 31 October 2027 | No refund |
Up to 31 October 2027, the amount you've paid is refunded less the fee shown above. After 31 October 2027 no refund is made, except in exceptional circumstances at the sole discretion of the Contingent Leader. If a government requirement placed on you isn't met, that's treated as a withdrawal for personal reasons and no refund applies.
Do I need spending money at Jamboree?
Everything's provided, but Scouts often like spending money for drinks, badges or gifts — $15 a day is plenty. Your Unit will advise whether to transfer funds ahead or bring cash.
More from the official AJ2028 site
This page covers the NSW Contingent's own fees, eligibility and payment arrangements. For the national Jamboree Organising Committee's general information, visit the official AJ2028 site directly.