For those of us that have braved the long winter this year, you would think the warmer southern breezes and gentle showers of spring would be reason enough to get excited. But the main reason we get excited this time of year is because the 2011 Jeep® Jamboree USA season is almost upon us. 
Jeep Jamborees are a great way to safely get to know exactly what your Jeep brand vehicle can do and gives you an opportunity to share your off-roading interest with others. Under the expert supervision of local guides, you can really get a taste of off-roading in your vehicle. Don’t have a Jeep Wrangler? Don’t worry! All types and models of Jeep brand vehicles that are equipped with a 4-low transfer case are welcome. You can find all of the vehicle specifications, and any other questions you may have about a Jamboree by visiting the Jeep Jamboree site here.
Founded by Mark Smith in 1953, the Jeep Corporation (yes, we know it was Willys back then) became involved with Jeep Jamboree USA a year later in 1954.
This is the 70th anniversary of the Jeep brand, and as you can see, the Jamborees have been around almost as long as the brand itself. The reason is obvious: Like-minded people enjoy going outside together and testing the abilities and limits of their Jeep brand vehicles. Jamborees are a perfect way to do this and thousands of people for almost 70 years have enjoyed the spectacular Jamboree venues under the watchful eyes of their trail guides. Jamboree locations are chosen for their spectacular scenery, quality of off-roading trails, and availability of trail guides and services.
But Jamborees are not just about the vehicles. Jamborees are also about the people who you meet and about the friends you make throughout the weekend. Lifetime friends have been made during Jamborees, and many participants continue to meet up at different Jamborees around the country. Although driving your vehicle on off-roading trails is fun, the people you meet during the Jamboree weekend will also be a highlight of your experience.
So, what can you expect during a typical Jeep Jamboree? Jamborees normally last over a weekend, from Thursday through Saturday evening. At the registration on Thursday evening, participants sign up with trail guides who are experts on the local area. After meeting the trail guides in the morning, Friday and Saturday are spent driving the various trails under the expert supervision of the guides. The trails have varying degrees of difficulty, and trail guides will match your experience and vehicle’s ability with the difficulty of the particular trail or obstacles. Depending on the specific Jamboree, some trips provide all catered meals for the weekend (Classic), while others provide only the evening dinners (Select). The food is always outstanding! You can also choose to provide your own meals if you’d prefer. A great ending to all Jamborees is the prize giveaway on Saturday evening where dozens of great prizes are given away and one of the prizes usually includes a full set of new tires!
With a March 24th kick-off, Jeep Jamboree USA will be deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country for the 7th Annual Texas Spur. If you can’t make it there, head to Oakridge, Tennessee to catch the Tennessee Mountain Jamboree on April 13th, or St. Francisville, Louisiana on April 18th for the Cajun Jamboree. If those don’t fit your schedule, you can drive out west to the canyon country of Utah and join the 21st Arch Canyon Jamboree on May 5th. You can find the complete list of Jeep Jamboree locations at http://www.jeepjamboreeusa.com/trips.cfm. With 29 nationwide events to choose from, there is a trip for everyone. But whichever Jamboree you decide on, get started because participation is limited and trips fill up fast. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit a beautiful part of the country, test your Jeep brand vehicle, and meet great people. We hope to see you there!