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Ten chaplains sponsored by Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting provided immediate emotional support after the electrocution of four Scout leaders from Alaska on the jamboree’s first day.

In addition, the chaplains showed their love and concern at the jamboree medical facilities and a nearby hospital after many Scouts fell victim to the excessive heat and required medical attention, said Kent Barnett, MCCS executive director from Abilene, Texas.

“This was an unusual jamboree, more intense than others,” said John Conger, a chaplain from Nashville, Tenn. “It was important that we had a presence.”

The jamboree, which draws about 40,000 Scouting enthusiasts, was held July 25-Aug. 3 at Fort A.P. Hill, a military base about one hour south of Washington, D.C.

A total of 2,200 Scouts and their leaders attended four church of Christ worship services conducted July 31 at strategic locations at Fort A.P. Hill, said Al Bingham, MCCS chairman from Alpharetta, Ga. Camouflaged Bibles were given to those who attended.

Barnett said the seven church of Christ chaplains who served in subcamps, and three who worked at chaplain headquarters, were a “definite blessing.”

“The impact of their words and kind deeds on those to whom they ministered allowed the love of the Lord to radiate at an event that could have been overshadowed with great sadness,” Barnett said.