Some scouts who had planned to attend the event in West Virginia said they backed out because Scouting America scrapped the inclusion initiatives it previously celebrated. Hegseth threatened to end the Pentagon’s century-old partnership with Scouting America if it did not make changes including refocusing away from diversity initiatives. A Scouting America spokesperson said the organization remains “fully committed to welcoming and serving all youth,” but did not address questions about the changes to the jamboree. The Pentagon made a deal with Scouting America in February but the two sides have given conflicting accounts of that agreement. National scouting events in recent years included community spaces for girls, scouts of color, LGBTQ+ scouts and persons with disabilities, according to Aronson.