Jeep Jamborees go off-road for family adventures
If you own a Jeep vehicle and are interested in trying out those off-road things that you see in TV commercials, the primary SUV arm of DaimlerChrysler is putting on more than 30 Jeep Jamborees across Canada and the U.S. this summer.
For over 50 years Jeep has been running this ''customer relationship program'' to let owners of its vehicles take part in carefully organized ''adventures'' in parts of the continent that you can't fully explore unless you're in an SUV.
''Jeep Jamborees are family-oriented events designed to allow Jeep owners to hone their skills in challenging off-highway situations,'' is the way Jeff Bell, the vice-president of DaimlerChrysler's Jeep division puts it.
''Our trail instructors help our owners learn how to maximize their Jeep vehicle's capabilities over challenging trails,'' says Bell, ''and, more importantly, how to do so in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.''
While the Jeep Jamborees are indeed run off-road, they're not that difficult. Bell says they have a trail rating of one, which is the least difficult on a scale that goes to 10.
Levels of difficulty vary depending on trail conditions, Bell adds, but beginners and experts are welcome to participate. ''These are not competitive events -- they are family oriented outings with fun for everyone.''
There is a really serious event in California on August 27 to 29, when Jeep will run the Mark A. Smith Rubicon Trail Adventure over the famed and very difficult Rubicon Trail in custom-prepared Jeep Wrangler Rubicon models supplied by the company lead by Mark A. Smith, who belongs to the Four-Wheel Hall of Fame.
Canadians and Americans are welcome to take part in Jeep Jamborees on either side of the border, and for some Canadians the U.S. events may be closer than anything in Canada.
Events south of the border may also be more expensive, since the U.S. Jamborees cost at least US$250 per adult, US$125 for children seven to 14, US$75 for children three to six, with no charge for children under three. While some Jamborees have slightly higher registration fees due to additional program elements and park fees, they all include meals.
In Canada, the cost to participate (in Canadian dollars) is $215 per adult, $90 for youths seven to 15, $50 for children four to six and, no charge for children three and under. Family packages are available for $500 (two adults and three children or two youths), and all registration fees include up to seven meals.
For more information on or to register for the Canadian events, check out the website at www.jeepjamboreecanada.com or call 1-888-678-JEEP (5337).