Jeep Jamboree in Killbuck highlights adventure, community and culture

Inevitably, when someone views a Jeep cruising around the neighborhood or in a parking lot, they will most certainly see perched on the dashboard a lineup of tiny ducks.

Why and where did this odd tradition begin?

Jeep Ducking is a trend where Jeep owners leave small rubber ducks on other Jeeps they admire — usually placed on the windshield, side mirror or hood. It's meant as a random act of kindness or appreciation.

The trend began in Canada in 2020, and it signifies the vehicle’s owner is part of a club, a club of Jeep enthusiasts who appreciate everything the Jeep offers.

On Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5-6, there were a lot of Jeeps roaming the countryside during the fifth annual Jeep Jamboree USA in Killbuck, which took its Jeep owners on a series of off-road treks, an undertaking that has a long-standing tradition dating back to 1953 when 4-by-4 pioneer Mark A. Smith organized the first Jeep Jamboree and voyaged across the Sierra Nevada Mountains by way of the old Rubicon Trail.

According to Pearse Umlauf, president and CEO of Jeep, this event is more than simply a group of people getting together to push their Jeeps to the off-roading limit.

“I think this all goes back to the characteristics of Mark Smith, and it hasn’t changed much,” Umlauf said. “They are just good, wholesome people who are out there to have a good time, seek adventure but to help others along the way. What gets lost in the discussion with people who Jeep is off-road is what we do but it’s not who we are. We are about community and culture and the spirit of giving back to one another.”

Umlauf shared two stories about Jeep moments that define the unity and spirit of Jeep owners.

The first was for 18-year-old Kendrick Castillo, who died trying to stop a school shooter in Colorado. His passion project was working on his Jeep Cherokee, and at his funeral more than 700 Jeep owners showed up to show their compassion and support.

The second story to which Umlauf referred was Jeeps for Georgie, an event in West Virginia created on behalf of Georgie, a young boy facing terminal cancer who wanted to see Jeeps as his wish. Hoping to gather at least 100 Jeeps together to parade past his home, instead more than 2,600 showed up, stretching for close to 10 miles in length.

“Jeep people are among the first to reach out when there’s a need,” Umlauf said. “You find that when Jeep people gather together, you find the humanness in life. That keeps this Jeep culture unique. We gather for a common reason, that typically being that we love adventuring, but the friendships that are made are the most important aspect of these jamborees. Usually on Thursday night, people are a little apprehensive, and by Saturday they are hugging people they’ve become friends with.”

In 1954 Willys Motors, the original manufacturer of Jeep vehicles, created Jeep Jamborees and paved the way for the off-road tradition ever since, and a spirited group took advantage of the invitation as hundreds of Jeep owners poured into Holmes County for a weekend of off-road (and some on-road) driving.

This year’s Jeep Jamboree USA in Southwestern Holmes County presented the fifth Killbuck Jeep Jamboree, an off-road weekend of adventure uniting a passionate crowd of dedicated Jeep owners who explored the Round Top near Brinkhaven.

“This is more than just a trail ride,” said Pat Coyne, assistant account executive with Coyne PR, which helps promote the event. “It’s a visual, cultural celebration of adventure and community where hundreds of Jeep 4-by-4 owners converge for full-day off-road excursions, camaraderie and immersive outdoor experiences.”

Umlauf said those who attend the event aren’t simply Jeep owners; they are a group of people deeply connected to the Jeep lifestyle, noting their joy of all things Jeep shines brightly in their vehicles, their stories and their passion.

“I think we all need to break down barriers and build a better human connection,” Umlauf said.

The Jeep Jamborees have spread globally, and Umlauf said the neat thing is they don’t take place in major cities but rather on private properties in small towns throughout the U.S. and abroad.

The Killbuck Jamboree saw visitors from 22 states drive in 192 vehicles. Umlauf said these events typically create a boost in local economies of between $150,000 and $200,000.

He also said much credit should go to the landowners who invite the jamborees to trek through their land and the guides who make sure safety comes first and foremost in each event.

“People ask me what makes a successful event,” Umlauf said. “Every time all of our people go home safe, it’s a great time because we know people will have a blast connecting with others and making new friendships.”

With more than 40 Jeep Jamborees taking place each year, Jeep continues to provide ample opportunity for families to relax, enjoy the challenge of off-roading and have fun in a shared experience with others who share their passion for all things Jeep.