Camporee focuses on land, air and water
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Rockets, races and radio-controlled airplanes are just three of the activities planned for the Boy Scouts of America Camporee this month in West Chester Twp.
More than 250 area scouts are expected to attend the event, the Dan Beard Council's first camporee, which is scheduled to take place Friday, May 16, to Sunday, May 18, in Voice of America Park.
Flying discs are knocked out of 16-year-old Scott Stehlin's hands as Boy Scout Troop 914 practices a game called SOS in preparation for a camporee scheduled for May 16 to 18 at Voice of America Park.Hosted by Boy Scout Troop 914, the camporee's theme is "Scout L.A.W. Spring Games – Land, Air and Water."
Scout Master Brent Hawkes said the event is a chance for the troop to give back to scouting.
"We've hosted some campouts in the past, but never in a venue like this," he said. "It's a public park and kind of the showcase of Butler County.
"I think it's going to be a neat event for scouting here in the park that's just different and has never been done before."
Featured activities include stargazing with the Cincinnati Astronomical Society, radio-controlled airplane demonstrations with the Cincinnati Soaring Society and an "egg-loft" rocket competition in coordination with Queen City Area Rocket Klub.
Scouts can take turns manning the paddle during a rowboat race or switch off with one another during pedal-boat races.
During that race, two passengers will be able to aim "super soakers" at other watercraft, said event co-chair Brian Griffin.
"That's just simply a complicating element so that as they race across the lake they're firing on each other," Griffin said. There also will be an opportunity for scouts to enjoy a fishing derby, geocaching treasure hunt, HAM radio demonstration and six skill-related challenges.
For more information on the L.A.W. Spring Games, contact Boy Scout Troop 914 at (513) 755-3259.
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or eschwartzberg@coxohio.com.
