Catapult competition. Photo by John Selstrom
The Old Dominion District Fall Camporee was held Oct. 17, 18, and 19 at Sky Meadows State Park. Six hundred and seventeen Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture scouts and Scouters from Old Dominion, Colonial, and Occoquan Districts participated in this Pioneer theme campout.
Boy Scouts competed in making structures from just tree limbs, bamboo, and rope including a zip line, gateways, catapults, and monkey bridges. Cub Scouts had chariot races, rocket launches, first aid, readyman, archery and other events to complete achievement badges and have fun. Varsity scouts hiked, rode horseback, and enjoyed other high adventure events. The Order of the Arrow (scout honor society) demonstrated their Native American inspired ceremonies and dancing.
One of the stations that received much activity this year was Jamboree Over the Air (JOTA). Scouts talked with other scouts around the world over Ham Radio, the Internet, and via Morris Code. Over 120 Cub and Boy Scouts participated this unique event.
Boy Scout troops hosted Cub Scout packs during meals throughout the camporee to demonstrate scout cooking skills and explain all the fun things that you can do in a troop and in scouting as they get older.
Sunday the scouts completed their camping event with a service project to remove a non-native invasive grass for the park naturalist.
The Boy Scouts of America Old Dominion District serves Seven Corners-Annandale-Springfield-Lorton areas of Fairfax and Arlington counties. To find a scout unit in your neighborhood go to www.BeAScout.org.