Scoutmaster's Council Camporee: Why Your Troop Should Attend!

Having just witnessed, firsthand, the SMC camporee, this past weekend at the prestigious U.S. Army school at West Point in New York, all I can say is wow! For Boy and Girl Scouts as well as venture groups from all across the country, what better way to have alot of fun as well as experience and appreciate some of the actual training and tools that are taught to the cadets while enlisting at the Army Academy at West Point, in New York. This big gala event, is actually not located on the campus of West Point but about 11 miles from it at the beautiful Lake Frederick training area, one small area that is part of the enormous Camp Buckner region.

This even is normally held once a year for the Scouts and takes place from Friday night till Sunday around lunch time. Applications are usually filed on line and with the thousands of troops that apply, only about half, actually get invited or attend due to the enormous success and popularity of this event. The best way for a scout troop or venture group to be guaranteed an opportunity to participate at this wonderful event is by having a sponsor. This sponsor is cadet that was once a member of your troop and now attends the military academy at West Point or was a cadet sponsor in past years who may even be a brother, sister, son or daughter. Groups must reapply each year for this event and an application will be provided to you in hopes of participating in the upcoming camporee.

The weekend starts on a Friday afternoon with the check-in process and scout camp site set-up. The troops are then able to prepare their dinner meal and get some energy out for those scout troops that made a long ride to the camporee. Then it is lights out and time to retire for the big events of the following day. Oh, one very important thing that I forgot to mention is that the following morning will come about in a short period of time as each troop is assigned their own cadet that will instill in each child a taste of boot camp or PT(personal training) at 0600 hours. This activity will consist of running, push-ups, calisthenics and sit-ups. What better way to get the blood flowing and wake up in the absence of coffee!

Following the PT time, the scouts can then head back to their camp site and prepare, eat their breakfast and clean up. The troops will then head over to the flag pole for the welcome and opening ceremonies, which is highlighted by a fly bye by an Army helicopter at close range before making its decent to the field for all to explore and have their picture taken. Questions will be answered as well as informative information given throughout the day by one of the pilots of the U.S Army.

Once the opening ceremony has concluded, scouts will have the opportunity to explore various stations that are run by cadets of West Point while competing against other troops. Such skills as fire starting, wilderness survival, drill, rope bridge, canoe race, tying knots, compass reading, communications, first aid, pioneering and a leadership reaction course that is a simulated treacherous obstacle course that requires some creative problem solving to complete the mission. Three of the more exciting events are the grenade throw, static ware fare demonstration and the paint ball shoot.

The grenade throw is a simulated demonstration of how the trained army personnel position and throw grenades. The kids are able to throw what looks like a heavy ball roughly the size and weight of a grenade to experience this crucial part of the armies ware fare capabilities. Accuracy, distance and form are all worked on in this competition.

Static ware fare is a way for scouts to learn about some of the weaponry used by the army. Briefing and capability stats of each gun are examined as well as the firing of each gun, smoke bomb and other explosives will be demonstrated by the cadets. The actual viewing of night vision goggles and binoculars can also be tried on as well that are used in combat.

The last event is the paint ball shoot, where the scouts can actually shoot a paint ball gun. The paint ball guns are an excellent way for the cadets to train for actual combat on land. Each scout has the opportunity to shoot an actual paint ball gun, while learning proper, shooting, aiming and safety techniques.

The kids also have the opportunity to check out the army museum and purchase souvenirs at the trading post over the course of the day. By the time 4:30 comes around in the afternoon, the kids, parents and scout leaders have had their fill of activities and walking around Lake Frederick.

The conclusion of this competitive and entertaining day is provided by the armies best paratroopers, known as the Black Knights. Four troopers jump out of a helicopter and land right in the middle of the field for all to watch in awe.

It is now time to head back to the campsites to get ready to prepare and practice marching and drills with an assigned cadet for the closing parade and ceremonies the following day. Evaluations will be given by the commanding officer and this enables each scout and their troop to show off their skills and yoemanship while marching in front of the cadets and other scout troops.

All while the events of the day are being explored, scouts can participate in the Virtual Army Experience. This exhibit is the biggest draw by far by the scouts as they are able to participate in the test drive of the U.S. Army in a 9,750 square foot VAE computer game rendered with state of the art graphics and training simulation technology offering a life sized replica known as virtual world. Teamwork, leadership, rules of engagement, weaponry and high tech equipment are all employed in this unique and fun filled activity.

Dinner is then prepared, eaten and clean up time is provided before the conclusion of the days festivities, which consists of a huge Bon- fire, talent show, DJ and music before all retire for the night.

The following morning consists of breakfast, breaking down the campsites, loading the vehicles and heading to the flag pole for the closing ceremonies and parade. At this time the winning troop is named and awarded based on their efforts from the activities and competition the day before. Inspection and parade is also administered by the commodore and troops as the final chapter in the wonderful and entertaining saga of the scoutmasters camporee at West Point.

What an experience for both scout and adult to participate and explore in hands on activities and life in the eyes of a U.S Army cadet preparing for life after West Point.