Camporee at Camp Seton Celebrates Outdoor Skills, Teamwork & Tradition

By James Bonney

Scouts from across the area gathered at Camp Seton this past weekend for the annual Camporee, a two-day event focused on outdoor skills, teamwork and tradition.

Troops began arriving early Saturday morning, unloading gear and organizing into patrols before officially kicking off the day with an opening ceremony. From there, Scouts rotated through a series of hands-on stations designed to test both practical skills and collaboration.

Throughout the afternoon, patrols moved between activities that ranged from navigation challenges to first aid scenarios. Troops 9 and 10 took part in a surveying and navigation station, where Scouts applied map reading and orientation skills to complete a course. At another station, Troop 11 focused on Morse code communication, sending and receiving messages using signaling techniques.

Other stations emphasized teamwork and problem solving. Troop 35 led a pioneering challenge that required patrols to use lashing techniques to construct a simple launching device.

Meanwhile, Troop 5 facilitated a river crossing activity, where Scouts worked together to move across a series of rolling platforms using coordination and balance.

Food preparation was also part of the experience, with Troop 23 hosting a donut-making station inspired by early American frontier cooking. Scouts mixed batter, formed dough and cooked their creations under supervision.

By late afternoon, troops returned to their campsites to set up camp and prepare dinner. As the sun set, Scouts gathered for a campfire program, followed by a cracker barrel and awards ceremony recognizing patrol performance and participation.

Organizers evaluated patrols based on a range of criteria, including teamwork, preparedness and Scout spirit, as well as adherence to traditional standards such as uniforming and readiness for outdoor challenges.

The event wrapped up Sunday morning, with troops breaking camp and departing before 10:00am, bringing the weekend to a close.

For many Scouts, the Camporee offered more than just a series of activities. It provided an opportunity to build skills, strengthen friendships and experience the outdoors in a structured and supportive environment.

With a mix of competition and camaraderie, the annual gathering continues to be a highlight of the scouting calendar at Camp Seton.