Troop #433 Winslow participated as the first unit to spread gravel on the trail to the new Moosehorn photo blind built for visitors to take photos of wildlife without being seen by the wildlife. Front row, from left to right, Ashish DeBas, Parker LeHay, Zack LeHay, Ashlyn McDermott, Fallyn Soucy, and Addison Poulin(SPL). Middle row, Millard Davis(SM for the weekend), Wyatt Smith, Wyatt Collins, and Allison Dorr. Back, Gerard Fortin, Ryan Poulin, and Garth Smith. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)
The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Barring, is a 30,000-acre treasure that is home to over 225 species of birds, endangered species, resident wildlife and for one weekend in September it was also home to Gods and Demigods and nearly two hundred Scouts and leaders.
Scouts from both Canada and the United States camped on the refuge’s rolling hills and competed in activities near her streams and bogs and marshes during the event that took place on the weekend September 27-29.
“This was an absolutely fabulous weekend,” said Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, who served as Campmaster for the 62nd annual Moosehorn/Cobscook International Camporee. “The kids all had a great time and so many people from the Moosehorn Ranger staff to the Scouting volunteers from two countries made this incredible weekend possible.”
Scouts not only competed in fun activities during the camporee, they also had to set up their tents, cook their meals, and help with other chores in the campsite. Joshua Gilpin prepares breakfast for eager fellow Troop #485 scouts Thomas Gage (left) and Derek Dubois (back wearing hat). All are from Skowhegan. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)
As part of the activities, all of the Scouts took part in trail maintenance projects at the refuge as their “Good Deed” for nature.
The theme, which was selected by Scouts who attended last year’s event at Cobscook State Park, put Scouts in the role of hero to complete the challenges set before them by Gods and Demigods from myths of old.
These included, among others, Dagda’s Challenge from Celtic mythology to help nature; Artemis Archery Ace from Greek mythology where archery talent was needed to defeat the Trojans; Thor’s Hammer where Scouts see if they are worthy; Scouts stormed the Temple of Ra to find treasure but then they had to get out, too; and Zhu Rong’s Light where the Scouts had to prove they were worthy of the Chinese diety’s blessings three times.
Many Scouts chose to get into the spirit by wearing costumes for the event. The top-scoring patrol overall was 3rd and 4th Fredrericton, New Brunswich, Canada, followed by the Scouts who formed a Provisional unit because their troops did not attend, 1st Gondola New Brunswick, Troop #433 Winslow, and 1st Westfield.
Activities were not just for the Scouts. Adults competed in the “Epic One Pot Stew Competition”. Clinton’s Millard Davis’venison stew was the overall fan favorite.
Scouts who attended the camporee met before it was over to pick a theme for the 63rd annual international camporee – Zombie Apocalypse.
The program also included a campfire where each troop provided a song, skit, cheer, story or dance approved by their leader.
(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)
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