Last weekend, Troop 1777 had an incredible adventure at the Apple Harvest Scout Camporee held at Camp Shenandoah! Imagine stepping back into the Old West, with all the excitement of pony races, gold panning, and campfire stories—and that’s exactly what our Scouts experienced. Here’s a little recap of the weekend and why it was such a blast for everyone involved.
A Warm Welcome at the Apple Harvest Scout Camporee
From the moment we arrived on Friday evening, the fun began with a welcome campfire that set the tone for the rest of the Apple Harvest Scout Camporee weekend. The fire crackled under a clear, starry sky as scouts from different troops performed skits and sang songs that had everyone laughing. Our scouts were thrilled to be part of the action, enjoying the sense of camaraderie that comes with a campfire shared among new and old friends alike.
Exciting Competitions at the Camporee
Saturday was packed full of exciting activities. The Pony Express Relay was a definite highlight. Our scouts formed their very own Pony Express Company and raced through various stations around Camp Shenandoah, competing against other troops in challenges that tested their teamwork, speed, and Scout skills. The thrill of racing with the other teams had everyone on their toes, and the cheers from our supporters made it all the more special. There’s nothing quite like the rush of running to deliver a letter just like they did in the Wild West at the Apple Harvest Scout Camporee!
Showcasing Skills in the Troop Gateway Competition
The themed competitions didn’t stop there. Our scouts also took part in the Troop Gateway Competition, where they had to build an impressive entrance to our campsite using just ropes and wooden poles. They showed off their knot-tying skills, and our gateway turned out to be both sturdy and creative—definitely a testament to their teamwork! Later, our scouts tried their hand at roping, fire building, and even gold panning—all while wearing their best cowboy hats, of course.
Delicious Treats and Fun Around the Campfire
And what’s a camporee without some delicious food? Saturday evening featured a Chuck Wagon Dessert Contest, where our scouts made an amazing Old West-inspired dessert. It was cooked over an open fire, and you could smell the sweet treats all across camp. We didn’t win this time, but our scouts learned a lot about outdoor cooking and had fun making something tasty together.
After the dessert competition, everyone gathered around for the OA-hosted campfire. This was one of the highlights of the entire Apple Harvest Scout Camporee. The air was filled with laughter, cheers, and applause as scouts performed skits and told stories. But the fun didn’t end there—following the campfire, we all headed to the Dining Hall for a Saloon Social, complete with root beer, pretzels, games, and live music. It was a fantastic way to wind down after a full day of activities.
Memorable Closing to the Apple Harvest Scout Camporee
The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with a vespers service and an awards ceremony. Our scouts left Camp Shenandoah tired but with huge smiles, excited about all the memories they had made and the new friends they had met along the way at the Apple Harvest Scout Camporee. It was truly a weekend filled with adventure, learning, and fun.
If you’re looking for a way for your teenage son to experience the great outdoors, learn valuable skills, and make lifelong friends, Troop 1777 is the perfect place. Our troop offers opportunities like the Apple Harvest Scout Camporee throughout the year—whether it’s competing in exciting challenges, cooking over an open fire, or just hanging out around a campfire with friends, we make sure that every scout has a positive, productive, and unforgettable experience. Come join us and be part of the adventure!
