Scouts get their camp on at Village Green

Tents dotted the Village Green last weekend for the 31st annual scout Camporee. About 250 Cub, Boy, Venture and Girl scouts took part in the three-day, two-night event in the great outdoors.

Scouts setup their tents on Friday evening, then spent a night — in some rain — before gathering at the band shell for Saturday morning’s opening ceremonies. The flag was raised and the scouts said the Pledge of Allegiance. It was then lowered, folded up and presented to Mary Ann Cahill, the widow of late Mayor Ed Cahill who had been a supporter of scouting throughout the years.

After some down time at their campsites, scouts then participated in the annual cooking contest, won by Troop 116 and Pack 106. Super Patrols, later in the day, allowed the boys and girls to test their scouting skills. And a big hit was the rock climbing wall.

Each scouting unit also organized an event. The Cub Scouts from Pack 106 ran an obstacle course while the Pack 367 scouts led a workshop on disability awareness. Boy Scouts from Troop 116 led a conservation class, talking about the wildlife that lives in the creek which passes through the Village Green. David Glaittli said animals there include snapping and bog turtles, and carp.

Later in the evening, scouts gathered around the bonfire near the band shell. They spent one more night camping out before breaking down their tents on Sunday.

Jarred Times, a Boy Scout with Troop 116, said he looks forward to the Camporee every year. “You get to really experience the outdoors and it gives you more respect for it,” he said.

Jake Bharucha, who said his favorite activity is the cooking contest, just enjoys being with his fellow scouts. “You get time with your friends you don’t see every day,” he said. “You can see them for an entire weekend.”

The event was organized by leaders from many of the scouting units, led by Michael Williams of Pack 106. He said it is a lot of work to organize the Camporee every year and everyone on the planning committee has an important role.

As for his scouts, he said the Camporee is an activity they look forward to each year. “Fun is No. 1 for us,” he said, “but also what comes out of it is teamwork. When we leave, we’re a closer unit.”

This year, the Valley Stream Association of Girl Scouts sent is largest contingent to the Camporee in about a decade. Scout Leader Elizabeth Fogarty said about 40 girls from seven different units, ranging from Daisy Scouts to Cadettes, took part in the event. There were also 10 parent volunteers at the campsite.

“This is the first year in about 10 years we’ve had this big of a turnout,” Fogarty said. “The Boy Scouts were very welcoming. They were happy to have us come back.”

Joan Ford, another Girl Scout leader, noted the benefits of the event. “They get to experience camping without being too far from home,” she said.