Thursday, October 1, 2026
The 44th annual Valley Stream Camporee brought together about 300 Scouts and leaders from Valley Stream and Franklin Square for a weekend of camping, activities and fellowship.
The Scouting America gathering was held June 5-7 on the Village Green and included participants ranging from Cub Scouts to Scouting Troops. Organized around a “Galactic Outpost” theme, the annual event featured camping, games, educational demonstrations, competitions and opportunities for Scouts from multiple units to spend the weekend together.
“Regardless of what number you wear on your sleeve, you are all a part of Scouting America,” Camporee Co-Chair Patrick Burke, who has served on the Camporee Committee since 2010 and is involved with Cub Pack 367, Troops 116 and 99, said. “You all have a common goal. You’re all part of a movement designed to instill in young people values and leadership skills and to help them become the leaders of tomorrow.”
Six units participated in this year’s event. The weekend began on the evening of June 5 with campsite setup and a themed movie for families.
Opening ceremonies were held the following morning and included remarks from Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray, Nassau County Legislator Cynthia Nuñez, Valley Stream Village Justice Melanie Jenkins and former Village Justice Robert Bogle.
“These are memories, these are friendships, and these are bonds that will last with you forever,” Nuñez said. “Take a minute, enjoy the time, say thank you to your leaders. Enjoy each other’s company.”
Troop 109 was also recognized during the weekend as it marked its 100th and final year of Scouting.
Throughout June 6, Scouts participated in activities tied to the Galactic Outpost theme, including games and competitions. Community organizations also visited the event, sharing information and demonstrations. Ambulances, fire trucks and other community partners were among those participating.
“We’re doing it all for the kids,” Camporee Co-Chair Laurie Schour of Cub Pack 372 said. “It’s a lot of work, and if they’re smiling, if they’re having fun, we’ve succeeded.”
Younger Scouts had opportunities to interact with older Scouts, who often serve as role models by demonstrating camping, leadership and teamwork skills. Older youth members also helped support activities and assist younger participants.
In addition to recreational activities, Scouts practiced skills central to the Scouting program, including camping, cooking, teamwork and problem-solving. A cooking competition challenged participants to prepare meals using the same ingredient, emphasizing safe food handling, cooperation and outdoor cooking techniques.
June 6 evening included Scouts’ Own, a traditional reflection program centered on reverence and service, followed by a campfire gathering and skits prepared by each participating unit. Campfire skits have long been a Camporee tradition and remain one of the most anticipated activities for younger participants.
“The skits never are funny, never ever, but the kids who participate think it’s the funniest thing in the world, so their laughter makes it so funny,” Schour said. “They like really cheesy jokes, and sometimes the kids can’t even get to the punchline because they’re giggling so much.”
However, the weekend took an unexpected turn on the night of June 6 when severe weather moved into the area. Participants had gathered for the campfire program when conditions deteriorated rapidly, forcing an evacuation of the Village Green.
Organizers reported no major injuries. While many participants were shaken by the sudden storm, Scouts and leaders safely left the grounds as weather conditions worsened.
The following morning, units returned to the site beginning around 6 a.m. to clean up. Every pack and troop sustained some equipment damage requiring replacement.
Even with the disruption, Camporee leaders proceeded with closing ceremonies June 7.
Cub Pack 327 won the Cub Scout-level cooking competition, while Scout Troop 109 captured the troop-level cooking title. The Spirit Stick, awarded annually to the unit demonstrating the strongest enthusiasm and Scout spirit throughout the weekend, was presented to Cub Pack 372.
Now in its 44th year, the Camporee remains a longstanding local tradition. Although this year’s gathering ended under challenging circumstances, the resilience shown by Scouts and volunteers reflected the values the program seeks to teach.
Participants left with stories of an unforgettable weekend and renewed appreciation for the community that supports Scouting in Valley Stream and Franklin Square.
