Troop 54 returned to Horace Moses Scout Reservation in Russell, MA for this Mount Olympus themed camporee. Our previous visits to the camp were in May 2012 (rafting), March 2009 (cabin camping) and January 2016 (Klondike Derby). This camporee was organized by Troop 275 of East Longmeadow, MA.
We arrived at night, and were shown to our assigned site, right next to a pavilion building. That meant we didn't need to use a pop-up canopy over the cooking area. Setting up was also made easier by being able to pull the trailer close to the site for unloading. By around 10 PM, most of us we were in our sleeping bags.
We had five Boy Scouts, two Webelos Scouts, three leaders and one parent participating on this trip.
From the beginning, the people of General Knox District distinguished themselves as being about the most helpful and friendly fellow participants we have encountered at a large event. After we had a medical emergency (resolved happily), they kicked it up several notches, helping with leaders, pictures and numerous offers of help. Camp Ranger Jason Boyer even cut the lock off our trailer so we could get it home.
Twelve troops were registered for the event; about ten participated, with some troops fielding more than one patrol. As veterans of numerous camporees, we found this event to be one of the best-run district camporees we have seen. The Scouts of Troop 275 described having done a preliminary set-up of the event a week before the actual event; their preparedness showed.
At the closing ceremony, our Scouts were awarded 3rd place in the archery event. They had come in 4th place in the chariot race, even though the cross-bar for pulling the chariot came off early in the event. Otherwise, the chariot, which was constructed for this event, survived the day.
The Scouts made a cheesy beefaroni for dinner. The whole leader menu on Saturday was based around Greek dishes to fit the camporee theme.
This was the troop's ninety-fourth consecutive month with at least one overnight camping trip.
Page updated 12/22/16.