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PAGE 4 - WEST CRAVEN HIGHLIGHTS - JANUARY 26. 1989
Camporee Weekend
Has Its Own ‘Merits’
CAMP PETERSON — Cold temperatures greeted the
almost 200 scouts and adults. But being scouts, they were
prepared. Soon enough there were campfires roaring, smok
ing and crackling to make the woods more comfortable.
Sixteen Boy Scout troops gathered over the weekend just
south of Vanceboro for the annual Neuse Basin and Croatan
Trail districts’ camporee. Each troop set up camp in its own
area, marking territories and identifying camp sites with ban
ners, flags and trophies.
While some scouts arrived in the luxury of cars, vans and
trucks, others living near the camp decided to hoof it. Severai
groups of scouts were seen early Saturday hiking to the cam
poree.
Sleeping quarters ranged fl'om haif-shelters to the newest in
high-tech tents. Some scouts' ideas of “roughing it” were
kerosene heaters, gas stoves and huge tents. As the scouts
went about setting up camp, the aduits swapped stories of
their past experiences in the woods.
Some of those stories were as tali as the pines nearby.
Troops 58 and 208 of Vanceboro served as the host troops,
while other troops became acquainted with Camp Peterson.
Despite the limitations (no microwaves) of cooking in the
woods, the scouts ate well. A check of a few “kitchens” re
vealed everything from peanut butter sandwiches to sloppy
joes.
But amid the ftin, learning was going on. Work on merit
badges, learning to build a log raft and learning about weather
were just some of the courses the scouts were exposed to.
Hopehilly, they took home a little knowledge along with rum
pled sleeping bags and clothes with the smell of smoke on
them.
Frankie Buck, Jack MacKechiiie review plans
Scouts warmed up to idea of campfires
Vonceboro’s Troop 58 marks entrance to its territory
Charlie l«c, Robert Nobles and Willard Crain chow down
Scout prepares meal at noon break
Weatherman Skip Waters, center, tatight weather class
Two scouts clean up in outdoor ‘kitchen’
Chopping wood is always popular
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