This weekend roughly 85 Ridgefield Scouts once again enjoyed camping, outdoor cooking, and community service with the return of Sturges Park Ridgefield Scouts Camporee.
Scouts from Troops 19, 76, 116 and 431 returned to Sturges Park to enjoy their annual tradition of fellowship, friendly competition and providing much needed conservation and cleanup service at the popular local park. Many months of COVID restrictions prevented large scale cleanup efforts of fallen trees, campsite maintenance and removal of invasives.
Commented Ernie Archer, an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 116, “Year after year I’m always impressed with the amount of dedication and love our Scouts, leaders and parent volunteers are willing to show Sturges Park and our town. Whether it’s cutting and stacking wood, invasive plant removal or painting and general repairs, Ridgefield’s Scout troops always come through”.
Troops began arriving Friday evening to set camp and prepare for Saturday’s full schedule of service tasks and also work on rank advancement requirements. Organizers planned for skills development in orienteering, first aid, fire building, proper flag folding and handling and, of course, knots.
Saturday night’s campfire, following COVID safety protocols, was emceed by Troop 116’s Life Scout, Ben R. Scouts performed skits and many jumped in on a round-robin of funny one-liners. Not to be outdone, several adult leaders delivered their comedic one-liners as well. The day’s activities closed at lights out signaled by Troop 116 buglar, Robert P.
Gratitude was the key emotion at the closing of the Camporee. ASM Archer added, “I would like to thank Phil Kearns for starting this day of service 22 years ago and continuing to spearhead it to this day”.
Scouting is a fantastic, year-round program for youth 11-17 years old that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge and responsibility to help youth become the best version of themselves. To learn more about Ridgefield Scout troops go to: https://beascout.scouting.org