Because 2000 is a "big deal", the Sequoia Council of the Boy Scouts of America is preparing for a very special Spring Camporee. Usually a Camporee consists of Friday night through Sunday morning camping, with Saturday being used for competitions and other Scout related activities.
Camporee 2000 will begin on Friday May 5, 2000 at noon. Troops local and statewide will arrive and set up camp through the afternoon and evening. There will be opportunity for a variety of "get acquainted" activities Friday evening for earlier arriving groups.
Saturday morning, area businessmen will work interactive with scouts to promote the merit badge program. Twenty-one merit badges are required for Eagle, the ultimate rank in Scouting. There are 119 merit badges available to be earned. A merit badge represents an area of interest, with a "patch" (or cloth badge) being given for completing a set of requirements in the interest area. We want Scouts to look beyond the Eagle required merit badges and look at other interests that could spark career ideas. We anticipate sixty to seventy different merit badge demonstrations to be going on concurrently.
Saturday afternoon there will be a large variety of "big games" for the various Scout patrols will participate in. Some games will test scouting skills, while others are just to have a good time. The afternoon will also host the "Great American Scout Stew Cookoff". A group of three Scouts from each Troop attending are allowed to enter. Each group will bring their own recipe, cookware, wood or charcoal and be given four hours to create their masterpiece. There will be local media personalities judging the unique creations. We are anticipating 100-200 culinary classics.
Saturday evening, professional entertainment will highlight the campfire program. A ticket will be drawn to cover the tuition for one scout patrol with two adults to go to one of the high adventure bases that the BSA has in the United States ( New Mexico, Florida, Minnesota). Several other prizes will also be awarded. All Scout Patrols will have an equal chance for the prizes.
Sunday morning, representatives of most faiths will be on site to conduct denominational services. There will be a Sunday Morning Service for LSD Scouts. Your Stake President can give permission to stay over for Sunday. A closing program featuring awarding of ribbons for proficiency in the competitions will follow. Scouts will begin leaving the area around noon on Sunday.
Camporee 2000 is really a one-day Jamboree. If any of your Scouts are thinking about the National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia in 2001, this will give them a one day preview for $10.00. This is also a one-day Jamboree for Scouts who cannot afford to go to the National Jamboree.
It is anticipated, and provisions are being made for, 5,000 Boy Scouts and 2,000 Adult Leaders. Invitations for participation have been sent statewide. Attendance will be limited and accepted on a first come reservation bases.
The Camporee is May 5, 6, and 7, 2000 at Lost Lake Park in Fresno County. Lost Lake is 10 minutes from Freeway 41 and 20 minutes from Freeway 99, but it is not in a residential area. There will be secure parking at the site. Come join us for a weekend of celebrating the 90th Birthday of Scouting.