Oklahoma Scouts celebrate 100 years
Scouts celebrate 100 years
BY TATYANA C. JOHNSON
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Published: October 25, 2009
As Chris Labarthe sounded the buzzer to let everyone watching know he reached the top of the wall on the rock climbing tower, he held a big smile and let out a sigh of relief.
Above: A group of scouts from Troop 685, Edmond and Oklahoma City, rest Saturday inside a tent at the Last Frontier Council’s Centennial Camporee in Oklahoma City.
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Chris, 11, was one of the thousands of
Boy Scouts participating in one of many activities at the Last Frontier Council of Boy Scouts of America’s Centennial Camporee on Saturday. About 5,000 people attended, organizers said.
"Doing the wall climbing was really fun, but hard work,” Chris, a member of Troop 120, said.
The Camporee was full of activities, such as wall climbing, archery, shooting BB guns, fossil finding, knot-tying and vehicle safety.
Upon completion of an activity, the Scouts were ready for other adventures.
"I think this a really excellent campout because there’s a lot more for us to do, seeing as all the troops from all over are here,”
Sam Gray, 12, of Troop 386 said as he completed the archery activity. "I’ve been a member for eight years and I’ve learned a lot and had a lot of fun.”
Getting a bull’s-eye shot during the BB gun target shooting event,
Stone Campbell, 9, of Troop 55 said it was awesome.
"I was very excited to see I had a bull’s-eye and two shots right next to each other,” Stone said. "I like camping out and being outside. Although we have to do without technology, it’s cool to be around all my friends.”
Parents tended to agree that learning skills and being active are important.
Bob Gray, an Eagle Scout when he was younger and active member of the Scouts for 45 years, said the Boy Scouts teaches a person to respect the flag and how to become a leader. While earning ranks, Scouts learn many skills.
"The Boy Scouts is the only organization that instills duty to God, duty to the country, duty to others and self,” Gray said. "Important thing is, we want the children to learn skills while being outside and off of video games.”
"I think that Scouts instill great values, it’s a lot of fun for the kids as well as the parents,” said
Gary Campbell of
Oklahoma City. "It’s a good way for the kids to make memories of a lifetime while being active and involved.”
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