West Point Camporee 2023

EVENT FLYER

Troop 97 has been selected to participate in the 59th Annual West Point Invitational Scout Camporee which is sponsored by the West Point Scoutmasters Council. There are more than 250 Cadet volunteers and around 6,500 Scout and Scouters from around the Nation participating in this event, so Troops have been limited to 25 spots.

Our Troop is registered as “Light Fighters” which requires us to backpack into our site via a steep trail over challenging terrain both in and out of the Camporee. The hike is approximately three (3) miles of mixed terrain. During the Camporee Scouts will participate in competitive military themed events and have hands on contact with light and heavy weapons under the guidance of the Cadets. There will be live-action battle scenarios conducted by Cadet actors involving vehicles, weapons and aircraft. Saturday night after religious services there will be a large bonfire with music. We will take part in a brief closing ceremony requiring class A’s and then hike out Sunday morning.

EVENTS INCLUDE:

Camouflage Litter/First Aid Knot Tying

Leadership Reaction Course

Fire Building

Wilderness Survival* Ranger Challenge*

Swiss Seat/One-Rope bridge

Kim’s Game

Commander’s Challenge

Zodiac Challenge/Fitness Challenge

Weapons

Knowledge Baseball/TAC Challenge

Youth Participation Selection Criteria

Obviously, we’d like to take everyone but as West Point Scoutmasters Council has limited us to 25 scouts. The West Point Cadre has determined that new scouts are ineligible for this trip. Scouts in this troop must have participated in the follow events this past year to be eligible:

An overnight camping trip with the troop AND a backpacking trip and /or a 10 mile hiking trip. Scoutmaster approval is necessary if this criteria cannot be met. Scouts are expected to backpack into and out of the challenging Bull Run Mountain with all of their required sleeping gear/personal equipment. We hope to do this trip again so hang in there if you are new to the troop. We have been accepted multiple times to this event! You will get your turn!

ITEMS NEEDED FOR THIS TRIP

Backpack

1 Nalgene full of water (water is plentiful at Bivouac site)

Light sleeping bag

Mess kit

Raingear/poncho

Sweatshirt

Class A with neckerchief

Sneakers for PT class

Hiking boots

Hygiene gear   (toothbrush, soap, etc)

2 brown/tan Class B shirts

Underwear

Socks – 2 pairs

Flashlight

Medications (if applicable)

Hat (optional)

Sunscreen   (optional)

Parent Support/Special Notes

Ensure you sign your son out of Middle School/High School and provide transportation to the meeting point at West Point Camp Natural Bridge check-in area off Route 293. Ensure you sign your scout’s waiver and send in the signed copy by scanning it to Tina Roth when the waiver becomes available to the troop. Medications if applicable: Ensure your scout has enough medication for three days and two nights. Your scout should have a packed dinner/sandwiches for Friday night only.

Pack smartly! Don’t over pack! What you hike in with is what you hike out with!