Boys from throughout the region attending the Cub Scout Day Camp enjoyed a week of learning and adventure at Camp Mahonegon.
A total of 115 Cub Scouts from the Highland District, consisting of Randolph, Barbour, Tucker and Upshur counties, were in attendance. The Scouts are split into 16 dens, each with a den leader. The dens were organized by grades, from second to fifth. Boys in second grade are considered wolves, third-graders are bears and fourth- and fifth-graders are webelos.
The annual week-long day camp is decorated with a "Fun in Space" theme. Throughout the day, the campers participate in eight sessions, which include archery, target practice with bb guns, knot tying, fire building, cooking on a fire, tent building and other skills.
Article Photos
The Inter-Mountain photo by Anna Patrick
Cub Scouts participating in the annual Cub Scout Day Camp at Camp Mahonegon prepare to make campfire pies by filling pie irons with bread and pie filling on Thursday. Additional photos are available at cu.theintermountain.com.
Cpl. Mike Dennison from the West Virginia State Police oversaw the boys' shooting range. He, with the help of volunteers, taught the participants gun safety and how to properly handle a gun.
The camp days begin with a flag raising and ends with a flag lowering conducted by the camp members. Every camp participant receives a T-shirt, patch, den photograph and daily lunch.
Camp Director Lesa Jordan said 60 individuals have volunteered their week, many using vacation time from work, to help operate the camp. Twenty members of local Boy Scout troops volunteered their week to serve as junior staff members as well.
Jordan said the cost of the camp is $65, but if a family is unable to afford the cost, the camp will never turn down a boy from attending. To help pay for some participants Jordan said they offer scholarships provided by local businesses and organizations.
One of the largest contributors, Snowshoe Mountain Resort, has established the Snowshoe Foundation to help fund the annual day camp. Jordan said the camp would not be possible without the donations from local businesses and organizations.
The camp concluded Friday with a family picnic and campfire.
"It's been smooth. It's a well oiled machine," Jordan said of the week's camp. "We always have happy Scouts and that's what we are here for."
