Scouts learn at ‘happiest Camporee on earth’
Camp Sugarbush turns Disney as annual event makes return
VERNON — Referred to by many as the “happiest Camporee on earth,” local Girl Scouts learned outdoor skills while relating them to different Walt Disney movies and programs.
The annual fall Camporee was at Camp Sugarbush last weekend and drew more than 100 Scouts from the Howland, Fowler, Vienna and Warren areas of Service Unit 807.
Carol Williams, one of the event coordinators, said Girl Scouts from elementary school to seniors in high school took part in various activities over three days.
“There were eight main stations for the Scouts to take part in,” she said.
These stations focused on cooking, first aid, bicycle and car care, using a compass, mental health, trivia and sewing.
One popular station was Jedi training based on the “Star Wars” movies, where individuals dressed up as characters taught the Scouts to use the light sabers and locate crystals in ice-filled buckets.
Sewing was connected with “Cinderella,” compass use to “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and bicycle and car care to the “Cars” movies.
Williams said the Camporee has taken place for more than 25 years except for last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
She said many Scouts were excited to return to Camp Sugarbush, where a new lake is being developed for canoeing, kayaking and fishing.
“We held a special program to recognize our senior Scouts who are done after this year. We built a campfire, and they graduated and received special commemorative patches,” she said.
In addition to the Disney-themed activities, there also were a dance party and Sunday morning finale activities. A new climbing wall was added in the main meeting building.
Also this year the Scouts had a special surprise with a visit from Jane Christyson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio.
“What is so important for the Scouts attending the camporees is the many memories the will have. There is always so much camaraderie and getting to enjoy spending time with other Scouts who have similar interests. They are here to have fun and learn,” Williams said.
Williams said the Scouts have grown up with Disney movies and stories, so the activities really challenged them.
Amelia Michetti, 12 of Fowler, she likes all the “Star Wars” movies.
Annabelle Campos, 11, of Cortland, said she likes “Star Wars” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
“I thought it was going to be a good camp and with Disney; I knew it would be fun,” Campos said.
Scouts dressed as pirates and spoke with pirate lingo as they used compasses and other devices to travel around the campgrounds.
Ally Rozier, 9, of Troop 80364 of Howland, said it is important to learn how to use a compass in case you get lost in the woods without a cellphone. Others learned to be safe on a bicycle.
Rowynn Kanerth, 10, said she learned to always check the bike tires to make sure they have enough air. Bailey Wise, 10, said she learned you should not wear flip flops, slippers or boots when riding a bike. She said tennis shoes and a helmet are best for riding.