Brit Mott

“North, South, East and West, North Parker is the best!”

Chants, cheers and laughter echoed through the shade trees of Bob Woodruff Park as the 2009 Great Plains District Day Camp brought 500 Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos outdoors for four days of fun. Dens were assigned Texas state parks, like North Parker, and at the call of a bullhorn, cubs raised their flags and scampered from one activity to another.

They mastered leather-making, wood-working, archery, and shooting BBs; they participated in physical fitness activities like softball and an obstacle course; and they learned the ceremonial practice for raising, lowering and folding a flag, among other activities. Webelos, particularly, those who are transitioning from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, learned the pieces of the First Class badge, the left-handed Scout handshake, and the Scout salute.

Beth Buckley, Day Camp Director, said, “Scouting is a year-round program firmly based in outdoor adventure. Falling as it does just after the school year ends, Day Camp provides Scouts their first opportunity to work on their new rank achievements. In designing our program, we strive to find outdoor activities that are challenging. By the end of the week, Scouts have a jump start on their rank advancement and the momentum to carry them into the summer months when packs do not typically meet.” View a Slideshow