We have been invited to take up to 25 Scouts and up to 10 adults to the West Point Camporee in May. This is a very popular outing, with many competitive events, merit badge courses, Army displays, and other activities. It is organized by the West Point Cadets, with assistance from Soldiers at the post. The flavor seems very similar to the National Jamboree. We’ve gone to this event for the past three years, but this may be our last for a while – our sponsor, Troop 160 Assistant Scoutmaster Zach Griffiths, is graduating from the Academy in May.
Similar to the National Jamboree, all participants must wear Class A uniform (including Scout shirt, Scout pants, and neckerchief) to some events, and may wear Class B uniform (including Troop shirt and Scout pants) to all others. NOTE: Scouts and other non-military personnel will NOT be permitted to wear military uniform (BDU) or similar clothing.
Because West Point is about a four-hour drive from Lexington, it will be something of a logistical challenge. Some events open around noon on Friday, for those who can leave on Friday morning. Everyone else will need to leave right after school on Friday (exact time TBD), which means we will need to load all gear the day before. We will need a number of drivers, and a number of fairly large vehicles. We need to know in advance who will be driving, so that we can get a National Tour Permit. If any adults are willing to drive but don’t want to attend the Camporee, let us know and we can make alternate arrangements in the area.
The charge for this campout will be $30 — $17 for the Camporee, plus $13 for food. In addition, we will need to buy a dinner en route Friday night, and a lunch on the way back Sunday. As always, camperships will be available if needed.
For every person attending, we need the following items by Thursday, March 29. This is a hard deadline, as we have to send in our Camporee registration the next day. You can bring them to a Troop meeting, or to Barry and Donna Griffiths (34 Harding Rd, Lexington).
Scouts:
Troop 160 Permission Slip for Scouts
West Point Release Form (minors)
West Point Medical History
Check for $30
Adults:
Troop 160 Signup Sheet for Adults
West Point Release Form (adults)
Check for $30 if attending (not needed for people driving only)
Downloads:
West Point Camporee Forms Packet (everything needed to sign up)
West Point Camporee Information Packet (lots more info)