West Point Camporee 1-3 May 09

[smtroop168]

Anyone ever go to this event in the past? Supposed to be 3000+ scouts. Any tips? Thanks.

[wagionvigil]

WE have a cadet on the forum I am sure he can answer some questions

[smtroop168]

We're going...just looking for anyone else who's been for info.

[DadScout]

This site might provide some answers.
http://www.usma.edu/USCC/DCA/Clubs/scou/index.html
Note that the applications for 2009 are closed out and you normally need to be sponsored by a cadet.

Our Troop went there a good few years ago, before I was involved. The few things I was told was -
-it was crowded (campsites)
-while it is at the USMA (West Point), it's not close to where you'd consider the Academy grounds.
-They mentioned that touring the Academy facilities were not part of the deal, and this was pre 2001 and the Academy is no longer open to self guided tours like when I was a kid.
-There was lots of activities at the camporee
-it poured and they got soaked to the bone. Here's to better weather for your trip.

[Bill Pitcher]

Sm168: Been there many times, in hurricanes, hot weather, and snow. BE PREPARED for it all! Leave EARLY from your area. Take the kids out of school and get to the registration camp early. Then, you have to hike in. It's about 2 1/2 miles over a hill and down to the camping area. The cadets take you and want the scouts to cary everything on their backs. DON"T FALL FOR IT!!!! Have the scouts take a day pack unless they are experienced backpackers. It's a tough hike, called "Bull Hill." Watch for the table at the other end where the hikers can pick up a "hat pin". While the scouts are hiking in, your troop gear truck/trailer and only ONE other car/truck/van are allowed in. The rest go to a parking lot near the registration point and can't be used until Sunday morning. Have each scout bring things to trade for "brass", which are hat pins each cadet wears signifying their class at WP. They love home backed cookies, local patches, OA patches and the big favorite is Girl Scout cookies for trading. As has been posted, there are lots of activities for patrols to participate in. Full uniform is expected at registration, and for the WP Super's parade on Sunday, where awards are given out. The first place award is usually a silver sword mounted on a plaque. Pretty cool! ENJOY, it's well run.

[Bill Pitcher]

Sm168: PS: Have them bring water for the hike in. There is a movie (outdoors) on Friday night, and a giant campfire on Saturday night. Have a skit, song, or something to do. And, bring extra money for the trading post. There is usually leftover patches, neckerchiefs, mugs, hats, and T-Shirts from previous years . . . CHEAP! But usually a long line. And, you and the leaders should have something for, or at least go watch, the Scoutmaster's cooking contest. Great fun. The campsites are tight . . . about 30' x 30', and you could be right next to a Girl Scout Troop (watch out, they LOVE football). And, the coolest thing is to invite your Cadet Sponsor to dinner. They like to bring a couple of their friends for some SCOUT food . . . it's different than campus food. Tell the scouts to be ready for 5:30 wake-up by their sponsor cadet, for EARLY morning exercises!!!!! UGH!!

[Bill Pitcher]

Sm168: PSS: Sorry, but if you want more, like directions, etc. then e-mail me and I'll send you my phone # and we can talk. Have fun, there are camporees at the Merchant Marine Academy, at Vermont MA and at Anapolis, too.

[smtroop168]

Thanks Bill...I'll be in touch.

[wagionvigil]

Why does a swabby want to attend an Army Camporee?

[hops_scout]

Why does a swabby want to attend an Army Camporee?

My question is why would an Army person want to go to a Navy thing? That's just like NOT RIGHT

[Bill Pitcher]

Actually, a group of cadets attend each other's camporee if their schedules allow for it. Each campus has an Eagle Scout Association that organizes the camporees (Girl Scout Gold Award cadets help, too). It's what Eagle Scouts do. Pretty neat and the Scouts and their leaders get to see these different military cadets working together.

[smtroop168]

Why does a swabby want to attend an Army Camporee?

Actually it has something to do with what I heard about Troops being boy-led. They wanted to go and we have a former troop member at WP that is sponsoring us.

But...I also get to rub in last few years of Navy football wins.

The local Army base troop is also going from Carlisle.

[wagionvigil]

The Colonel is ALso attending?

[smtroop168]

The Colonel is ALso attending?
The Colonel is ALso attending?

I believe so. His troop is going but I haven't asked him.

[Bill Pitcher]

To sm168; Matt, I'll be in Holland/Belgium this week and won't get down to West Point to see you. Let me know how the boys (and you) do! Bill

[smtroop168]

Will do. Thanks for all your helpful hints....hope for good weather!

[smtroop168]

Camporee was good...not spectacular but kids had fun so what the heh. A little wet setting up but the activity day was sunny. Also had some 40 knot winds Sat AM about 0230. Basic stuff like communications, plan to get everyone out of there (3700 people) was not as well thought out as you would think it would have been and the patches and pins were not available at check in as promised.

Wagion would be happy...Beaucoups (this is for the French language crowd from another post) of Venture Crews

Also lots of GSA troops.

[wagionvigil]

Tres Bien

[koholintscout]

Oh man, I wish I had seen this topic. Glad to hear things went generally well for you. I'm on "Primary Staff" (so if you were a Scoutmaster, I spoke to you at our briefing) and we are doing our hours-long AAR on Sunday. I understand that parking was an issue, as was some communication issues regarding meeting times and logistics issues with badge and tabs. If you have anything else, let me know in this thread or the other one and I'll make sure it is addressed on Sunday. Understand that a lot (but no means all) issues that came up were caused by elements out of our control-for example, if you were around any cadets that had a large hand in the camporee, you probably heard us complaining about range control springing some new regulation on us at the last second...

[Bill Pitcher]

Hey everyone! Anybody going to West Point this weekend?