Two great events took place last weekend at Scouting America’s Camp Attakapas in Trout as the Louisiana Purchase Council of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) celebrated their 100th Anniversary.
A special program was held in the dining hall of Camp Attakapas Saturday morning in conjunction with the Fall Cub-O-Ree which was held the same weekend.
Many packs and troops from the central Louisiana area attended the Cub-O-Ree, including Pack 14 and Troop 14 from Jena.
The Louisiana Purchase Council was officially formed in 1924 and the program featured materials, photos and other memorabilia detailing the history of the Council during the past 100 years.
This was the second and final celebration of the anniversary, with the first being held at Scout Camp T.L. James in Downsville on October 5th.
During the program, the history of Scouting in the area was highlighted as well as highlights of Scouting today. Along with testimonials from Scouts, all attendees received a commemorative 100th anniversary council shoulder patch.
Former Scouts and Boy Scout Leaders Jerry Stevens and Earl Peavy were among the LaSalle Parish men who gathered to help celebrate the anniversary.
“When I first came to Camp Attakapas at the age of 13, two years before it was officially created, there was only one building here,” Stevens recalled as he reflected on his years involved with Scouting. “We actually had to erect tents to serve as meeting areas for our activities.”
Both Stevens and Peavy have fond memories of Scouting and investing in youth of LaSalle Parish during their long volunteer careers in scouting. Along with members of their own families involved in Scouting, they helped hundreds of other parish youth excel in the time-honoring morals of Scouting, embedded in the Scout Oath: “On my honor, I will do my best, To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”
The Scout Law notes that a Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
Also during the day Saturday, young Scouts from throughout central Louisiana participated in the Fall Cub-O-Ree where the theme was “Cub Scout Superhero.” Various programs and events were held where the Scouts, along with their parents, learned about real-life superheroes, such as policemen, firemen, and ambulance personnel. They also participated in activities such as sling shot shooting, rock climbing, bow and arrow and BB and pellet gun sports.
The Fall Cub-O-Ree featured a campout on Friday and Saturday nights, ending with the historic Campfire Program Saturday night.
The next official event at Camp Attakapas will be held November 22-24, as Scouts participate in the annual Winter Camp.
For more information about Scouting, visit www.louisianapurchasecouncil.org.
