School’s out. And for 320 local Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts and
parents
– camp is in.
School’s out. And for 320 local Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts and parents – camp is in.
Bolado Park was swarmed like a multi-colored anthill this week with kids dressed in an array of different colored shirts depending on their scout rank – marching, running, singing, making crafts and having fun.
The 25th annual Fort Benito Scout Day Camp is a week-long program sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America and brings Cub Scouts as young as age 5 together with Eagle Scouts as old as 17.
The boys shoot BB guns, go on nature hikes, create crafts out of wood and leather, learn how to cook and, according to 7-year-old Evan Rosales, make many new friends.
“We get to swim, run, play, jump. I like this way better than school,” said the Sunnyslope Elementary School second-grader.
Camp Director John Corrigan said scouting is one of the best ways for kids to learn confidence, social skills and leadership. He did say, however, that the main focus of the camp was having a good time.
“Most of the kids are from here in San Benito County,” Corrigan said. “We’re a nationally accredited scout camp, and besides fun, safety is our main concern.”
As camp nurse, Diane Mulcahy said she has seen a fair share of scrapes, splinters, blisters and twisted ankles, but overall the kids are pretty tough.
“No serious injuries so far,” Mulcahy said. “I think (the day camp) is great. My boy meets a ton of friends. He learns things like basic first aid and fire safety and he comes home singing everyday.”
Mary Damm was in charge of the Youth Leadership training program, which puts the older Boy Scouts ages 12 to 17 in charge of the younger Cub Scouts. By putting the older kids in leadership positions, she said, they learn responsibility and teamwork.
“They learn how to handle other people, not just other boys, but adults as well,” Damm said. “They get to be around a lot of Cub Scouts who see the Boy Scouts in action and learn from them.”
Alex Hughes, 16, hopes to attain his Eagle Scout rank – the Boy Scout’s highest honor – this summer. As the senior patrol leader, Hughes was responsible for leading 80 other Boy Scouts who are, in turn, monitoring 140 Cub Scouts. He said being in charge of so many people was, at times, a bit stressful.
“A lot of the other Boy Scouts have their own senior patrol leaders and they sometimes don’t want to listen at first,” Hughes said. “But it’s fun. It just takes a lot of patience.”
The Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth organization in the United States, claiming more than 5 million members. Founded in 1910, it runs camps on a smaller and much larger scale year round and nationwide.
