Last week, nine members of Scouting BSA Troop 200, of Camden, joined scouts from around the state and beyond for a six day experience at Camp William Hinds.  Located on Panther Pond in Raymond, Camp Hinds was founded in 1927 and has offered generations of scouts hundreds of acres of scouting adventure year-round. Almost 250 scouts participated in last week’s program at the camp. 

Throughout the week, scouts worked towards completing a variety of merit badges in a diverse set of activities that included basketry, swimming, archery and riflery, game design, welding, and physical fitness.

The Troop tented at Byrd Campsite, enjoyed family-style meals in the dining hall, tested themselves in competitions with other troops, and participated in evening flag ceremonies.  Scouts enjoyed an engaging week of aquatics, mountain climbing, tomahawk throwing, campfire celebrations, fellowship, and much more.

Early on Wednesday morning, Meteorologist Ted McInerny from WMTW Channel 8 News reported from Camp Hinds, forecasting the day's weather among dozens of scouts prepared for an early morning “Polar Dip” in Panther Pond. Members of Troop 200 participated in the broadcast and responded to questions from McInerny during the live morning television news broadcast.

The “Scoutmaster Splash” was another highlight of the week. During this campwide event, adult troop leaders from each troop are challenged to compete in a belly flop contest judged by the camp counselors. Coached by youth members of Troop 200, Scoutmaster Ed Weber performed “The Griddy” before launching into water and dancing his way to victory. 

Troop 200 returned from camp late on Friday night, following a closing campfire ceremony organized by camp staff. Scouting at summer camp provides unique opportunities for youths to take the lead in an authentic context of collaboration that draws upon the strengths of each scout in the troop.

Most importantly, the experience challenges scouts to build leadership capacity and practice important personal character values of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law that will set them up for success in later life.

Troop 200 is sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Camden.