An annual Boy Scout Fall Camporee for the Mount Nebo District was held Friday, September 25th through Saturday, September 26th North of Elberta, Utah. The overnight camp out organized by Joe Peabody and Ann Shumway was posted on the Mount Nebo District website (http://www.utahscouts.org/mtnebo) where Boy Scout Troops were encouraged to register for the camp.

After check-in on Friday evening, the Scouts setup camp, ate dinner, and attended a campfire program. Scouts performed skits and learned new cheers and songs. The scouts camped under a clear, star-field sky. Friday morning, after breakfast, Troops were divided into groups where they were rotated through ten stations.

Troop 111 from Eureka, Utah was one of many to attend the Camporee. Led by Scoutmaster Bill Murdoch, additional highlights for his Troop were the wildlife present. The Scouts found numerous lizards, snake skins, and even a scorpion.

His Troop began with learning knots and moving on to lashing which re-emphasized skills previously taught to build a monkey bridge at their town's celebration.

Next, the scouts raced in a fire building contest where they started a fire to burn a string. The scouts seemed surprised how quickly and easily it was to light a fire when done correctly.

While at the first aid station, a scout came over with a small cut providing a real-life learning experience. There, the instructors were able to quickly wash the cut, apply pressure, and put a bandage on the wound in a calm manner.

The compass presentation was different than former Camporees including the Klondike Derby and Spring Camporee this year. Here, the scouts learned basic skills such as measuring distance and finding north. Demonstrations included using a watch to determine south, and shadows cast by the sun to create a line that runs east and west.

At the Nature Identification Station, a quiz was given to identify tracks made by a variety of animals. Then Scouts had to match up a layout of plants from the area to a list on a sheet. Even the Leaders got involved picking up the plants, smelling them, and assisting their boys in identifying what they were.

Proper tools such as pocket knives, hand axes, and camp saws are a necessary part of Scouting. At the Wood Tools station, scouts learned to properly carry and transport these tools as well as give them to another person. The instructor also taught proper sharpening techniques. Information about creating an axe yard was taught which included proper equipment such as gloves and eye protection that should be used.

Noting that the backpacking station conducted by 15-Year Old Varsity Scout Adam Cardoza held the attention of every scout there, it was very entertaining to watch him explain to the Scouts what was really needed for a backpacking trip versus what was there just for comfort. He even explained what to look for in a backpack. His recent experience at the Philmont Scout Ranch definitely added to his knowledge.

Adding to a wealth of knowledge, Scouts learned techniques to purify water by boiling and chemical treatments. At the end of the Camporee, Scouts received a patch which could be worn on their uniform.