LIMA — The Allen County Fairgrounds was a busy place Saturday as The Boy Scouts of America Black Swamp Council held the second day of the Swamp Romp held for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers and Venturers.
Black Swamp Scout Executive Marc Kogan said it was the biggest gathering of Scouts in 12 years for the area council, which covers 13 counties.
“We done it 12 years ago, and we had some requests to do it again,” Kogan said.
Saturday started with Ohio Army National Guard Maj. Gen. John Harris Jr. flying in on a Blackhawk helicopter to give a opening ceremony speech to the scouts. Harris told the children that with the situation of the world today, Scouting is more important than ever for helping form tomorrow’s leaders.
Scouts were able to participate in more than 30 activities throughout the day, including a rappelling tower, a COSI activity area, fishing derby, inflatables, UNOH Racing Team, Science Enhancement for Science Advancement activity area, Civil War re-enactments, archery, and much more. A live band and fireworks closed out the day for the Scouts.
Kogan said it is a great way to get Scouts out from in front of the television and to engage in outdoor activities. He said the Scouts now also have increased focus on science, technology, engineering and math.
“STEM is increasingly becoming a bigger part of Scouting,” Kogan said. “We had lots of activities that allowed the Scouts to interact with others.”
Many of the Scouts spent the night camping out, which Kogan said helps teach them responsibility in knowing what to pack.
“We are helping prepare them for life,” Kogan said.
Jasadrian Oriasitas, 11, of Kenton Pack 150 said it was a great time. He and his friends had already hit all of the stations shortly after lunch time and were ready to again.
“The wrestling where you got on the platform with stick and tried to knock each other off was a lot of fun,” Jasadrian said.
Ashton Spicer, 12, of Wapakoneta, is in his first year of Scouts and felt he had learned to do many new things.
“Learning the rappelling was a lot of fun,” Ashton said.
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