OLD ORCHARD BEACH — It’s been 100 years since Boy Scouts have camped out at Old Orchard Beach, but this weekend, they will again set up tents, compete in events and have demonstrations that educate and challenge the participants, organizers say.
Starting today and winding down on Sunday, Scout Troops 308 and 310, on behalf of York District Scouts of Pine Tree Council, will host 300 scouts from all over Maine and New England for the 100th anniversary of the first Boy Scout encampment on the beach.
The beach camp out was approved by the town of Old Orchard Beach.
Organizers say the public is welcome.
Opening ceremonies are at 9 a.m. Saturday near the pier; later that day, at 7 p.m., there will be a Scout parade from Milliken Street to Veteran’s Memorial Park, where they will take part in a memorial flag raising ceremony honoring veterans who have passed away. There will be a traditional Scout campfire on the beach with skits and songs from 8 to 10 p.m. near the pier, and the public is welcome to attend the campfire.
During the camporee, there will be track and field style competitions; skill challenges like first aid and orienteering; and demonstrations and activities including: blacksmithing, chainsaw carving, SeaPerch Underwater remote operated vehicle, scout cooking, an early morning run, and “HarborSeal” Polar Dip, a service project to raise money and awareness for Marine Mammals of Maine.
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