Space Farms hosts Sussex District Boy Scout Camporee

WANTAGE — More than 160 boy scouts and 20 troop leaders camped in the Space Farms’ field in Wantage on Oct. 6.

Organized by Karl Grogard, District Chair, and Dave DiPietro, Sussex District Activities Chair, the gathering of Sussex County Boy Scouts spent the day improving their scout skills: knot tying, lashing, outdoor cooking, ecology and environment observations, and competitive games such as Frisbee golf.

The Scouts also enjoyed an informational scavenger hunt at the Space Farms Zoo and Museum. This is the third time the Boy Scouts of Sussex Co. held their Camporee at Space Farms.

This year the Sussex County Scouts were joined by Lone Scout 13 Family Unit who shared a camp site with DiPietro. The Lone Scout program provides scouting for children with special needs or unique situations. Military families’, special needs or geographically separated families’ children can all participate in this unique Scouting program.

Captain Richard Arlington Briggs Jr., Councilor of Lone Scout 13, traveled from Fort Hood, Texas to Rockford, Ill. to Maple Shade, N.J. with Scouts to camp at Space Farms in Beemerville.

“This was our first Camporee as a Lone Scout Family Unit. It was an awesome experience,” stated Captain Briggs. “Special thanks to the Sussex District and the Patriots Path Council.”

The Boy Scout Camporee culminated Saturday night with a campfire under starry skies. The Troop Leaders put on funny skits for the group of Scouts and handed out awards for activities during the weekend.

“The entire Sussex District Boy Scouts had a fantastic time while learning something in the process,” says DiPietro. “ We would like to thank the Space Farms family for their support of the Scouting program.”