For those not in the know, a Boy Scout Camporee is a chance for scouts from multiple troops to gather and work towards both their individual and team goals, including earning merit badges and fulfilling part of their annual camping requirements.
CORYDON, Ind. – April 29, 2016 – Over 90 Boy Scout badges were earned this weekend at Squire Boone Caverns during the Wapehani District Spring Camporee.
For those not in the know, a Boy Scout Camporee is a chance for scouts from multiple troops to gather and work towards both their individual and team goals, including earning merit badges and fulfilling part of their annual camping requirements.
The Geology and Forestry Scout programs hosted by Squire Boone Caverns are structured to assist Scouts in their understanding of geology and forestry by exploring the natural beauty and wonders in the cave and forest area of Squire Boone Caverns.
“When we were planning our Spring Camporee, we knew that the activities offered at Squire Boone Caverns were a perfect fit” said Kevin Trojan, Director of the Wapehani District. “There are at least 20 other programs we could accomplish at Squire Boone Caverns and are excited to work with the staff for future events”.
Trained instructors use a combination of lectures and hands-on projects to encourage the Scouts’ learning process and classes are designed to meet the requirements of the Scout merit badge criteria.
But this was no ordinary badge exercise. The nearly 150 participants (including scouts and scout leaders) arrived at the park Friday, April 22 ready to learn, explore and camp. Camping on the grounds allowed the scouts to bond and practice other skills they’ve learned throughout their time in the Boy Scout program.
When the class has been completed, each workbook is graded and given back to the Scout with a certificate of completion. The Boy Scouts took their duties seriously and with precision and the program was able to award 91 badges at the end of the weekend.
“We are so excited to have hosted our first Boy Scout Camporee,” said Claudia Yundt, Director of Squire Boone Caverns. “Seeing the field full of tents and the energy the boys brought to the park was infectious. The park is full of history and natural wonders and it is great to see a new generation falling in love with Squire Boone”.
The Wapehani District includes troops from Brown, Monroe, Morgan and Owen Counties in Indiana and most traveled about 2 hours for the event.
“Each of the boys had to choose only two of three programs over the weekend: the Geology badge, the Forestry badge and a cave tour,” Trojan explained. “Nearly everyone chose the cave tour and it was awesome to see 130 members of our troop exploring the cave while also working towards earning badges”.
The scout curriculum at Squire Boone Caverns has grown in popularity among local groups and merit badge classes are held once a month throughout the Summer for groups or individuals (see schedule for 2016 below).
Classes are limited in size to ensure each Scout gets plenty of one-on-one attention. Please call or email to register: 1-888-934-1804 | 812-732-4388 | spelunk@
squireboone.com. Special consideration or additional events/classes can be scheduled for larger groups.
Multiple Geology and Forestry
classes are scheduled for 2016:
Geology Badge:
Boy Scouts | Geology | 2.5-3 hours
• June 18th:10:00 a.m.
• July 16th: 1:00 p.m.
• August 6th: 1:00 p.m.
Webelos | Earth Rocks | 2-2.5 hours
• June 18th: 1:00 p.m.
• July 16th: 10:00 a.m.
• August 6th: 10:00 a.m.
Cub Scouts | Digging in the Past | 1.5-2 hours
• June 18th: 10:00 a.m.
• June 16th: 10:00 a.m.
• August 6th: 10:00 a.m.
Forestry Badge:
Boy Scouts | Forestry | 2.5-3 hours
• June 18th: 1:00 p.m.
• July 16th: 10:00 a.m.
• August 6th: 10:00 a.m.
Webelos | Into the Woods | 2-2.5 hours
• June 18th: 10:00 a.m.
• July 16th: 1:00 p.m.
• August 6th: 1:00 p.m.
*Allow an extra hour for the included cave tour and bring the family to explore our Village Shops