Check Out This Council’s Spectacular Scout-O-Rama

Scouts demonstrate their skills at the Redwood Empire Council’s March Scout-O-Rama (Photo Credit: The Press Democrat/ Alvin Jornada)

Where can people from all around the community learn Scout skills, play games, and learn about nature? A Scout-o-Rama!

The Redwood Empire Council decided to bring Scout-O-Rama back after a five-year hiatus and welcomed guests for a day of lessons, activities, and a dazzling display of Scout skill, according to the Press Democrat.

Booth stations were set up at the Scout-O-Rama for guests to try new activities like making rope or building a monkey bridge. One station even offered horseback riding!

Other stations invited attendees to learn about unique topics. One booth was filled with geological samples, animal prints, taxidermy animals, and other biological treasures.

“I’m the one that promotes how to play nice in nature,” said the booth’s host, William Nay.

Nay, an environmental educator, considers himself an expert in “tread lightly” and “leave no trace” practices, the Press Democrat explains. Now retired, Nay’s career with the U.S. Department of Energy gave him plenty of knowledge to share with visitors.

A local environmental educator shares artifacts with Scouts. (Photo Credit: The Press Democrat/ Alvin Jornada)

“Once they learn about the rocks and they learn about the animals, they will more readily modify their behavior,” he said.

The event even got some help from local authorities. The Santa Rosa police joined the Scout-O-Rama to speak to youth and the Sonoma County Fire and Emergency Services Department brought a specialized emergency vehicle used for hazardous material. Scouts even got to try on the hazmat gear!

Scout Stephen S., 15, reported it was pretty “toasty” and humid inside the bright green hazmat suit and oxygen mask, but that didn’t stop him from exploring in the gear for several minutes.

Scouts had a blast while sharing their knowledge, participating in fun activities, and learn new lessons along the way.

Scout-O-Ramas are a fantastic opportunity to showcase Scouting to the public. Because the Redwood Empire Council’s event was open to the community, people who might not be familiar with BSA programs got to see Scouting’s benefits, first-hand.

Learn more about the Redwood Empire Council’s spectacular Scout-O-Rama in the full story by  the Press Democrat.

What does your council do to share Scouting with the community? Tell us about it in the comments!