The Spring Camporee

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The Spring Camporee of the Okee Tucklo District, East Texas Area Council, Boy Scouts of America was held at the Mineola Nature Preserve on April 29, 2011 to May 1, 2011. Over 200 Boys and leaders were there. Lindale Troop 351 from Lindale was tasked to do the flag ceremony. Hawkins Troop 391, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Hawkins as well as Pack 391 and Venture Crew 391 put on a good showing at the opening ceremony. Scoutmaster Wesley Marsh brought a miniature mortar that uses black powder. Venture Crew 391 members Pat Mobley and Ann Nesbit manned the gun. After the Flag raising and the Pledge of Allegiance was finished...BOOM. It got everybody's attention!

A volunteer from the assembled Scouts gave a prayer for the success and safety of the participants.

Asst. District Commissioner, Joe Shinn, had a few words for the participants and dismissed them to go to the various contests in scout skills. The Scout Troops had a busy day competing with each other.

The success of this outing was due to the volunteer leaders and the help from the communities that support the youth in their communities.

I cannot say enough about the help and co-operation given by the City of Mineola from Mayor Bo Whitus and Buster Green and his staff at the Nature Preserve.

I learned that Mayor Whitus was a former Scout Leader and was retired from the US Navy.

Vic Pell, Troop 391, Committee Member