Council Celebrates 100 Years with Jamboree
The Cape Fear Council’s 100th Anniversary Jamboree is now history. Hundreds of Scouts from across the Cape Fear Council gathered at Camp Bowers the weekend of March 31 – April 2, 2017 to celebrate a milestone of 100 years of service to the youth of Southeastern North Carolina.
The original date and location in the fall of 2016 had to be rescheduled because of Hurricane Matthew’s heavy rains and wind. Weather continued to be a concern as heavy rain moved across the state stopping mid-afternoon on March 31 just in time to welcome gathering troops at Camp Bowers. Blue skies soon provided a great camping experience for all who attended.
Jamboree Chief David Harling shepherded an experienced Scouter team which planned for 18 months to bring an old school jamboree for all troops to enjoy. The Jamboree was officially opened with a parade of American Flags into Eagle Field followed by the many troops present. Bob Walton, Anniversary Celebration Chairman, welcomed all Scouts to the final event of the year-long anniversary celebration. Saturday was filled with patrol events in First Aid, Wood Lore, Kim’s Game, Knots & Lashing; with Leave No Trace and Measuring Distance rounding out the eight patrol events. Midway exhibits in Eagle Field allowed Scouts to fill the day with fly tying, gaga ball, pottery making and ham radio experiences. Informational exhibits offered knowledge about Philmont and NYLT opportunities for Scouts.
Eagle Scouts from across the Council came to camp to celebrate the Council’s 100th anniversary. Eagle Scout Stan Carmical chaired this special event. Dr. David Ward of Lumberton, at age 97, was the oldest Eagle Scout attendee. A special presentation of Eagle Scout memorabilia was presented throughout the weekend by Dr. Terry Grove from Florida. Dr. Grove brought the largest and most comprehensive Eagle Scout exhibit to camp for all to enjoy. Everyone was impressed with his display and the wealth of history surrounding the Eagle Scout badge. Mr. Carmical presented all Eagle Scouts in attendance with a special council commemorative Eagle Scout lapel pin.
Saturday evening featured a fantastic campfire with troop skits, songs and an exciting Order of the Arrow tap out extending membership to over 75 future Klahican Lodge brothers. Members of the Lodge joined new invitees in the dining hall for a cracker barrel and ice cream following the campfire.
Sunday morning assembly began with a parade of troops as they followed the troop flags into Eagle Field just prior to a youth lead worship service prepared by David Criser. Following an interfaith service, Scouts and Scouters gave generously to the World Scout Friendship Fund which promotes
Scouting around the world. Following the worship service, Council Commissioner Dooie Leach and Jamboree Chief David Harling presented patrol ribbons to the outstanding patrols of the weekend. Ribbon winners were:
Coastal District
Blue – Troop 274 White Oak
Red – Troop 750 Roadrunner
Yellow – Troop 200 Big Tuna
Northeast Cape Fear
Blue – Troop 296 Burnt Marshmallow
Red – Troop 237 Interstellar
Yellow – Troop 215 Golden Gecko
Lakes District
Blue – Troop 512 Dragon
Red – Troop 622 Knights
Yellow – Troop 512 Flying Eagle
Lumber River District
Blue – Troop 27 Thunderbolts
Red – Troop 420 Zombie
Yellow – Troop 420 Bear
Presidential Ribbon – Patrol Winner
Troop 512 Dragons
Throughout the weekend Jamboree Publicity Chairman Fuller Royal along with Scout photographers Ethan Syster and Dylan Inman took over 4000 photos to document this special weekend. Photos and videos can be found at: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-XRpmCH/
Great weather, great leadership and a great Scouting spirit enabled all to have an outstanding Scouting experience at Camp Bowers. Thanks go to the many Scouts and Scouters who worked hard to make the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Cape Fear Council very special and to the troops that made participating in this council event part of their troop’s program.
Yours in Scouting,
David Harling, Jamboree Chief
