Scouts make up for lost summer at Camp Bomazeen

PHOTO: Scouts in the canoeing merit badge class at Camp Bomazeen. (Submitted photo)

BELGRADE – Camp Bomazeen Director Bruce Rueger had one message for the Scouts and leaders who attended camp on opening weekend of the 2021 season: “Welcome Home! Camp Bomazeen is open for the summer and we welcome you back!
“This is very exciting for us,” Rueger, of Waterville, said. “I’m not sure if the staff or the Scouts are more excited that Camp Bomazeen is open, but I know I am really eager for a great summer.”
Scouts from China, Winthrop, Augusta, Jackman and Skowhegan were among those in attendance for opening weekend on July 10 and 11.

“We had one Scout who came all the way from Connecticut specifically to take part in Bomazeen’s unique Bushcraft program,” Rueger said. In the program, Chris Bernier and his staff dress in 1840 period costumes to teach Scouts how their ancestors and Maine’s indigenous people lived, cooked, and made craft items such as baskets and lanterns. Meanwhile, other Scouts earned traditional scouting offerings such as crafts, the new Scout program, rifle shooting and canoeing merit badges but also merit badges not normally offered at a Scout camp such as electricity, fingerprinting and welding.
“Our staff are the very best and worked hard to meet the rigid requirements for safety and knowledge of subject set by scouting,” Rueger said. “We have gotten off to a great start and look forward to a great 2021 season.”
The camp planned to celebrate its 75th anniversary last summer, but COVID-19 put a hold on the festivities for an entire year and the pandemic made planning for this summer nearly all but impossible.
“We didn’t know for sure if we would be able to hold camp this summer until just a few weeks ago or what restrictions we would be operating under, but when you see the Scouts having fun and learning and enjoying camp, it makes everything worthwhile,” Rueger said.
Emma Hodgdon of Palmyra is working on the waterfront at Bomazeen this summer. “I love being outdoors and working at Camp,” she said. “I like helping younger Scouts learn new skills and have fun.”
Brock Merrill lives in Fairfield, but is a member of the Oakland Scout troop. “My favorite part of camp is swimming,” he said during the perfect July day.
The camp is on Great Pond and boasts a sandy beach unrivaled at many such camps. Connor Poirier, of Augusta Troop 631 agreed. He has been coming to Bomazeen since he was a Cub Scout and was very much looking forward to refreshing himself in the pond.
There is another Scout weekend on July 16-18 followed by Family Adventure Weekend on July 24-25 and Cub Scout Day Camp the week of July 26-30.
Rueger pointed said that this year, non-Cub Scouts can attend Day Camp at Camp Bomazeen. For information, call Pine Tree Council at 207-797-5252 or email Rueger at bfrueger@colby.edu.