Maine Scouts go Medieval at Cobscook/Moosehorn International Camporee

PHOTO: Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, Cobscook/Moosehorn International Camporee camp director, leads opening ceremonies. (Submitted photo)

Scouts from all over Maine, with the largest contingent from the Kennebec Valley District, garbed as brave knights and maidens, powerful wizards and stealthy rogues descended upon Cobscook Bay State Park in Edmunds for the 60th anniversary Cobscook/Moosehorn International Camporee on the weekend of Sept.16-18.

The event, organized by Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, and his staff, had a Medieval theme, and more than 100 Scouts and leaders competing in events as Shield Decorating, Pennant Competition, axe throwing, catapult, “’Tis Merely a Flesh Wound”(first aid), tug-of-war, archery, mounted obstacle course to rescue the princess, and the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch (shot put throw to destroy the evil stuffed rabbit).
“The Cobscook camporee has been in the works for a year and could not have happened without all of the staff who came together to pull it off,” Bernier said. “The weather cooperated and everyone had a blast.”
Some traveled three hours or more to attend the highly anticipated program, held in Washington County, which has become the longest continuously run annual Scouting event in the nation.
Declan Noyes, of West Gardiner, a Cub Scout in Gardiner Pack 672, said that his favorite part of the weekend was the scavenger hunt, in which each troop scoured the woods and the edge of Cobscook Bay looking for magic items of tremendous power or weapons to help them in their battles against evil.
“I also liked looking out at the ocean,” he said.
Daniel Deprez, of Gorham, recently joined Troop 73 and this was one of his first Scouting events. “There was a lot of fun stuff to do,” Daniel said. “I’m having fun.” He dressed as a knight for the weekend’s challenges.
Isa Russell, of Randolph, is a member of Troop 2019 and dressed as a fair maiden. “I think dressing up in costume and being in character is my favorite part,” she said.
Other activities included cooking challenges and costume competitions.