Cub Scouts Adventure Camp at MAC

Wolves and Bears took over a part of the Mineral Area College campus, July 9 through 13, as Cub Scouts from the Ozark Trailblazers District participated in this year’s Cub Adventure Camp for 7- to 10-year-olds.

“Cub Scouts had a terrific time participating in shooting sports activities, craft making, game playing and water fun,” said Gene Bannister, camp director.  

This year’s Adventure Camp theme was “Jungle Roar!,” with some of the adult staff dressed up in face paint and with other jungle-themed decorations to their normal uniforms.  

Cub Scouts, part of the Boy Scouts of America aimed at boys in first through fifth grade, came from throughout the Ozark Trailblazers District. The district encompasses St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Madison, Iron, Reynolds and Washington counties and include the cities of Annapolis, Mineral Point, Potosi, Ironton, Farmington, Bonne Terre, Desloge and Park Hills. The camp staff was made up of adult volunteers from across the area, as well.  

Fifty Cub Scouts, along with 20 adult staff and another dozen of Boy Scout and Venturing Scout volunteers came out each night to take part in the camp. Each evening a “lunch time” entertainment program was scheduled with Gay Wilkinson performing an anvil shoot on Monday, Desloge Police Officer Dan Russell speaking on Tuesday night and snakes were featured as part of an informational entertainment program held Thursday night. Members of the Park Hills Fire Department were on hand each evening due to drought conditions, and on a couple of nights helped cool off the campers with a water demonstration.  

Staff members included: Shooting Sports (BB guns, archery and sling-shots) – Don Jones, Ken Braun and Robert Ragan; Fishing at the MAC quarry – Scott Lord and Scott Comfort; Crafts (which included the Scouts making their own solar powered grasshopper this year) – Danielle Williford; Webelos Program (devoted to Webelos Scouts, grades 4-5) – Cathy Day and Mary Kienzle; Games – Kathy Klusmeyer; and Nature – Mary Lord. Venturing Crew 2480, under the leadership of Denny Allen, provided snow cones and popcorn for the campers. The camp was also assisted by Hardee’s of Leadington who donated ice each night for the event.

Serving alongside Bannister were Norma Franklin, program director and James “Bobby” Fields, camp medic.  

“The Scouts had a great week, creating memories that will last for years to come,” said Bannister.   

Anyone interested in Scouting — either for their child or to become a volunteer — contact any of the staff members listed or Ozark Trailblazers District Executive Emily Lynn at 1-573-803-7977.