SALUDA — Stewardship and the principles of Scouting go hand in hand, Bishop Robert J. Baker told Scouts at the second annual Diocese of Charleston Catholic Camporee Oct. 13-15.
“It is important to realize the gifts you’ve been given, and think about how you can use those gifts to help others,” Bishop Baker said.
The bishop spoke to Cub and Boy Scouts, Venturers, leaders and parents from across the state during a Mass celebrated at the event at Camp Barstow.
Approximately 310 people attended the weekend. The event included more than 11 Boy Scout troops, 11 Cub Scout packs, and one Venture crew, an increase from 187 participants in the inaugural year.
“We were really blessed to have Bishop Baker set the tone of the weekend for us,” said Jim Weiskircher, chairman of the diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting. “Our theme was ‘The Year of Stewardship,’ and we tried to help the Scouts understand what they can do as youth to make a contribution to their schools, parishes and communities. Scouting is a youth ministry, and it is our responsibility to instill the proper Christian values in our youth, and to help them understand their duty to God and country.”
Sam Anderson served as the senior patrol leader for this year’s event. Hundreds of registered Scouts and adults earned this year’s religious patch, which focused on the Glorious Mysteries of the rosary.
On Saturday, Bishop Baker presented religious emblems and neckerchiefs acknowledging those Scouts who earned awards over the past year. He presented four Light of Christ awards, 15 Parvuli Dei awards, five Pope Pius emblems and more than 40 neckerchiefs. Bishop Baker also gave the Bronze Pelican award to five adult leaders who have given their time and talent to Scouting programs.
After the Saturday morning session with the bishop, the boys spent the day rotating through several outdoor activities, including a rosary station and first aid, rifle, archery and game stations.
Raven Patrol from Troop 277 of St. Anne Church in Rock Hill was awarded first place for the Boy Scout patrol competition. Pedro Patrol, also from Troop 277, took second place, and Wolverine Patrol from Troop 220 of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Greenwood won third place.
Father David Michael, diocesan Scout chaplain, celebrated outdoor Masses on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Currently, nominations are being accepted for the 2007 St. George Awards, which recognize adults “who have made significant contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through Scouting,” according to the Web site for the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Nomination forms can be found online at http://www.nccs-bsa.org/emblems-awards/awards.php, and will be accepted through Dec. 1.
Anyone interested in joining the Diocese of Charleston’s Catholic Committee on Scouting or helping to plan next year’s camporee may contact Jim Weiskircher at weiskijp@watts.com.
Submitted by Lisa Bartanus.