By Logan Ginder, Membership/Marketing Coordinator at Pennsylvania Dutch Council, Scouting America
A feature piece from our Summer 2025 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication
Duty to others is a significant point of the Scout oath and a promise that all Scouts make. At the heart of Scouting is community service. From the time Scouts enter the program, to the time that they leave, they are taught the value of being active, engaged members of a community. That lesson was on full display Saturday, May 3rd at the 2025 Pennsylvania Dutch Council Camporee at Long’s Park in Lancaster. This year’s Scouting celebration themed “Explore Your World,” brought together 21 local organizations to host a day filled with learning and fun. These events were also open to the public for all to enjoy.
One focus of the day was on an essential element of any thriving community – public safety and emergency services. The volunteers came out in full force, bringing tents, trucks, and equipment to show off to all the Scouts. The Lancaster County Fireman’s Association brought along their Fire Safety Trailer, a dynamic experience that gave Scouts an immersive look at fire conditions as well as evacuation and safety strategies. Nearby, Lancaster EMS and the Medical Reserve Corps provided hands on demonstrations in first aid such as CPR and “Stop the Bleed” techniques, empowering Scouts with skills that could help them in their everyday life.
Scouting and the outdoors go hand-in-hand, and this year’s Camporee highlighted that connection. Several organizations came out for the day to educate Scouts on Lancaster’s unique environment. Urban Foresters from the City of Lancaster led a stream stomp and cleanup as well as a tour of the Long’s Park wetlands, creating an engaging learning opportunity while promoting environmental stewardship. Scouts learned about habitat preservation, pollution, and the value of wetlands, while performing community service for the park. At another station, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission shared information about Lancaster County’s native flora and fauna and highlighted responsible fishing and hunting practices as well as species identification.
The day’s fun and learning went beyond service and environmentalism. Yard games like giant Jenga and checkers encouraged fun with friends, while creative stations like yarn basket weaving allowed Scouts to explore new hobbies. One standout activity was hosted by the Lancaster Amateur Radio Emergency Service, teaching Scouts about ham radios, how to use them, and even allowing them to communicate with the other emergency services at the park.
The STEM pavilion offered Scouts engagement opportunities with science and technology such as a solar system walk and a visual demonstration of sound vibrations and resonance. Unfortunately, one of the presenters was unable to attend due to storm recovery work, but their absence served as a real-world reminder that their job is to serve the community when emergencies arise.
The purpose of the Camporee was not only to teach youth valuable Scouting lessons, but to serve as a reminder of what makes communities thrive. The activities also exposed youth to a variety of professions and organizations that serve the community.
Thank you to all who helped make the Council Camporee a success. We could not provide this type of programming for our Scouts without community partners. The collaboration and support of all volunteers helped to create an event that truly fostered learning and educated the next generation of leaders of this Lancaster community. Scouts left the weekend with fun memories, valuable skills, and a deeper understanding of the Lancaster community and what keeps it strong.
The Pennsylvania Dutch Council, Scouting America, serves families and communities in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. The Cub Scout program is for youth from kindergarten to fifth grade. The Scouts BSA program is for youth from ages 11-17. For more information visit www.padutchscouts.org or contact the Council office at (717) 394-4063. To find a local Scout Unit to join or volunteer at, go to www.beascout.org.
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