Scouts camp on Capitol

BISMARCK — Corey Kleinsasser showed wisdom beyond his 9 years when he spoke of what this weekend’s Boy Scout event at the state Capitol meant to him.

“When I get older, I can look back to this and remember it because this is probably not going to happen again,” the Dickinson Scout said.

So what was his favorite part of the event?

“Breakfast — they had doughnuts,” he said.

Both serious and fun times were available for the nearly 3,000 Boy Scouts and their chaperones who attended the weekend campout to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the organization.

The event brought together Scouts from North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota and Montana, said Tim Tello of Bismarck, the chairman of the event.

“Beings scouting has (as) one of its central themes citizenship and service to the community, what better location than right here in Bismarck, North Dakota, at the state Capitol grounds?” Tello said.

Gary Butler, an assistant chief Scout executive from Dallas, was impressed with the Bismarck event.

“It’s very different from what a lot of other councils are doing,” he said. “To have it on the Capitol grounds, I think, is incredible. It’s a strong example of the state of North Dakota’s support of scouting.”

Activities stretched from one end of the Capitol grounds to another on Saturday.

Rock climbing, tomahawk throwing, archery, cars races and candy cannons were just some of the activities available. There was also a merit badge midway, visits to the Heritage Center and pinewood derby races.

Inside, various state officials were available to teach Scouts about state government. Scouts could sit in the governor’s chair and take part in a mock legislative debate and Supreme Court case.

The “smoke house” activity with the Bismarck Fire Department was a popular attraction for the Scouts.

The campout and all of its activities will end this morning after breakfast and a Sunday service. The event was about more than having fun, Butler said.

“It’s about learning about state government, about citizenship and character development,” he said. “That’s what makes it so different. It’s sort of fun with a purpose.”

Teri Finneman is a multimedia reporter for the Forum

of Fargo-Moorhead,

which is owned by Forum Communications Co.

Tags: north dakota, news, scouts