With peak April weekend weather, the Boy Scouts from Troop 2146 took full advantage of their day in the sun.

The troop, which serves Sloatsburg and Tuxedo, took part in the 51st Annual Scoutmaster Camporee At West Point, sponsored by the United States Military Academy, the annual camping event is one of the largest scouting events held in the country. And it’s by special invitation only.

Scoutmaster Tom Lorentz said that in the 8 years he’s been involved with Troop 46, this past weekend’s event was only the second time the troop had been invited. Organized and managed by the Scoutmaster’s Council, a leadership club for West Point Cadets to serve Boy Scout, Girl Scout and the Venturing Crew community, the annual Camporee is run by cadets, who also pick and invite the particular troops that attend.

“To be considered, the troop must know a cadet at the school,” said Lorentz of the Camporee process, “submit an application and then wait. It’s like wining the lottery.”

This year’s Camporee took place April 26 – 28, with Saturday filled with activities, including a camp out. The Camporee involved simulated training exercises West Point Cadets receive, such as a Fitness Challenge, Wilderness Survival, Leadership Reaction Course, and Land Navigation. The weekend drills also included various weapons and communication equipment displays and culminated in a Saturday sunset bonfire.

Troop 46 itself took part in the Military Rescue Demonstration, watching as a UH-60 helicopter landed nearby. The troop also competed in the Wilderness Survival Tactical Challenge, Rangers  Challenge and Commander’s Challenge. The popular Tactical Challenge involved making their way through a muddy course, where the troop was tasked with rescuing one of their teammates.

The West Point weekend was an opportunity for the cadets to impress the scouts. And members of Troop 46 left impressed.

 Information and photos provided courtesy of Troop 46.