Multimedia story of the Miami Valley Council of the Boys Scouts of America Camporee 2013 Gateway Project. Over a 14 month period, a team of volunteers designed and constructed a large structure, known as a Gateway, at the entrance to the event area. The Gateway was constructed of eighteen 21'-30' pine timbers and over 3000 feet of natural and synthetic rope. This video contains photos and videos recorded by the volunteers using point-and-shoot cameras, smart phones, and video cameras.
The Miami Valley Council encompasses a five-county region near Dayton, Ohio, and serves over 6,600 young men and women in the programs of Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturing, and Exploring. In 2010, the Miami Valley Council decided to sponsor Camporee 2013 - a three day regional event for Scouts to gather and camp together while offering a unique scouting experience for the attendees. "Find your Call of Duty" was chosen as the theme for Camporee 2013.
Music used by permission by www.shaunpaul.com
WHY ARE WE HERE?
Dan Hart
October 4, 2013
Why are we here?
We are here because the vocabulary of everyone standing here in this circle does NOT include the word "impossible."
When someone tells us something is impossible to do, we all know they are quitting before the fun starts...and we find that unacceptable.
We built this gateway as an example to the Scouts to never be afraid of a challenge, even when the challenge is greater than your capabilities, but not beyond your imagination.
For you see, Scouting is not about what you are. Scouting is about what you can be!
I've spoken to you before about the symbolism of the gateway. The six arches represent the six districts that make up our Council. The twelve arch supports represent the twelve parts of the Scout Law. But I've never talked about the meaning of the six main supports...until now. They represent what it took us to get to this day.
First, it took commitment. We were all committed to making sure this event happened and was a success.
It took sacrifice. We all sacrificed many hours away from our families to ensure other families had fun this weekend.
It took fun! We are the living example that Scouting is a game with purpose.
It took teamwork. We all have grown together as a team with a common purpose.
It took faith. We all believe in a higher power that bring us together to do great tasks like this Camporee and leads us to the answers that we seek.
Finally, it took love.
Love of our family that supported us on this crazy adventure.
Love for each other.
Love for these young people that mean so much to us gathering here tonight.
And we need to get their attention! So let's light this thing up! Let's get this party started!
