Troop 433 Winslow participated as the first unit to spread gravel on the trail to the new Moosehorn photo blind, built for visitors to take photos of wildlife without being seen by the wildlife. Front from left are Ashish DeBas, Parker LeHay, Zack LeHay, Ashlyn McDermott, Fallyn Soucy and Addison Poulin. Middle from left are Millard Davis, Wyatt Smith, Wyatt Collins and Allison Dorr. Back from left are Gerard Fortin, Ryan Poulin and Garth Smith. Submitted photo

BARRING — The 30,000-acre Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 225 species of birds, endangered species and resident wildlife. And for the weekend of Sept. 27-29 it was also home nearly 200 Scouts and leaders, who camped on the refuge’s rolling hills and competed in activities near its streams, bogs and marshes.

Scouts attended in costume as heroes or demigods during the camporee. From left are Jeff “Turtle” DeHart of West Gardiner and Kyle Neleski of Troop 86 in Ellsworth. Submitted photo

As part of the activities, all of the Scouts took part in trail maintenance projects at the refuge as their “good deed” for nature.

The theme, which was selected by Scouts who attended last year’s event at Cobscook State Park, put them in the role of hero to complete the challenges set before them by “Gods and Demigods” from myths of old. These included Dagda’s Challenge from Celtic mythology to help nature; Artemis Archery Ace from Greek mythology, where archery talent was needed to defeat the Trojans; Thor’s Hammer, where Scouts see if they are worthy; Scouts stormed the Temple of Ra to find treasure, but then they had to get out, too; and Zhu Rong’s Light, where the Scouts had to prove they were worthy of the Chinese diety’s blessings three times.

Many Scouts chose to get into the spirit by wearing costumes for the event.

Check out other upcoming area events!