SCOUTS

Pumpkinpalooza

by Ann Marie Kennon

Scouts listening intently to the safety guidance on the BB-gun range.

The Smilin’ V Scout Ranch re-opened for Scouting October 24 for the annual Pumpkinpalooza. While COVID concerns called for a more spartan celebration, the mood and energy levels were no less elevated for 50 Scouts and their families.

Program Director Teresa Northcutt says, typically, Pumpkinpalooza draws 800-1,000 Scouts and family members. The event offers a sampling of activities Scouts get to do during normal summer or resident camps. In a typical year, Scout leaders play a Halloween movie in the pavilion while the parents decorate their camping tents. After the movie, the kids Tent-orTreat between activities.

Teresa says, “It is hard for us, not having the ability to do what we love and all the things that inspired us to join and work for the Scouts. But even in this scaled-down version of the event, we are re-energized to continue doing what we do; remembering why we do it. It’s wonderful just to be able to get outside with the kids.”

The 2020 guests still enjoyed about half of the regular activity stations, including glow-in-the-dark screen printing, giant horseshoes, a haunted trail, giant Connect4, skeeball, and everyone’s favorite, the BB-gun ranges.

Xander shows off his freshly-cut geode.

Top: Dad vs. Scout in giant Connect4 Bottom: Elephant toothpaste brought a little science to the party.