Richardson -- As athletes from around the world prepare to travel to Beijing, China, more than 440 Cub Scouts and 260 adult leaders recently gathered at Richardson’s BreckinridgePark for the North Trail District Cub Olympians Twilight Camp. 

Starting on Monday, June 16, the week-long event featured foot races, gurney relays, BB guns, archery, dodge Frisbee, and First Aid classes.  In designated “shop” areas, Cubs built bird feeders, tool boxes, marble maze boxes, pinewood derby cars, and stilts. 

“Each activity was designed to be age appropriate, based on the Cub Scout designations of Tiger – first grade, Wolf – second grade, Bear – third grade, and Webelos – fourth and fifth grades,” said Terri Groom, camp program director.  “At times, the boys did compete for a gold medal or blue ribbon,” she continued.  “However, they were reminded that, in the Cub Scout program, winning is not everything.  It’s how you play the game, with the goal of doing your best, that is much more important.”

Each evening, an air-horn blast called participants to an all-camp activity.  These included:

• Fencing demonstration by Waldek Czaja and two of his students.  Coach Czaja has been a finalist in numerous World Cup events as a member of Polish Junior and Senior National teams and currently is  head coach of the Dallas Fencers Club
• Qi-Gong Kung Fu and Qi-Gong Tai Chi demonstration by six area instructors, including Luke Ha. He thrilled the camp when he “flew” over eight campers and two fellow instructors.
• Body-building and weight-lifting demonstration by Kene Chinwezc,who competes as an amateur when is he not earning his living as a lawyer for a gas and oil development company
• Richardson Fire Department appearance that included the presentation of fire-safety tips and then, a  Twilight Camp tradition, cooling off delighted Cubs Scouts with water from a pumper’s hose
• Egg Drop Contest that tested the ability of Cub Scout groups to design packaging that would keep an egg in one piece even after it had fallen 20 feet.

Evident throughout the week were Cub Scouts as well as adults wearing hats covered with “swaps.”  Terri Groom explained that swaps are little crafts that often reflect a creator’s interests and personality.  “Each

participant is encouraged to arrive at camp with a bag of swaps, exchange them with other campers, and, then, with a safety pin, secure each swap received to your hat,” she said.

“When outdoor temperatures hit 101 degrees by the middle of June, it just makes sense to have a program that runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,“ said Barbara Richer, camp director.  “After trying to take advantage of the most comfortable weather possible, we relied on our dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer staff of more than 30 adults and nearly 40 Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts – as well as the parents who, as Walking Den Leaders, guided their boys throughout the week.”

Saturday morning, following an overnight campout for more than 130 people – fourth and fifth-grade Cub Scouts, adult leaders, and family members, Ron Frederich, director, North Trail District, said, “Thank you and congratulations to Barbara, Terri, your volunteer staff members, and parents for having a very successful week.”  He added, “I know that Barbara and Terri already have thought about ways to make next year’s Twilight Camp even better than this year’s.”    

Ron Frederich also extended a special thank you to the RichardsonParks and Recreation Department staff.  “BreckinridgePark is the only facility in Richardson that can accommodate an outdoor program that involves nearly 800 people,” he said.  “When a storm brought down limbs and even a few trees during the day on Tuesday, Parks Department staffers quickly cleaned up the area so the camp could go on that night as planned,” said Barbara Richer.

For nearly 10 years, the North Trail District, Circle Ten Council, Boy Scouts of America, has held Cub Scout Twilight Camp at BreckinridgePark.  North Trail District comprises Highland Park, LakeHighlands, North Dallas, and Richardson.

Alan Edwards is one of a number of adults who promote Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venture programs for the Park Cities, Lake Highlands, North Dallas, and Richardson.