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Camp Merz introduces new features this summer

Submitted Photos Above, scouts at Camp Merz take aim with Bowtrap, a fun new program feature that test’s archery skills with moving targets

Camp Merz, nationally accredited and “A” rated Boy Scouts of America camp on the shores of Chautauqua Lake, received some friendly help this year from the Hultquist and Sheldon Foundation.

Hultquist provided funding for the camp to provide a highly popular program offered first at the National Jamboree in 2013 called bowtrap, or skeet archery by some. It is a thrower that shoots out 8-inch foam disks that the archer tries to hit with his arrow. The object, to hit the flying disk, sounds easy, right? It definitely takes practice, and the scouts love it.

Also, this summer the camp has purchased three sunfish sailboats, which are the consummate one-man sailboat to learn on. This has been provided through the generosity of the Sheldon Foundation. It has helped expand our aquatic program nicely. In addition to sailing, the scouts can canoe, learn rowboating, kayaking, paddleboarding, motorboating and waterskiing. Camp Merz experienced their seventh maxed-out season in a row, offering five weeks with attendance of 150 to 200 scouts each week. Program areas include scout-oriented leadership & citizenship training, outdoorsman skills, marksmanship, nature study and conservation projects, cycling, aquatics and much more. The camp is 84 years young, and it’s summer season is for Boy Scouts ages 11 to 18.

Elk Lick Scout Reserve, now 69 years old, the other council camp in Smethport, Pennsylvania. It conducts Cub Scout summer camp programs geared towards the younger maturation level (6-10 year olds) and is more discovery and dexterity-oriented in it’s focus. Along with lots of fun and learning, the traditional scout teaching of helping others, respect of nature, and duty to God and country help mold the boys character positively.

To learn more about the scouts for a son in the community, contact the Allegheny Highlands Council during normal business hours at 665-2697 or visit them on the web at www.alleghenyhighlands.org.

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