Whittier-area Boy Scouts attending centennial jamboree

By Sandra T. Molina Staff Writer
Posted: 07/26/2010 01:43:51 PM PDT

WHITTIER – About 80 Whittier-area Boys Scouts are participating this week and next in the Scouts’ 100th Anniversary Jamboree.

They are part of more than 38,000 Boy Scouts and 3,700 adult leaders camping at Fort A.P. Hill in Caroline County, Va.

They will spend 10 days participating in activities ranging from archery to rappelling.

A major highlight of this year’s jamboree is the giant 100th Anniversary Arena Show on Saturday, celebrating the Boy Scouts of America’s centennial since its founding in 1910.

“It’s a great experience for these young men,” said Scout Master Ricky Gennawey, 58, of Whittier, as they prepared to leave Thursday. “Hopefully they’ll learn self-responsibility.”

He said the troops spent the past two years conducting fundraisers to cover the cost of the trip, which also includes stops in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

These stops will include historical sights at each city.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the historical sights, especially the Lincoln Memorial,” said David Corona, 12, of Montebello.

“It’s such a great opportunity for him,” said his mom, Janice Corona.

She said Scouting, as a whole, has already given her son great opportunities.

“I’ve seen him become more confident and grow up to be more responsible,” Janice Corona said.

“It’s a trip of a lifetime,” said Ann Marie Huerta, mom of Erik Huerta, 12, of Whittier.

Her son, who been began as a Cub Scout at age 7, was looking forward to the trip.
“I’m really excited about it,” Erik Huerta said.

An experienced Scout, Adam Clausen, 17, of Whittier, knows what will be in store for the first-timers.

“There’s a taste of everything from hiking to archery to a whole lot of other activities to do at the Jamboree,” he said.

Clausen, who went to a Jamboree five years ago, advised those Scouts new to the experience to enjoy it.

“I hope they do as much as they can,” he said. “It’s an adventure.”

sandra.molina@sgvn.com 562-698-0955, ext. 3029

Source: Whittier-area Boy Scouts attending centennial jamboree – Whittier Daily News