Indianapolis – This weekend, Governor Mike Pence hosted a Boy Scout Campout at the Governor’s Residence, the first-ever campout held at the Governor’s Residence in Boy Scout of America’s 106-year history. During one of the program rotations, Scouts toured the Governor’s Residence and interviewed the Governor to meet one of the requirements of the American Heritage merit badge. Saturday evening, the Governor participated in a religious service and a campfire program, where he gave a Scoutmaster’s Minute, a time when the Scoutmaster conveys a message of inspiration that the Scouts can take home with them.
“I was so thankful for the opportunity to invite more than 100 Boy Scouts to the Governor’s Residence this weekend for the first-ever Campout at the Governor’s Residence,” said Governor Pence. “Scouting changes lives by teaching responsibility, self-reliance, and by creating a better sense of community and commitment to values, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this outstanding event. It is my hope that the Scouts learned a great deal throughout the programs we offered this weekend and that the memories of camping as Scouts in the backyard of the Governor’s Residence last a lifetime.”
The 110 Scouts, ages 11-18, were from the following troops: Troop 189 from Muncie, Troop 959 from Indianapolis, Troop 40 from Liberty, Troop 16 from Centerville, Troop 107 from Carmel, Troop 199 from Indianapolis, Troop 101 from Noblesville, Troop 92 from Southport, Troop 264 from Greenwood, and Troop 434 from Terre Haute.
Interviewing Governor Pence and touring the Governor’s Residence was one of three rotations the Scouts participated in during this weekend’s campout. The other rotations were focused on robotics and outdoor survival, which was led by The Weather Channel’s Creek Stewart. On Sunday morning before the closing ceremony, Scouts packed 10,000 Nutri-Plenty meals, in partnership with Pack Away Hunger. Pack Away Hunger is a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of children and others who suffer from hunger and malnutrition. The meals will be distributed to local food banks and pantries.
“Governor and First Lady Pence are great supporters of Scouting and continue to grow their commitment by inviting more than 100 Scouts to camp on their front lawn,” said Patrick Sterrett, Scout Executive, Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our Scouts and shows you can enjoy the outdoors anywhere.”
Boy Scouts of America is a youth development organization that’s designed to prepare young people to make ethical and moral decisions throughout their lifetimes. The goals of Scouting consist of citizenship training, character development and personal fitness. Throughout the Boy Scout program, young people are encouraged to advance through ranks by fulfilling requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. For more information on Scouting, call (317) 813-7125 or 877-925-1900 (toll free) or visit www.crossroadsbsa.org.
