2024 Presidents Trail Camporee
Presidents Trail Camporee Brings 1,000 Scouts to Quincy
Participants hiked the history-rich Presidents Trail and completed 4,000 community service hours throughout the city
QUINCY, Mass. (Oct. 17, 2024) - Close to 1,000 Scouts, leaders and volunteers participated in the inaugural Presidents Trail Camporee in Quincy, Oct. 12-14, setting up camp on Merrymount Park’s Pageant Field and participating in a weekend full of history, community service and celebration.
The event was produced by Quincy Friends of Scouting (QFOS), a nonprofit group established to support and sustain Scouting in Quincy, MA. QFOS’ goal is to remove barriers to youth participation in local Scouting programs and to foster community engagement.
The vision for the Presidents Trail Camporee came about several years ago by QFOS Chairman Ray Theberge. “The Presidents Trail route was just getting momentum and Pageant Field was finishing up significant improvements,” said Theberge. “The timing was just right. To be able to invite Scouts to experience camping in an urban, yet incredibly scenic environment, was such a unique opportunity. The history, the scenic Quincy Bay views, and the overwhelming support of the Mayor, Chamber of Commerce and Department of Natural Resources made for a one-of-a-kind campout experience.”
Participating Scout Troops from across New England took part in three distinct activity blocks throughout the weekend, including hiking the historic Presidents Trail, participating in conservation projects, and touring the city or working on Scouting skills at camp.
The Presidents Trail is a unique, urban 2.7 mile hiking trail through the heart of Quincy’s historic landmarks. The Trail was dreamed up by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and a map and trail markers were launched the following year. Highlighting the homes and locations important to the Quincy, Adams, and Hancock families, the Trail was the cornerstone of the weekend Camporee experience.
“What a weekend for camping out at Pageant Field and hiking The Presidents Trail,” said Timothy Cahill, President of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce. “We congratulate Quincy Friends of Scouting for combining service, along with a healthy dose of American history.”
QFOS has worked with the local Scouting Council, the Spirit of Adventure Council, to secure the certification of the Presidents Trail as an official BSA Historic Trail. The Trail will be added to the national Scouting database so that other groups may hike it and earn a patch and medal while learning about American history in Quincy.
Camporee participants also gave 4,000 hours of community service time, taking part in conservation projects at parks and schools throughout the city. The Scouts planted thousands of tulips, daffodils and a variety of other bulbs, as well as several dozen trees throughout locations in the city in anticipation of the city’s 400th anniversary in 2025.
“It has been a distinct honor to collaborate with the Scouts in enhancing our city's beauty and environment this weekend,” said Michael Casinelli, Project Manager for Quincy’s Department of Natural Resources. “Together, we successfully planted over 23,000 Spring flowering bulbs and 83 tree saplings citywide. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the support of Mayor Koch and [QFOS Chairman] Ray Theberge.”
Scouts also had the opportunity to tour the USS Salem, take part in the Norfolk County Sheriff’s ropes course and experience rock climbing at the Quincy Quarries. Back at camp they were able to work on merit badges, attend a rugby workshop hosted by the New England Free Jacks, see demonstrations from the Norfolk Sheriff’s drone unit and interact with Revolutionary War and Civil War reenactors.
Camporee attendees were treated to evening shows featuring patriotic music from fife and drum groups from Colonial Navy and the Middlesex County Volunteers. The “Singing Trooper” Dan Clark entertained on Saturday night and a traditional Scouting program of skits, songs and enormous bonfire overlooking Quincy Bay finished out Sunday evening.
Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch awarded the Presidents Trophy at a closing ceremony on Monday, recognizing Troop 1 West Roxbury for demonstrating exemplary participation and citizenship throughout the weekend.
The Presidents Trail Camporee was supported by a team of more than 100 volunteers and several local businesses and organizations, including Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch, the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, the Quincy Department of Natural Resources, the Norfolk County Sheriff, Colonial Dames of America, Montilio’s, Eastern Bank, the USS Salem, Quincy Historical Society, Ginger Betty’s, Coastal Medical Transportation Services, Agnitti Insurance, Adams National Historical Park, Colonial Federal Savings Bank, Patrick Foley, Granite City Partners, Hancock Appliance, Gunther Tooties, Discover Quincy!, Quincy City Historian Bob Damon, the Committee to Elect Michael Morrissey, Boncaldo Properties, Committee to Elect Ian Cain, and Sweeney Brothers.
“Events like this are only possible through the combined efforts of many generous individuals and businesses,” said Theberge. “We are excited and grateful for the community coming together to celebrate the rich history of Quincy and inspiring our Scouts into a lifetime of civic duty.”
To find out more about Scouting in Quincy visit quincyfriendsofscouting.org.