Harrisburg Hunters' and Anglers' Association
BSA Twilight Camp 2024
A Bear Goes Fishing
Cub scout pack 368 Paxtonia at HHA having fun including a briefing by Fish and Boat commission officer WCO Mark Sweppenhiser. The club was pleased to host the event and to provide poles to help the scouts earn their fishing belt loop.
Cub Scout Twilight Camp 2023
Off to the Races
For the second year, Harrisburg Hunters and Anglers had the privilege of hosting area Cub Scout packs within the county for a five-day Twilight Camp themed Off To The Races.
​
To promote meaningful learning and ensure thinking was challenged, Director Amanda Eshenour and Program Director AmyBeth Gibbs, joined forces to build relational bridges throughout the week. Scouts, ages 6-10 played several games and were provided with visual elements to practice their skills. They discovered and explored flotation and buoyancy followed by each den building boats to launch and test on the last night. They learned about the reverence we give to our flag and why it is an important symbol of our country; each day opened and closed with the raising of the flag and Pledge of Allegiance. Awards were presented for Crazy Sock, Crazy Hat and Tie-Dye themed days, plus Sprint cars/racers visited for a group photo.
​
Curiosity was peaked by mentally engaging with the S.T.E.M. information and getting to practice many skills to those learning objectives (Hula Hoop Balancing, Sponge Relay, Square Knot challenge, etc.) The Cereal Box Relay also taught the importance of service to the community, as all boxes of cereal were being donated to the Hummelstown Food Pantry.
​
Even though racing often has just one winner, there is almost always a team effort behind the win! Part of that effort included: Rick Dague (Fishing Instructor), Matt Gibbs (Archery Instructor), Chip Bayer (S.T.E.M. Instructor), Rich Burdette (BB Gun Instructor), Maria Angelo (Health Officer), Den Chiefs Andrew Gibbs, Logan McDonnell, Etienne Hoskote, Jacob Hackman, Dominic Angelo, Ethan Angelo, Sebestian Angelo, and John Kline and Judy Stuller (HHA Board). Many thanks and gratitude to the parents and guardians for their support and for promoting growth and learning while having fun connecting with their children.
Flames flickering in the camp fire pit rounded off the week where singing, skits, awards and receipt of camp patches was enjoyed by all.
Having fun and collaborating with others, being kind and charitable, good sportsmanship, having empathy and respect toward others...you didn't just meet your goals, you exceeded them!! We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Cub Scout Twilight Camp 2022
One-Stop Fun
Harrisburg Hunters and Anglers had the privilege of hosting multiple area Cub Scout packs within the county for a five day Twilight Camp themed Cub Scout Investigator. HHA was the ideal setting and perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors.
​
The scouts, ages 6-10, opened each day with the raising of the flag and pledge. Ensuring there was never a dull moment, Camp Director Rich Burdette, Amanda Eshenour and Program Director AmyBeth Gibbs were careful about the use of time and created daily agendas that introduced thought-provoking activities. Each participant received a magnifying glass at the start of camp, becoming the focus for each activity which included observation skills, details and being prepared, good sportsmanship, identification of trees, cloud-gazing, nature walks, fingerprinting, and navigation tools. The more activities they participated in, the more they seemed to learn about themselves and what they were capable of.
​
Their Trading Post offered a variety of camping equipment, toys, and food. Welcome additions to camp were the skills of Rick Dague Fishing Instructor, Matt Gibbs Archery Instructor, Bob Hoppstetter and Abe Leshko Sports and Games Program Instructors and Dave Olsen BB Gun Instructor. And of course Health Officer Maria Angelo was always on hand to oversee camp safety. A big thank you to HHA board members John Kline and Rich Willier who were also available each day to support our guests.
​
A touch of sadness filled the air on the last evening of camp when families joined the fun and scouts showcased their rocket launch. Also memorable was gathering around the campfire to watch skits and to sing songs. District Director and Eagle Scout Roger Chatell was a particular hit with his crescendo and group participation. It was a point of honor for the scouts to receive their camp patches as well.
​
Friendship requires time for sharing experiences. An important nod to the camp ambassador’s whose interactive activities were designed to enrich minds while encouraging connections and awakening in the scouts an enthusiasm and knowledge they didn’t arrive at camp with. They will hopefully pass that knowledge on to others. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
