The proposed theme for the 2010 Carroll District Spring Camporee is "Carroll County Treasures". We all recall the popular movie a few years back, where Charles Carroll, the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence, was depicted keeping a National Secret until his deathbed, only to pass it on to his loyal coach driver named Gates, but don't worry, we are not stealing the Declaration of Independence. The boys will, however, test their knowledge of history, learn what it was like to live in Carroll County 100 years ago, practice scout skills and have a bit of adventure.

Troop 428 will invite representatives from various organizations throughout Carroll County to give demonstrations and talk about their job and organization. The catch is every organization must have ties to Carroll County.

A preliminary list follows (expecting some not to participate):

• Farming: (Baugers - perhaps a dairy farm - they could milk cows?)
• Bookmaking (Random House)
• Press (Carroll County Times)
• Radio (WTTR)
• Engineering (Northrop Grumman)
• Sports (Ravens representative)
• Education (Member of Board of Education, McDaniel College or CCCC)
• Art (Carroll County Center for the Arts)
• Fire fighting (Any number of local fire companies)
• Fitness (YMCA or local gym)
• Metalworking (blacksmith or local machine shop)
• Aircraft (someone from the airport)
• Healthcare (Carroll County Hospital)
• Geology (lafarge quarry)
• Automotive repair (any number of local garages)
• Politics (our state representative, or member of the county council)
• Local History (Historical Society of Mt Airy, Sykesville, Wsmstr,etc.)

Each representative would be set up in a station, and all the troops attending the camporee would cycle through each station. The schedule would be organized is such a way where the boys would alternate from a sitting/lecture station to a hands-on/activity station.

This type of structure would provide the boys the opportunity to learn a little bit about what profession they may be interested in. It will also provide the opportunity to complete a requirement that is listed on so many elective merit badges, "describe a job in this or that profession"

At each Station, each patrol/troop will need to record a specific fact from each station/representative that will reveal a unique clue in deciphering the secret of "Carroll County Treasure"

We will ask the representative to stay at a station for only three hours in the morning or the afternoon. Troops will rotate through 12 unique half-hour stations so that based on troop head count, no more than 30 scouts at any stations. This plan will accommodate 180 scouts. Adding 2 more stations (one more in the am and one more in the pm) will increase the number to 210 scouts

As a thank you to the representatives, we will provide a catered lunch they can enjoy either before or after they host their station. The troops will be asked to prepare all their own meals; providing them with an opportunity to earn their first class cooking.

Please have your boys put this event on their schedule, and plan your meetings accordingly.