Covington Moose Lodge 610's field west of Covington was filled to capacity at the recent Boy Scout Moose Camporee. A total of 627 Scouts and Leaders converged at the Covington Moose Lodge for the 19th annual weekend event.

Boy Scout volunteer leader and event organizer Cindy Zollman said this year's camporee was the largest ever held at the Moose park. "We had scouts from as far away as Northern Virginia and Richmond join us," said Zollman. Over 50 local scouts from Covington, Clifton Forge and Bath County attended the camporee.

Thirty-three different Merit Badges were available to the several hundred scouts in attendance.

While the annual event is a Boy Scout Camporee, Zollman said it would be impossible to accommodate the large number of scouts without the assistance of the Covington Moose Lodge. She remarked: "Without the year-long support of the Lodge and, in particular, Leslie Lawson and B.A. Fridley, we would not be able to make this the premier scout event it has become."

Boy Scout District Executive Scott Lancey echoed her comments. "You know you have a great event when scouts and scoutmasters ask about next year's Moose Camporee" Zollman added. "We are able to provide such a quality program here because the Covington Moose Lodge and many volunteers in Alleghany County support the goals and ideas of the Boy Scouts of America. It is rewarding to bring so many visitors into the Highlands and hear them say that they will be back. That's good for everyone."

The Boy Scouts of America is open to boys from 10-18 years of age. Camperships and financial assistance are available. For more information about joining a Boy Scout Troop in the area, contact Boy Scout office at 540-464-1100.