Birds are a hit with scouts

By Deone Roberts, AU Sport Development

Hundreds of Scouts attended the Scout Camporee in Erie, Colorado this past year. Each of them had a hands-on opportunity to learn about the racing sport. Scouts attended from several states, including Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and Kansas.

The Camporee was situated at the Erie airport. Organizers invited various aviation theme displays. The Northern Colorado Flyers Racing Pigeon Club coordinated the promotion opportunity. Rick Brown, Russ Ruybal, Steve Case, Dewey Barr and Dixie & Dan Rapelje set up an extensive display with birds, loft and feeding equipment, timing equipment, awards and a portable demonstration loft to provide an example of housing used in the hobby.

Promotion handouts were provided by the American Racing Pigeon Union. The club works closely with the AU office to keep a supply of materials for a variety of promotion opportunities. Some are specially created for the club’s purposes.

Additionally, the AU national office sent press advisories. Pigeon enthusiasts that had been looking for an area club came to the Camporee to get more information. The AU also assisted with manning the display.

A portion of the Camporee schedule was devoted to examining the various exhibits. Scouts lingered at the sport booth to gain a better understanding of the clocking process. They also learned more about meeting merit badge requirements in animal husbandry and woodworking through the pigeons.

Scouts were invited to send messages via pigeon. Phil Calerich loaned birds for the activity and waited at the loft to receive the birds and relay messages. That was the biggest hit of the day. Over 50 messages were sent. Scouts also had an opportunity to hold a pigeon and release it, with coaching by club members. 

The day was a great success! 

Club members are staying in touch with Scout representatives to take advantage of more opportunities and future events with the Scouts.

Russ Ruybal and Dixie Rapelje assist Scouts writing messages.

Scout releases bird