The Paul Bunyan Field Day is one of two possible camp-wide competitions between troops on Saturday Afternoon at Horseshoe. The other event is Water Carnival. The events alternate every other week in camp (i.e. Week 1 will have PB, Week 2 will have WC, Week 3 will have PB... etc.). Because camp runs an odd number of weeks (seven) that means that it also alternates every year for troops like Paoli 1 that attend camp for the same week each year. Therefore even numbered years are Paul Bunyan and odd numbered years are Water Carnival.
Paul Bunyan Field Day is hosted by the Campcraft department and includes many scouting traditions mixed with the western theme of the event. Paoli 1 is proud to be able to have a different scout participate in almost every single event.
Although there are some events that change from year to year most of them remain constant in the competition.
String Burnin': Two scouts build and light a fire in order to burn through a string at a designated height using all natural, non-chemical materials. Note: Some years they must use flint and steel other years scouts are allowed matches.
Steel Drivin': One scout must focus all of his energy into a single swing meant to drive a steel spike deep into the heart of a log.
Log Choppin': A team of four scouts alternate every two swings in a relay fashion to cut through their logs. Points are awarded to the troop with the fewest number of swings.
Jim Roadcap and Rob Cepielik 2012
Paul Bunyan Look a Likin': One Scoutmaster attempts to impersonate the Patron Saint of Lumberjacks. Note: Paoli 1 always uses the giant double bladed axe and often accompanies Paul with his trusted companion Babe the Blue Ox.
Pole Raisin': Five scouts raise a pole using a masthead, sheetbend, and tautline knots for support.
Bar Heavin': A master of speed throws his rope over a horizontal bar and uses a clove hitch, sheepshank, and timber hitch to hoist a log completely off the ground.
Knot Tyin': One scout quickly ties nine knots on and around his body in specific locations.
Pancake Eatin': One hungry scout consumes a Lumberjack portion of flapjacks as quickly as possible.
Climbin': A lone scout must climb a pole/ladder (depending on the year) to retrieve a flag before his competitors can do the same.
Mark Dong, Ethan Miller, Sam Williams, and Amir Borghaei win first place in Chariot Racing
Chariot Racin': Three rope knowledgeable scouts and one light-weight scout use 3 square lashings to construct a chariot by which to race a race.
Log Hossin': One Scoutmaster and one scout must hoss a log as far as they can
Ox Huntin': Two scouts use their way-findin' skills (and a compass) to determine the location of Paul's lost companion.
Giant Clove Hitch: Four beginner scouts must tie a clove hitch around a tree using one of Paul Bunyan's own shoelaces.
Two Man Saw 2008, the Hoods
Two Man Sawin': One scout and scoutmaster have their teamwork tried using the saw of saws.
Judgin': One keen scout is asked to estimate the height, weight, and distance of certain objects.
Paoli 1 v. Troop 78 in Tug-of-war Paul Bunyan 2012
Rope Tuggin': A team of your burliest scouts must heave and ho their way to total victory. The combined weight limit of scouts is 1000 lbs.
Other Points
Extra points are awarded for cheers and participation. Paoli 1 is consistent in always supporting all of their scouts in every event.
Dress
All scouts wear Class B's and have optional toothpicks.
Parents, relatives, and friends of the scouts in camp are encouraged to attend this exuberant event. While they do not participate, the families can spectate, cheer, and take pictures and video of the various competitions. The support of the parents drives the scouts to perform at their best.
