Eagle Scout Resources - Tequesta District

Joseph P. Magruder Sr. Annual Camping Award

History of the Award
Joesph P. Magruder Senior registered with Boy Scout Troop 21 in 1931. Camping was an important part of early Scouting and he loved it. Throughout his Scouting career, Joe has participated in both local, state, national and international camping events. Just a few of his adventures include: Scoutmaster for four World Jamborees (XII in Farragut State Park, Idaho; XIII in Japan; XIV in Lillehammer, Norway and XV scheduled for Iran but moved to Kopparbo, Sweden). Contingent Staff 3rd Pan American Jamboree in Bogota, Columbia. Scoutmaster 4th Caribbean Jamboree in Barbados, West Indies, Staff 6th Caribbean Jamboree in Paramaribo, Surinane. Contingent Leader for Diamond Jubilee International Camporee in Nassau, Bahamas. National Jamboree in Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania, 50th Wood Badge Reunion in Gilwell, London, England. Pilmont Leader in 1969. Campmaster of the Lincoln-Marti Camporee in 1974 and 1975. Chairman of Barefoot Mailman Hike (to date, Joe Magruder is the only Scouter to hike and camp the Barefoot Mailman 21 consecutive times, and this is just a partial list!

As camping Chairman for the Tequesta District from 1967-1975, Joe planned and supervised events for the more than 30 Boy Scout Troops in Tequesta District. In an effort to encourage Troops to get away from once a year camping trips and to develop a more regular, skill developing cmaping program, the Joseph P. Magruder Sr. Annual Camping Award was introduced in 1976.

The design of the trophy is a bronze tent with campfire which was created and made by Paul Rossell at the Rossell Foundry in Miami. The mahogany base was hand crafted by Scout Bob Vel at Peterson's Refinishing Company. The trophy is presented to the Troop which goes camping the most number of nights during the calendar year. The Troop number is engraved upon a plaque on the base. The trophy is then presented at the annual Tequesta District dinner each spring. Because the trophy is passed from troop to troop, the winning troop also received a commemorative plaque to keep in their meeting place.

Requirements to Compete for the Camping Award:

50% or more of your Troop must participate in each camping trip. This is a Troop Award, not a patrol or individual award.
Suggestions for camping nights, if 50% requirement is met:
- troop camping
- long term camping
- special camping events
- canoe or sailing trips
- Barefoot Mailman Hike
- summer camp
- Merit Badge College
- District camporees
- Council camporees
- Philmonth Scout Ranch
- National Jamborees
- International Jamborees
- World Jamborees
Your troop may camp in tents or under the stars. Cabins or watercraft are acceptable if campcraft skills are utilized. You must demonnstrate that campcraft skills were used if you wish to take credit for nights spent in cabins or aboard vessels.
The following sleeping arrangements do not qualify as "camping" for purposed of this award:
- motel/hotel accommodations
- rv/motor homes/trailers
- sleeping in vehicles
Troop participation in Order of the Arrow camp outs will NOT be considered
How to apply for the Award - Your application MUST INCLUDE the following:
A. Number of registered scouts in your Troop
B. For each trip:
- Dates
- Number of Scouts participating (must be 50% or more of the number registered)
- Location (in the case of tie awards, the winner will be determined by the greatest amount of difficulty - wilderness camping as opposed to local parks or distance from home)
- Attach a copy of the camping permit
- Total number of nights camped for the calendar year

Any questions about camping or the award, contact: Gary McGraw, Tequesta District Camping Chairman, McGraw@compuserve.com

need help? send e-mail to: webmaster@tequestadistrict.org