Parents who’d like for their sons to get a taste of the adventures offered by Boy Scouting are invited to bring their sons to the first-ever Troop 46 Camping Expo set for Sat., May 4, in Robinson Park.

Displays in the park will give potential Scouts an idea of what it’s like to participate in camping, hiking, and rappelling.

Gary Buck, a veteran Scout leader who’s helping organize the event, said it’s designed to give boys a hands-on introduction.

“And we want parents to see that there is a clean, wholesome, safe environment in Scouting.”

It is a tradition for Andalusia’s Troop 46, sponsored by Andalusia First United Methodist Church, to make an annual trip to Alabama’s highest point, Mt. Cheaha, for a weekend of natural rock climbing and rappelling. Scouts are able to experience a near 100 foot rappel looking out over some of the most beautiful scenery in Alabama. While there, they visit areas of the park that most people never get to see.

On trips like this, Scouts learn much more than knots and how to set up a tent. They gain a great quantity of confidence by learning to prepare for the trip, cooking for themselves, leading others, and teaching younger Scouts what they have learned.

Each December, smoke rises from the woods outside of River Falls as Scouts from all over South Alabama and Northwest Florida join Troop 46 at the annual Woodsmoke Rendezvous. For more than 30 years, Scouts have experienced 1830s Mountain Man life by dressing, eating, and competing as fur trappers from the Lewis and Clark era. The Scouts love this weekend even without phones and digital tablets.

The foundation of Scouting is based on a duty to God. While adventures may take Scouts to faraway places, there is always an opportunity to recognize their faith and have respect for all religions and denominations. Some of the most memorable church services are held under a canopy of trees experiencing the Sprit of God, surrounded by His creation.

Troop 46 represents all of Covington County. Younger kids (kindergarten to 4th grade) can join Cub Scouts, while 5th grade and up can experience high adventure by joining Boy Scout Troop 46.

At next Saturday’s Expo, students in kindergarten through 4th grade are invited to visit from 4 until 5 p.m. Fifth grade and up are invited to attend from 5 p.m. until dusk.

Representatives will be on hand to answer questions and register new members and parents can meet adult leaders that are involved with the great success of Scouting in Covington County.

At dusk, Troop 46 will hold a flag retirement ceremony and welcomes the entire community to attend.

An information flyer will be delivered to city and county schools to be distributed in the coming week.