WESTFIELD – Scouting isn’t just about camping trips and merit badges; it is a journey that helps young people learn essential life skills, develop a strong sense of community and discover their potential, all while having fun and making lifelong friends. Westfield Troops 821 and 124 hope to foster that sense of community during their 16th annual Westfield Boy Scout Expo on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camp Moses. The event is an opportunity for children and parents to explore what it means to be a Scout through a wide range of activities.

“It’s a beautiful camp located on 1,300 acres surrounding Russell Pond,” Scoutmaster Jason Pitoniak, leader of Troop 821, said of the camp. “Scout troops will organize activities such as rock climbing, fire lighting, first aid and tomahawk throwing. Traditional homemade chili will be served for lunch. It is open to all young people from 5th to 10th grade.

Hoping to interest boys and girls in the joys of nature and scouting skills, Pitoniak and Scoutmaster Jodie Gaugh, leader of Troop 124, decided to co-host the event.