ABOVE: Siblings Kane and Khloe Wallman blow and play with bubbles at the Weird Science Camp, hosted by Twin Valley Council, in Fairmont. The event was to grab the interests of families about scouting, and encourage children to register for Boy Scouts troops.

FAIRMONT — Minnesota Boy Scouts shared their skills and activities with the community in hopes of encouraging families to become involved with scouting and its mission to enrich and empower children during a ‘Weird Science Camp’ on Saturday at Cedar Point Scout Camp. More than 500 families registered to attend the event and immersed themselves in more than 30 activities that are taught to Boy Scouts in events and camps. Activities included Oobleck, Slime, Lava Lamps, BB Guns, Archery and more.

Nicole Loyd is a long-time Boy Scouts affiliate, and a Pack Leader/Cubmaster for Pack #105, of Albert Lea. Additionally, she assisted with the Weird Science Camp on-site on Saturday. She described that she has been leading troops for three years, and her son’s ambition for Boy Scouts is what encouraged her to begin leading. Before she became the leader of the troop, Loyd explained she was balancing leadership duties amongst herself and several other parents, before she gradually transitioned into her concrete role of leader. As the Twin Valley Council was planning the event months prior, they admired Loyd’s and her son’s appreciation for science and invited her to coordinate.

“They asked me to help organize and put on this, ‘Weird Science Camp’. They saw I did a lot of science projects with my son, and that I would be a good candidate to help with that,” Loyd said. After she accepted the council’s offer, she began to have meetings with fellow coordinators, which became more frequent until the day the camp arrived. With the teamwork of the troops and the additional help of a generous grant from Martin County’s Youth Foundation (MCYF), the event was in full swing, filled with lively attendants and entertaining activities.

Not only was the event meant to contribute to a leisurely weekend, but it was also to provide families a glimpse into what scouting is like after registration. With how many families registered, Boy Scouts troops hope to see an uptick in scout participant numbers.

“If you like these activities, scouting is for you,” she said, remarking how the event gives children a glimpse of the scouting lifestyle. “Scouting covers cornerstone values. If you learn them, you will do well in life.”

To further encourage new scouts, an informational and registration tent was available at the camp. Loyd emphasized that Scouts garner important life skills and knacks, that may prove to be life-saving in dire situations. Furthermore, on this claim, Loyd shared a report regarding a former Boy Scout who was affected by the devastating Hurricane Milton in Florida. With power outages, the alumnus was able to persevere through the storm by using skills he had learned during his scouting years to combat the blackout and create a solar oven. Loyd agreed that many lessons that children can pick up as a scout will follow them into their adulthood lives, and provoke them to make wise decisions, should the opportunity allow it.

When asked about the conclusion of the Weird Science Camp event, Loyd said she was pleased with the number of participants and was happy to witness the children find entertainment and, more importantly, stay productive in the numerous activities the troops provided.

“I was happy with the turnout, and I hope kids walked away feeling like they did something instead of sitting at home and watching TV,” she said.

The Weird Science Camp may possibly become an annual event, but no confirmation was provided. Surveys to record opinions on the event will be distributed to families who registered for the camp. Loyd said that the Boy Scouts strives to host a community-involved event each Fall. According to Loyd, a Scout Expo will be held in 2026, however, specifics including dates and locations are yet to be determined by the council.

Loyd emphasized that parents and adults putting time into Boy Scouts is helpful to the troops and the leaders. For additional information on how to become involved, volunteer, find out about future events, or enroll a child interested in scouting, visit the official Boy Scouts website.