WHITE OAK, N.C. — Scouts and Scouters from the Diocese of Raleigh gathered at Camp Bowers March 13-15 for the 2026 Catholic Scout Camporee. The theme for the weekend, “Open My Eyes,” was drawn from the Gospel reading for that Sunday, recounting Jesus’ healing of the man born blind.
The weekend included Morning Prayer and a reflection by Austin Faur, director of the Youth Apostolate at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Raleigh.
Scouts participated in a variety of activities, including rocketry, a nature walk, target sports and falconry. They also enjoyed recreational time using the camp’s GaGa Ball pit and basketball court.
Father Scott McCue, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Cary and diocesan Scout chaplain, presided at Mass Saturday evening.
During the weekend, seven Scouts were presented with the religious emblems they had earned. These emblems help Scouts deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and integrate their faith more fully into their Scouting experience.
The Catholic Committee on Scouting of the Diocese of Raleigh, which sponsors the camporee, presented the Jan Malkiewicz Distinguished Award of Merit to the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Michael A. Carey Council #6650 in recognition of their long-term support of the camporee. The Bronze Pelican Award was presented to Scouter Nicolle Pollaci for her leadership in coordinating the event. In addition, Mike Nemecek, chair of the Catholic Committee on Scouting, received the St. George Award in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to Catholic Scouting.
The next event sponsored by the Catholic Committee on Scouting will be the annual Mass of Thanksgiving Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Apex. The 2027 Catholic Scout Camporee is scheduled for March 12–14.
For more information on Catholic Scouting in the Diocese of Raleigh, please contact:
Father Scott McCue
Fr.Scott.McCue@raldioc.org
Mike Nemecek
mike.nemecek@sas.com
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