Marines

Photo Information

Jordan Perry, a Cub Scout, slides down a 40-foot-long zip-line during the Makahiki event May 9, 2015. Perry could only go down the line once he completed crossing the monkey bridge and rope bridge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Khalil Ross/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Khalil Ross

Scouts show what they know

15 May 2015 | Cpl. Khalil Ross Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Boy scouts and cub scouts weaving rope, tying knots and obstacle courses were the activities of the day Saturday as the 104th annual Makahiki event took place at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Sixty different scout troops, 20 different military demonstrations and a handful of different food vendors made up the event. The Makahiki is an event where local Boy Scout and Cub Scout programs raise funds for their own education programs said Jason Fujita, the Makahiki volunteer director.

He said the event was a great chance for the boys to see the community.

“It’s a great opportunity for the boys to engage the military and see the kind of equipment they use and the kind of jobs there are,” Fujita said.

Each Department of Defense branch was in attendance of the event with the biggest attractions being the Marines showing off trucks and the army showing off artillery and explosive ordnance disposal suits.

Fujita said he and other committee members start planning seven to eight months in advance of the event. A lot of the planning involves figuring out the layout of the booths, food vendors, entertainment and different demonstrations.

The event has been held at Sand Island until recently in 2010 it was moved to Ala Moana Beach Park.

Billy Rayl, the staff advisor, said the Makahiki is the oldest scouting show and has been around since 1910.

“Scouting teaches leadership skills and development,” he said. “(The boys) are excited to share (what they know and have learned) with the community.”

Rayl said a lot of the packs and troops have parents who are also in the military.

Staff Sgt. Adam Walker, the administration chief for Marine Corps Base Hawaii command deck, is also the assistant troop master of his son’s Boy Scout Troop.

Walker said the reason he joined was to be closer and more involved with his son.

He said he’s been the assistant troop master for the last year and the troop has done a ton of work together, including the last two Makahiki events.

“This Makahiki event we braided 550 paracord bracelets and also handles for (water bottles),” Walker said. “We were pretty popular and sold a lot of them.”

Walker said he had never worked with the Boy Scouts before his time with troop 32. This is the second time walker has participated in the Makahiki event and is looking forward to next year


Marine Corps Base Hawaii