Practicing Scouting skills, playing games and generally having a great time, more than 50 boys gathered at the Riverbank Community Park over the past week in a Cub Olympics day camp.

Drawn from all over the central district of the Greater Yosemite Council, the Cub Scouts came from a variety of communities including Oakdale, Riverbank, Salida, Escalon, even Groveland, Angels Camp and Coulterville, said camp director Jennifer Hetzler.

Cub Scouts are of ages seven to 11 years and when they reach 12 qualify to become Boy Scouts.

On Thursday of the three day camp, they were playing games like the noodle javelin throw and Frisbee discus toss – the camp was named after the Olympic Games now under way in England. There were also badminton and volleyball games going on.

In another area, a group was wielding metal dies and hammers to stamp and then sew leather holders for pocket knives and flashlights.

Beneath the gazebo there was a breeze and it was cool enough for another group to eat.

The next day, the boys were due to enjoy games again then conclude the camp with a visit to the adjacent city swimming pool.

The district day camp used to be held in Modesto. But Hetzler persuaded the authorities to bring it to Riverbank this summer. She plans to hold the camp at Jacob Myers Park next year, extend it to four days, and devote the entire fourth day to swimming at the city pool.

Besides the Cub Scouts, there were a handful of girls and many adult volunteers and parents helping the camp operate.

To rent the gazebo and the pool, the district made reservations with the city recreation office and paid out of registration fees levied on the camp participants.

Those interested in joining the Scouts may contact their local pack leader - Packs 10 and 40 are based in Riverbank - Hetzler noted. Or call the district Scouting office at 545-6320 in Modesto for information on packs in the other cities taking part in the camp.