Get ready for Scout-O-Rama

WASILLA — After spending nearly half her life volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America and 16 years organizing Scout-O-Rama, Lois Feaster is back at the helm of the Scouts’ showcase event.

After a decade-long sabbatical, Feaster, 83, has returned to organize the Scout-O-Rama and Pine Wood Derby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 28 at Wasilla High School. She marked her 44th year volunteering with the group on March 16.

“People just kept asking me to come back to Scout-O-Rama,” she said of her decision to return.

The adventure started back in 1968 when son Gary Feaster turned 8. She drove him to his first Boy Scout meeting and the leaders there put her to work.

“I haven’t regretted any of it,” she said.

She’s also is a longtime volunteer for the Salvation Army and an usher for Valley Performing Arts.

At first, the Valley’s Boy Scouts were part of the Denali District in Anchorage, said Bear Paw District leader Justin Savadis. He said about 20 units from the Bear Paw District have confirmed their attendance.

The day will include a parade of flags, an honor guard from Pack 354 and demonstrations by search and rescue dogs, the Army National Guard, Wings of Freedom model airplane club, sled dog teams, welding and the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center.

Savadis, who also competes in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, said the Bear Paw District has about 1,464 Scouts.

For Feaster, she said Scout-O-Rama is an opportunity to demonstrate to her community that Scouting is still relevant.

“Scouting promotes life skills that will help youth overcome pitfalls life is throwing at kids these days,” she said.

Last year, about 1,000 people attended the daylong event.

Tickets to the event are $2 each.

“Come volunteer. Be part of scouting in the Valley again,” Savadis said.

For more information about Scouting, visit scoutingalaska.org/BearPaw, or contact Justin Savidis at 717-3221 or Justin.savidis@scouting.org.

Contact managing editor Heather A. Resz at 352-2268 or heather.resz@frontiersman.com.