Event expected to bring 60,000 people, Locals advised of possible impacts

Scheduled for Aug. 5 through 11, the International Pathfinders Camporee will bring approximately 60,000 people from 96 countries to Gillette.

This is the same week as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and while neither event will take place in Weston County, the county’s emergency management coordinator said he has put out information to make the public aware of the event and its potential impacts locally.

“I don’t know of any particular preparation being made, as that is not my area, but I have put out information hopefully to let people know that there could be impacts to our community with the extra influx of people,” Gilbert Nelson said.

With that many people in the area, Nelson said, local communities could see stores, gas stations and other providers run low on food and other supplies.

Nelson noted that Newcastle and surrounding areas can also expect an increase in traffic, which will require extra caution, especially with the construction taking place on the U.S. Highway 16 Bypass through Newcastle.

Other concerns, he said, involve the potential for events such as the Sturgis rally and Camporee to bring out the “bad people.” He said this increased risk will require the community to work together to make sure that visitors traveling through the county are safe and enjoy their time.

According to the information put out by Nelson on the emergency management Facebook page, the public should expect traffic congestion leading up to and in the days after the conclusion of the Camporee. It also notes that consumable goods could be in short supply.

“It is wise to assume Gillette residents will be visiting or passing through Weston County areas to avoid the influx of people in Campbell County, shopping at our stores and fueling at our gas stations,” the information states. “There is expected to be a lot of campers in the Black Hills Forest district during this time.”

To help avoid issues, Nelson’s information sheet recommends that people stock up on needed items, understand that the influx of people visiting or passing through is temporary, keep vehicles full of fuel and keep a close eye on their children. It notes that business owners should make sure they are well stocked with goods.

Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to
call Weston County Emergency Management for more information.

What is the Camporee?

The Camporee is a gathering of Pathfinders clubs from around the world, according to information provided in a press release by the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security.

“Pathfinders clubs are each similar to a Boy Scouts of America troop, but generally open to boys and girls ages 10-15 and organized worldwide through the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” the release says. “The events are held every five years. (Similar to Boy Scout Jamboree.) The last Camporee was in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 2019, with approximately 50,000 attendees.”

This year’s event, according to the release, is expected to be a tremendous success thanks to the diligent planning and support from Campbell County and the city of Gillette.

“Comprehensive planning efforts at the local and county levels over the past 18 months have helped prepare and ensure a safe and welcoming environment,” the release says. “The state has been participating in conference calls with roughly 300 invited partners, including event organizers. Planning efforts have focused on transportation, medical emergencies and weather coordination.”

Attendees visiting Gillette because of the event will travel by various modes of transportation through different areas of the state to reach their destinations.

More information on the event can be found at Camporee.org, Camporee.wyo.gov, and at InformGillette.com.