Scout Jamboree in Orange

Orange (WTNH) - The Boy Scouts are hosting their biannual jamboree at the Orange Fairgrounds this weekend.

More than 3,000 Boy Scouts turned out for this year's event, the largest gathering of Scouts in the Connecticut Yankee Council's history .

The event was open to the public Saturday with more than 110 activities are planned for youth of all ages. Outside organizations are setting up displays and activities. In addition, area Boy Scout troops are hosting demonstrations on Scouting skills such as knot-tying, rope bridges and a rocket launch. A climbing wall, reptile show, demonstrations from public agencies and the military, as well as outside vendors are also available.

"The key essence to scouting is boy run and boy done. Everything you see here has all been done by the boys," said Bruce Barker, Scout leader.

About 1,500 Scouts will be camping out Saturday night.

"I love camping out, learning how to whittle. Mostly I love camping out," said Luke Uhran, a Scout from Monroe. 

The Scouts also partnered with Habitat for Humanity for a can and bottle collection. Last year they redeemed more than $14,000 worth of bottles and cans and they're hoping to exceed that amount this year.