Just over a week from now, a large contingent of youths and adults from Schuylkill and Carbon counties will converge on the Owl Creek section of Tamaqua for a first-ever major fall camping event.

The Boy Scouts of Black Rock District, Hawk Mountain Council, will hold a "camporee" at the 915-acre Owl Creek Reservoir from Friday to Sunday."With Scouts, leaders and volunteers, we are at approximately 100," said Adrienne Wrona on Tuesday. Wrona, of Schuylkill Haven, is Black Rock District executive.At least 10 of the 26 troops in Schuylkill County have signed up.Kevin Steigerwalt, Tamaqua borough manager, said Scouts will set up campsites at a cleared field at the east end of Lower Dam, a site created during recent restoration of the two dams.Steigerwalt is a leader of Boy Scout Troop 777.Organizers also have the option of using additional land near the Upper Dam, if needed.The dams were opened as a recreation venue in 2002, providing opportunities for walking, biking, fishing and boating.The historic Owl Creek Reservoir includes dams that once supplied the town of Tamaqua with drinking water.However, the borough was required to bring the dams into compliance with safety regulations and the state required the borough to do a $6.36 million dam rehabilitation project in 2010.As a result, the dams were closed for a lengthy period.State grants paid for 80 percent of the project cost, or about $5.092 million. The town came up with the 20 percent match.When the dams reopened to the public in August 2013, activity skyrocketed with the addition of special holiday events, including hay rides, Santa visits and campfires.According to event organizers, the camporee weekend will include community service.For instance, on Saturday morning, scouts will perform a service project to be determined by the Owl Creek Reservoir Commission, a concept approved by borough council on July 15.Wrona indicated that Schuylkill County traditionally hosts a Klondike winter camporee each year at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation.But it has been about 20 years since Schuylkill County Scouts hosted a fall camping extravaganza.The Black Rock District comprises Schuylkill and a small portion of Carbon County, with 24 Cub Scout packs, 25 Boy Scout troops and three Venturing crews.Venturing crews are young adults, both men and women, who must be at least 14 years old, or 13 years old and have completed eighth grade. Venturing crews include participants through age 21.The purpose of Venturing is to provide positive experiences to help youth mature and to prepare them to become responsible adults.Among the Scout troops expected to arrive at Owl Creek are Troop 731, Ringtown; Troop 777, Tamaqua; Troop 744, Nesquehoning; and Crew 721, Shenandoah, plus others.