Commando Games is a weekend-long, capture-the-flag event held each November and run by Oreland Troop 1 at Hawk Mountain Camp.
2024 Event Details
Dates: November 8-10, 2024
Location: Hawk Mountain Camp
Participating Units: Oreland Troop 1, Troop 1 Sellersville, Troop 22, Troop 72 Abington, Troop 126 Philadelphia, Troop 144 Havertown and Troop 1917.
Preliminary Meeting Dates:
October 17: General Selection @ 7 p.m. (Room 203/204 at Christ’s Lutheran Church, 700 E Pennsylvania Ave in Oreland)
October 28: Meeting of the Armies @ 7:30 p.m. (Parish Hall at Christ’s Lutheran Church, 700 E Pennsylvania Ave in Oreland)
What are the Commando Games?
As the November chill sets in, troops from across the region converge on Hawk Mountain Camp, ready for an unforgettable weekend. Divided into two fierce armies—Gasiola and Vomitania—they prepare for battle as the Commando Games begin. With a mix of anticipation and strategy, Scouts will employ every skill they’ve learned, from stealthy reconnaissance and subterfuge to daring frontal assaults. The rules are clear, yet ripe for debate, and the motto rings out: “If it is not expressly prohibited, it must be allowed.”
Over the course of the weekend, the 18-acre camp becomes a war zone of capture-the-flag, with elements of flag football thrown in for good measure. The air is filled with excitement, laughter, and the unique mix of stench and glory that defines these Games. It’s an intense, non-stop adventure where every flag captured brings glory and every strategy matters.
On Sunday, the excitement reaches its peak. After a quiet morning chapel service and a Scoutcraft competition, the final battle ensues. The weekend concludes in a haze of smoke and triumph during the flag ceremony, where one army will stand victorious, earning their rightful place in the annals of Commando Games history.
FAQ
Oreland Troop 1 hosts this event. The key contact is Steve Friz (aka the “Supreme Commander,”) an adult leader with Oreland Troop 1. Adult leaders from participating troops assist as referees, scorekeepers, cooks in the kitchen, etc.
Typically, we have about 100 Scouts participate in this event. In 2024, there were participating Scouts from (7) units.
2003. There were no games held in 2011, 2020 & 2021. An archive of the Generals and the winning army for each year can be found here.
For 2024, the cost for the event is $60. This includes food for the weekend and some type of collectible “Commando Games” souvenir (t-shirt, sweatshirt, hat).
Please contact Steve Friz via email. This event typically fills up quickly, so if you’re interested we’d recommend that you let us know prior prior to September.
Please contact Steve Friz via email.