Photo by Katrina Fuller Klondike sled racing was a popular activity at the Winter Fun Day Camp at Camp Merz Saturday. While the sleds are traditionally a Boy Scouts item, the younger cub scouts learned from the older boys how they worked.

MAYVILLE — From sled races to bow and arrow shooting, Cub Scouts in Chautauqua County enjoyed a snowy day of fun Saturday.

During the annual Winter Fun Day at Camp Merz held by the Allegheny Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 400 Cub Scouts and their leaders gathered for a day of outdoor activities in the winter weather.

Jenn Diate, Pack 173 leader, said her troop stayed the night in a cabin at the camp, and were thrilled to be a part of the event.

“It’s fun, and there are all different activities for the kids to try,” Diate said. “It’s all outdoors, but you dress warm and it’s OK. It (includes) all different troops from throughout Chautauqua County.”

She said the annual event gets the kids to try new activities and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. Also, Diate said the atmosphere is very friendly and family oriented.

Joe Pillittieri, district activities chairman, said a few new activities were added, including a Children’s Safety Village activity as well as a center for All American Karate out of Ashville. Other sponsors for the group included ALSTAR EMS, Boy Scout Troop 201, Eagle Dreams Rehabilitation Center and Cabela’s.

Other stations included a compass challenge, knots and ropes, a Cabela’s shooting range and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The groups rotated through each station throughout the day until they had participated in all of them.

“It’s a day of learning as well as having fun,” said Pillittieri. “It’s a great opportunity for youth.”

Activities included first aid, archery, a snowball slingshot station and a bird of prey demonstration. The event was coordinated by William Cole, the new district executive, who said it was his second event with the council.

Cole joined the staff in January. He said he is thankful to be back, as this was his council when he was younger.

The Allegheny Highland Council serves both Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties with units in Randolph, Jamestown, Panama, Mayville, Frewsburg, Falconer, Celoron, Westfield, Brocton, Cassadaga, Gowanda and Cattaraugus, which includes members from Little Valley.