After years of planning, attending meetings, preparing and finally packing their bags, Patterson Boy Scouts and leaders from Patterson Troops 81, 86 and 533 left Tuesday, July 20, for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the East Coast.

The group will attend the 2010 National Centennial Jamboree in Fort Hill, Va., for a week of learning, fun and leadership, earning merit badges and celebrating 100 years of scouting. The Jamboree will welcome thousands of Scouts and leaders, including 109 Scouts and 13 leaders from the Greater Yosemite Council, of which Patterson troops are part.

One Boy Scout, Spencer Sonnefeld, the 12-year-old son of Donald and Rinda Sonnefeld, will keep the Patterson community updated during the Scouts’ travels, including visits to historic places, as Patterson’s hometown news correspondent to the Irrigator.

The Creekside Middle School eighth-grader is a Star Scout in Troop 86.

“Jamboree seems like it’s going to be loads of fun,” Spencer said. “It’s such an honor, as well, to be writing stories back to the folks at home.”

John Bingham of Boy Scout Troop 81 will go to the Jamboree for a second time because he has not yet turned 18, the age limit for Scouts to attend the event.

“Not too many people get to do a second time around,” Bingham said. “I’m just lucky to reach it at 17. The first time I went, I had an absolute blast. This year, I’m much older. I’ve studied some of these places we’re about to see in history. We’re about to see how I’ll have a much greater feel for the significance of this experience.”

Donald Sonnefeld, of Troop 86, will be scoutmaster for Jamboree Troop 625.

“It is a real honor to have been selected as one of the three scoutmasters from the Greater Yosemite Council and to lead a troop to the Jamboree,” Sonnefeld said. “This is a highlight of my time in Scouting. I look forward to the adventure that awaits us at the Jamboree and on our tour.”

Jamboree troops 624, 625 and 626 have a three-week itinerary planned. Scouts will tour Washington, D.C.; Annapolis and Fort McHenry in Maryland; Gettysburg, Pa.; and Mount Vernon and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia before beginning their Jamboree activities.

When the Jamboree is finished, the group will visit colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Jamestown, Va., before returning home Aug. 6.

At a glance

• WHAT: Boy Scouts of America 2010 National Centennial Jamboree

• WHEN: Monday, July 26, through Aug. 4

• DETAILS: Adults Kenny Buehner and Wayne and Kelley Lehr will serve on the Jamboree staff. Donald Sonnefeld (Troop 86) is scoutmaster for Greater Yosemite Council Jamboree Troop 625, Ralph Danforth (Troop 533) is assistant senior patrol leader, John Bingham (Troop 81) is patrol leader and Riordan Zentler (Troop 81) is assistant patrol leader. Matt Long (Troop 533) is a patrol leader in Jamboree Troop 626. Other Scouts from Patterson who will attend are Davey McCord (Troop 81) and Brandon Naegeli and Seth Fairchild (Troop 533).