When you hear the word “adventure,” what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a trek across new terrain. Perhaps it’s the wide-open sea. Or maybe it’s even a journey through the world of STEM. Everyone has a different idea of adventure, and just as every adventure is unique, so is every family.
In a recent article from the Associated Press, journalist Katherine Roth encapsulates the very idea of what family adventure means in Scouting—and there’s something for everyone.
Roth details how BSA summer camps will be open to more youth this year than ever before.
“In some parts of the country, Boy Scouts of America-run programs open to both genders, including those involving local schools or community organizations,” Roth explains.
Summer camps are one way Scouting is reaching kids from all backgrounds, not just those who are already members.
“Around 50,000 boys and girls have visited our camps through school groups, and 85 percent are not registered with the Scouts,” Northern Star Council Scout executive John Andrews told Roth. “It’s a great way of showing the community what we do.”
Of course, kids aren’t the only ones in the family who can join in on the fun. Many parents choose to make summer camp a family affair by volunteering alongside their children.
Local Scout camps aren’t the only summer establishments welcoming more youth. National High-Adventure Bases such as Philmont Scout Ranch and the Summit Bechtel Reserve are excited to serve the whole family. Philmont will begin hosting Family Scouting adventures, and the Summit will soon follow suit, according to assistant chief Scout executive Al Lambert, who leads outdoor programming efforts.
“It’s an exciting time for us and our efforts in supporting girls and families, as well as boys,” Lambert told Roth. “We’re adapting to changing times.”
This will be a big summer for family camping now that girls, who are part of the Early Adopter Family Scouting program, can participate in Cub Scout summer camps. However, young women have long been participating in Scout camping through programs such as Exploring, Sea Scouting, and Venturing.
“When I joined Venturing, I was a shy and afraid little 14-year-old,” Agers told the AP. “Since then, I’ve learned to repel off a cliff backward, go on overnight trips in the wilderness, go mountain climbing and mountain biking, lead overnight canoe trips and brave zip lines. But learning leadership skills has been my favorite part of Venturing.”
“Girls who have experienced the programs say they can be empowering,” Roth explains. “For some camps — like Cub Scout camps — this will be the first summer that girls can participate as full members. Other BSA programs with summer camp options, like Venturing, have been co-ed for years.”
Greater St. Louis Area Council’s Maddy Agers, 18, serves as her area’s Venturing president, and she can certainly speak to the value of Scout camp for young women.
“When I joined Venturing, I was a shy and afraid little 14-year-old,” Agers told the AP. “Since then, I’ve learned to repel off a cliff backward, go on overnight trips in the wilderness, go mountain climbing and mountain biking, lead overnight canoe trips and brave zip lines. But learning leadership skills has been my favorite part of Venturing.”
“I’d say the best thing to do, for girls who think they’re interested, is just jump in,” she continues. “It’s not all guys. There are women who’ve been in Scouting for 40 years. I really hope if I have a daughter she’ll jump in just like I did.”
Read more about the Scouting adventures awaiting families this summer in the full story from the Associated Press in the Washington Post, then head to BeAScout.org to find out how you can get involved!
The post Reimagine Adventure With Your Family This Summer appeared first on Scouting Wire.
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