Lower Bucks County Scouts Not Just for Boys

Scouting Outdoor Adventure Expo

Incorporated in 1910, the Boy Scouts has been preparing boys for leadership, work careers and rewarding life experiences for more than 100 years.  This year marked the third year the Lower Bucks County Boy Scouts has hosted the Scouting Outdoor Adventure Expo at the
Neshaminy Mall.  Several scouting troops, packs and one ship participated in Saturday’s event.

District Commissioner, Cheryl Hallowell, said the Boy Scouts holds its annual expo at the Neshaminy Mall to, “open the eyes of youth to scouting.”  She added, “Scouting is a lot of fun.  Youth can participate in other events and the Scouts.  They can take a break from scouting and return when their schedule is less full if they want.  There’s no minimum amount of time required to participate.  You can put in as much time as you want to advance.”

Dressed in white, Commodore Ann Newman said she’s been active in the Scouts for about 30 years.  She joined the Scouts because she “enjoys working with youth.  I work with the Delaware Valley Sea scouts,” she added. “Sea Scouts are for youth between 14 and 21 years old.”

Scouts Three Focus Areas for Youth and Communities

“The Boy Scouts concentrates on three areas,” Assistant Scoutmaster, Don Regan shared.  “We concentrate on outdoor activities like camping and canoeing.  We also concentrate on social engagement and community activities.  We’ve done events like Scouting for Food, Toys for Tots and a Flag Retirement Ceremony for vets.  We also focus on leadership and advancement.  Youth can go from Scout to Eagle Scout.  They can also hold leadership offices.”

As parents and their children made their way through the scouting expo, Cheryl Hallowell added, “Scouting is about serving the community.”  Another fact Cheryl shared might surprise a few readers.  The Boy Scouts is not just for boys.  In fact, both boys and girls participate in Venturing, a program that focuses on adventurous outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

The Lower Bucks County Boys Scouts hold at least one event a month for a total of 12 events a year.  Some members like Assistant Scoutmaster, Perry Strauss, and Rich Yatchyshyn, Committee Chairman of Pack 180, have been involved with the Scouts since they were kids.  Although not at Saturday’s expo, Dan Rice, Charter Representative for Troop 180, has been a Scout for 75 years. 

Across from where Perry and Rich stood, Boy Scouts, William and Ricky, busied themselves building a Klondike Derby Sled.  They made rope knots to hold the sled’s wood poles in place. “We get one to two hours to build the sled,” William said.  He let on that, “This is my second time building a derby sled.”  William and Ricky have been scout members for six years.  “I like camping best,” William said.  “I like to hike and go camping,” Ricky shared.

Quartet of Scouts Share Insights and Musings

As a family of four stopped by one of the five booths, a quartet of boys (Eric, Luis, Everardo and Kevin) sat behind a table topped with books.  When asked why he joined the Boy Scouts Eric replied, “It’s a good way to meet people who have similar interests as you.  The scouts helps you decide what kind of career you want in life because you get a taste of everything.”

Luis said, “The Boy Scouts is fun.  You can hang out with other people.  I’ve been in the Scouts for about eight years.  I joined as a Cub Scout.”

“The Boy Scouts show you how to take responsibility in life,” Everardo, one of the newer members, added.  When asked how, Everardo quickly shared, “If you want to join the Army, etc., you can earn about different knots.”

Kevin, a first year Scout, agreed.  “The Boy Scouts shows you what you can do when you grow up.  It gets you ready for life.  There are different types of merit badges you can earn,” Kevin continued.  “You can get a merit badge in computers, electricity, astronomy, space exploration, camping, hiking, animal study, weather, etc.”

“There are about 132 merit badges you can earn,” Eric interjected.  New badges are added each year.”  As if recalling an old friend, he miled and said, “Steven Spielberg was a Boy Scout.  He took photography.  He liked it so much he took up directing.”

Parents and kids interested in joining the Boy Scouts of Lower Bucks County are encouraged to visit http://www.buckscountybsa.org.