NORWICH – Young men and women between 14 and 20 are invited to an informational meeting about a new, youth-based hiking club sponsored by the Finger Lakes Trail Bullthistle Hiking Club in conjunction with Boy Scout Troop 62.
Learn more about the Venturing Scout Group from 2 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 17 at the Norwich Family YMCA.
“We were approached to sponsor this and we, of course, agreed,” said Bullthistle President and hiking enthusiast Don Windsor. “Our goal is to get other people hiking, of all ages.”
The Venturers will be self-led by members with guidance from adults involved with both the Boy Scouts and the Bullthistle Hiking Club, spending time exploring the many trails criss-crossing Chenango County, said Windsor. The Bullthistle hikers will also attempt to incorporate the teens in their weekly Sunday hikes.
District Chairman for the Boy Scouts of America Dominic Shea said the focus of Monday’s informational meeting will be determining exactly what activities the Venturers will take part in, most likely hiking, backpacking, camping and canoeing.
“It’s really up to them what they want to do,” said Shea. “Typically a program like this entails a lot of hiking locally, but future trips outside the county are a possibility.”
Troop 62 Scoutmaster Cliff Ketchum added that, even though hiking is the primary theme, it’s certainly not the limit.
The program will feature a few basic service requirements, including trail maintenance, which will be overseen by committee members Tom Breyden and John Elia. The committee itself is not fully formed at this point and there is “definitely an opportunity for more members,” added Shea.
Young men and women throughout Chenango County are urged to join the new hiking club for what Shea called an opportunity for a “real outdoor adventure.”
For more information contact Joseph Grabowski at 648-7888 or via e-mail at joseph.grabowski@scouting.org. For information on the Boy Scouts’ Venturer program visit www.scouting.org/venturing.