Scouts’ wild adventure

By Tania Martin
NINE Ferny Creek scouts have just returned home from a whirlwind trip that most kids only dream of.
They recently spent 30 days travelling across America visiting national parks, camping and putting their canoeing skills to the test.
Scout leader Russell Oldham said the troop had initially planned a nine-day canoeing adventure in Canada but decided to extend their trip.
He said it was a great opportunity for the boys to experience a new culture and way of living.
Mr Oldham said this great America adventure took more than six-months to plan but was worth all the hard work.
He said the scouts had a fantastic time travelling more than 4000 kilometres across Wyoming to participate in a summer camp called Camp Little Lemhi.
The scouts also visited the world-renowned Yellowstone National Park where they got up close and personal with a cinnamon brown bear.
“We were walking back from a visit to the Yellowstone River Grand Canyon when we saw a bear grazing 20 metres from us – it was amazing,” Mr Oldham said.
The scouts also put their canoeing skills to the test and paddled across more than 112 kilometres in the Boundary Waters canoe wilderness area in Ely, Minnesota, near the border of Canada.
One of the many highlights for the troop was taking part in a Native American Indian ritual dance.
They said the whole trip was a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
Scout Rory Goodchild said everyone was friendly which made the troop feel at home.
“We weren’t expecting everyone to be so friendly – it was great,” he said.
Mr Oldham said the American adventure was not only a trip of a lifetime for the boys but was a great way to learn about a different culture and way of life.
He said the trip also coincides with the celebration of the 100th year of scouting worldwide.
“It was appropriate for our scout troop to undertake this adventure this year, to meet with scout troops on the other side of the world,” Mr Oldham said.