Adventures happen when you must do something unfamiliar and confront the unexpected. A truly memorable adventure often requires going the extra distance to face the challenge.That’s exactly what the White Oak District’s Troop 264B and Venturing Crew 264 did at Laurel Caverns, and that’s what landed them on the cover of Boys’ Life [March 2020].
That visit to Laurel Caverns in Western Pennsylvania brought scouts and Venturers face to face with dark caves, low rock ceilings, boulders, and rappelling down a thin rope. And dirt everywhere. Safety gear and proper attire were essential for safety and comfort and could not be neglected. Some activities were restricted by age or skill, but everyone had a range of activities to choose from, including two merit badges (Geology and Forestry). But a part of everyone’s activities was going underground.
Take a few minutes to read about the Laurel Caverns adventure in the March 2020 Boys’ Life, also available through the Boys’ Life app. There is also the summary in Troop 264’s Signaler newsletter . And most recently (April 3), Mr. Aaron Derr of Boys’ Life Magazine conducted a live interview with Mrs. Joan Geller, an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 264B, about the outing on Facebook Live. The video of that interview is available on Facebook, even if you do not have an account!
Adventures don’t happen in meetings (but meetings are essential to planning safe and successful adventures). Take a look at what your unit does now. Then look at a radius an hour’s drive further out and see what’s there. Your biggest adventure could be ”just a little further.”
