HERMON – Members of all of Hermon’s three Scout units, Troop, Pack and Venture Crew 25, recently returned from a canoe expedition to Spectacle Pond in Aurora. Sixteen Scouts and seven adult leaders attended. The Scouts left Hermon with canoes and kayaks in tow Sept. 30 and returned Oct. 1.

This was the inaugural camping trip for Hermon’s newest Scout unit, Venture Crew 25. The Venture Crew has seven members. Robin Carle, adviser for the trip, completed the Boy Scouts of America on-line training for Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense just in time for the expedition. The training was quick and easy and is available at www.katahdinareabsa.org/trainingprograms.

Troop 25 organized the trip, led by its new Scoutmaster, Mike McCarthy. Pack 25’s Webelos’ two Scouts were invited along as well, and received a great introduction to Scouting. With such a wide span of ages, Carle’s and McCarthy’s concerns about the Scouts mixing well together were unfounded. The Scouts all worked together, focusing on fun, not age.

“With just a little guidance, the kids got tents and equipment set up and working,” said McCarthy.

“Yeah,” added Carle, “when meals needed to be prepared, kids would just step up and get it done. Adults didn’t have to do much at all.”

The trip had it all: The first trip for a new Scout unit, a safe float activity with trained leaders, first outing for new Scoutmaster McCarthy, and a Webelos recruiting and retention campout.

Trip organizers extended thanks to the many adults and Scouts in Hermon who added another memory to Hermon’s 50-year Scouting tradition.