Get hooked on Scouting at the fair
This year the Holmes County Scouts are going all out at the Holmes County Fair Aug. 7-12 with a big education and recruitment drive.
“We want all boys and girls that may be interested in Scouting to stop by our booth this year,” said Scott Biltz, president of Scouters of Holmes County. “Every night a local unit will be at the booth and be playing fishing games and cornhole with the kids that stop by.”
“Scouting is fun, educational and adventurous,” said Melissa Biltz, local troop and pack leader. “I will be at our fair booth every evening from 5:30-8 p.m. answering questions and sharing information about all the local Scout units. No need to bring any information or money as I will be hosting a follow-up with a Join Scout Night at Hipp Station Trail Depot at 62 N. Grant St. at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 15.”
When asked why the big recruitment drive, Scott Biltz said, “It’s simple. The more Scouts, the more fun. We like to say that Scouting is fun with a purpose. Take fishing for example. Yes, it’s fun, but you are also learning how to tie knots, unhook and handle a fish, water quality, habitat, species, food preparation, confidence, respect, patience and more. This one example of fun with a purpose reinforces a reverence for nature and all she has to offer us if we take care of her.”
Scouts are not just for young kids, but also for young adults. Local young men and women can join Scouts. The team this year also is promoting high adventure camping, backpacking, and scuba and canoe trips.
For example, Rebecca Schlabach just led a 10-person, all-female contingent to the Boy Scouts of America premier high adventure Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
“We hiked and camped on the trail for 10 days and climbed over 6,000 vertical feet to the top of Baldy Mountain. It was awesome,” Schlabach said.
Adding to the adventure was the old-fashioned way these Holmes Countians made the trip to New Mexico, where their excursion included a train trip.
“We teamed up with a similar-sized Holmes County contingent of male Scouts, and we all went together, by train, from here to New Mexico and back,” Schlabach said. “The kids appreciated our pretrip hikes to prepare, the train ride and the whole adventure of experiencing the west.”
So when you are at the fair this year, stop by the Scout booth and learn more about what this program has to offer. For more information about Scouting, call or text Melissa Biltz at 330-231-5254.
