Upcoming hog roast part of Troop 358’s bigger picture

Part of the joy of being a member of the Boy Scouts of America is the thrill of experiencing outdoor adventures that challenge and elate those who participate.

Members of BSA Troop 358 are gearing up to enjoy such an experience as they raise funds for the upcoming High Adventure Florida Sea Base excursion next year.

Few if any organizations offer a wider variety of adventure for young people than the Boy Scouts of America. Through High Adventure experiences, The BSA leaves lasting memories with youth and fosters development in character and leadership.

“We’re excited about this trip to Sea Base in Florida. It should be really special,” BSA Troop 358 leader Jeff Miller said.

However, before that takes place, the Boy Scouts Troop 358 of Millersburg is hoping to raise some serious funds to help financially support families sending their children to Florida.

The public can show their support for the effort by getting some food at the annual hog roast.

The annual Scout BSA Troop 358 Hog Roast and Silent Auction will be May 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Tope Printing parking lot, 1056 S. Washington St., Millersburg. The meal will feature pulled-pork sandwiches, topped baked potatoes, baked beans, desserts and drinks.

In addition, there is currently an online auction through Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m., with auction packages and donated items. Those interested in seeing the entire list or placing bids on any of the items can visit www.troop358mbg.org/auction and click Auction in the upper-right corner of the page.

“By contributing, you help foster a sense of community and encourage the growth of responsible, capable citizens,” Miller said. “Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders and make a positive impact on our community.”

According to Miller, the 2025 trip to Florida Sea Base High Adventure will include an approximate cost of $31,000, meaning there will be a great deal of fundraising to do in addition to the funds parents are providing.

“Our hope is to help raise funds to alleviate some of the expense for each family,” Miller said.

Miller said this trip offers Scouts an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth, learning the value of teamwork and experiencing adventure on a whole new level.

“By donating, you enable Scouts to participate in this life-changing experience, where they will learn scuba diving, maritime skills, environmental stewardship and leadership in a unique and challenging setting,” Miller said. “Your contribution will directly support the costs of transportation, accommodations and program fees.”

There are four separate national High Adventure programs in the nation, among them the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Northern Tier in Minnesota, Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia and Sea Base in Florida.

Each experience is designed to provide its own brand of excitement, challenges and camping experiences for the Scouts, with all four of them focused on capturing the essence of teamwork, unity and building relationships.

The Sea Base trek features plenty of aquatic and outdoor fun, whether it is camping out at Big Munson Island’s primitive 100-acre barrier island for several days, experiencing the area’s natural wildlife and deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking or any number of other outdoor experiences.

There are even marine STEM programs centered around marine ecology and oceanography that are designed to educate and entice Scouts to pour themselves into the experience.

The experience, designed specifically with Scouts in mind, is something Troop 358 tries to provide for its troop members every other year.

To learn more, check out the Boy Scouts Troop 358 of Millersburg Facebook event page, where there is a link to a YouTube video that features just one part of the Sea Base trip.

You can find the troop online at www.troop358mbg.org.