With the boy scout motto of “Be Prepared,” some local boy scouts have been preparing for a year and a half for the trip of a lifetime.
And, this month, these boy scouts from Boy Scout Troop 71 based on Hopewell Borough, along with others from throughout Hopewell Valley, embarked on their “high adventure” trip.
“High adventure” boy scout trips are unique in that they require very advanced planning, applying for the ability to participate via a lottery process. Three years ago, this same troop went on a highadventure to the Florida Keys where they learned survival skills, in what is described as a “lord of the flies type thing,” shared Tom Dallessio, local scout parent and assistant scout master.
This time, they had their hearts set on a week-long sailing trip around the Virgin Islands and, with luck on their side, they got their first choice. As part of the preparation, the scouts did fundraising and received support from private donations, the Lions Club, Princeton University and the Hopewell Harvest Fair.
[pull_quote_left]The most important thing was that they got to learn about themselves, strengthen their knowledge and gain self-confidence, said Tom Dallessio, Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 71 in Hopewell, NJ. [/pull_quote_left] With two sailing crews comprised of 10 scouts and 6 adults, the scouts sailed around St. John’s, almost exclusively by wind. The boys got hands-on experience raising and lowering the sails and maneuvering the boat, and learned how to avoid wakes. In addition to sailing, the group snorkeled and went on several hikes on the island, experiencing nature and history of the area.
MercerMe’s Mary Galioto excited to be on the board of the Hopewell Harvest Fair this year and to help promote the HHF and its various grant recipients. The Hopewell Harvest Fair is proud to support this and many other local organizations and events. MercerMe will be at the Hopewell Harvest Fair this year. Stop by and say hello!
