est. 1966 in the Toledo, Ohio Metropolitan Area
A Hostelling Program
Home
Oak Openings Winter Tri-Adventure Race Brochure
UPCOMING NATURALIST SCOUT EVENTS FOR 2012
The picture above was taken at the Naturalist Scout camp near Cadillac, Michigan. The cabin and our two tree houses were built by the guys in the group. In autumn, we cut firewood, so there is plenty for the winter snow trip over Christmas break. The camp is in a very hilly area, so when winter snow piles up a whole variety of winter sports can be enjoyed. Some winters there is a foot or more of natural snow. We can warm the cabin up nicely by burning wood, but we do have everyone camp out in the snow at least one night.During spring, the meetings are devoted to projects that help the environment. We are part of the Ohio Adopt-A-Highways Program, and we have adopted State Route 64, on the south edge of Oak Openings. Our major spring Earth Day litter clean up will be at Independence Dam State Park, near Defiance, where we will be cleaning up the old canal with the help of other scout troops. In spring, we also repair and replace bird and bat houses.
Our spring camping trips feature backpacking and biking. Over spring vacation (April 9-15), we are planning a backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail, where the trail begins at Springer Mountain, Georgia. Spring is an excellent time for backpacking in the South, since it is warm and many wildflowers are in full bloom. In spring, we also take some short 25-30 mile bike rides, and begin doing longer rides to get ready for the riding season.
During the month of May, we have our most important fund raising event of the year. This is the Maumee Valley Tri-Adventure Race, which is Saturday May 19, 2012. We hold the race at Independence Dam State Park in Defiance, Ohio. In this race, participants first bike 36 miles on paved back roads. The second leg is 6 miles of canoeing or kayaking. The last leg is 8 miles of backpacking with 20% of your weight. Awards are given to the best male and female teams in each age class. People may also do the race solo, or part of a relay team. Most people require 5-6 hours for this race, but a few racers have done it in less than 4 hours.
Every summer, the group plans a special summer trip. The trip for 2010 was a backpacking trip in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. The trip for 2011 was a biking and hiking trip in the state of Maine. The trip for 2012 will be a canoeing trip in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, (July 21-29th). These trips sound very expensive, but the guys only have to pay for their food, which they and their parents buy and pack before the trip. This means that the parents are in control of the trip cost. Counting fast food stops on the way, these trips cost less than $100.00
You will note that one important thread runs through everything. Our trips are all challenging. We backpack with heavy packs, and bike and canoe with all of our gear. We don't use vans to carry our gear everywhere we go. Our work meetings are normally 4 hours long. We work and camp year around in all kinds of weather. The Naturalist Scouts is not for wimps. Since the group began in 1966, we have camped in 38 states. If you want to join a group that will give you a real challenge call 419-826-5182 for more information. We will provide a list of parents and former members that can be called for
Back in 1847, Henry Dave Thoreau watched red and black ants fight all afternoon, killing each other by the thousands. Thoreau asked an interesting question:
"Are people who fight wars any different or smarter than ants that do the same thing?"
The Naturalist Scouts is a great way for boys 11-17 to find adventure in the Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan (Toledo) Area. This group is for teenage boys who are enthusiastic about the great outdoors. The group takes backpacking, canoeing, and biking trips several times a year, all over the country. Due to the scouts affiliation with Hostelling International, the only cost will be buying camping gear, paying for your share of food on a trip, and for any additional trip cost or extras.
The Naturalist Scouts is also open to adult men older than 18, and relatives of members who wish to serve as assistant leaders. The first 4 weeks is a trial period for everyone.
The Naturalist Scouts is directed by Larry Lindsay who is a certified teacher and a local park naturalist. Mr. Lindsay is assisted by Brian Fink. We will be happy to provide you with references for these people.
Please call Larry Lindsay at 419-826-5182, 7-10 p.m. or e-mail larryllindsay [at] centurylink.net
Don't forget to view the links above, they have more information about the group and trips.
Some of our current members:
