BSA Troop 358 hog roast, auction to help fund scuba trip
BSA Troop 358 at Gettysburg. The crew will host its annual hog roast May 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tope Printing parking lot, 1056 S. Washington St., Millersburg.
With a trip to Sea Base for a scuba diving experience in Florida right around the corner, the Scouts of BSA Troop 358 are presenting one final fundraiser that should pave the way for them to set sail for Florida later this summer.
The public can show their support for the effort by getting some food at the annual hog roast.
The annual Scouts BSA Troop 358 Hog Roast and Silent Auction will be May 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 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.
“It’s great food for a great cause, but we always suggest that people don’t wait too long to show up because we usually sell out by 2 p.m.,” said Jeff Miller, Scout leader.
The hog roast isn’t the only thing cooking for the Scouts. They also will offer a silent online auction with some great auction packages and donated items on tap. Those interested in seeing the entire list or placing bids on any or all the items can visit app.betterunite.com/troop358millersburg-annualhogroastsilentauction2024-1.
“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.”
The auction includes plenty of great items including a golf package, a Holmes County Tour package, a Masterbuilt Gravity Feed 800 Smoker, a set of four Akron Rubber Duck tickets, gift cards for pizza, stays at local inns and more.
The auction is open for bids through May 18 at 2 p.m., with items available for pickup at Millersburg Methodist Church on May 19 from 6:30-8 p.m.
The light at the end of the fundraising tunnel is the Sea Base High Adventure.
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 100-acre barrier island for several days, experiencing the area’s natural wildlife, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking, or any number of other outdoor experiences.
“We are finally reaching our fundraising goal for this trip,” Miller said. “We are thrilled and looking forward to an exciting time of adventure and learning.”
The trek will include nine BSA members and two adults, all of whom had to get scuba certified, something Miller said the kids did last year at Skyview Ranch summer camp. Meanwhile, the adults had to get certified in Columbus.
Thanks to this one final push, Miller said all expenses for the trip should be covered.
“This is just such a unique, incredible chance for these young people to develop in leadership and team-building concepts,” Miller said. “These types of trips are fun, but they are also extremely worthwhile.”
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.
Visit www.troop358mbg.org.