The Boy Scouts of America (the BSA) is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States dedicated to training youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor and educational programs. Scouting revolves around adventure, family, fun, character, leadership, and more. The hands-on learning approach puts kids in the middle of the action to prepare them for life.
Tim Fisher and Hunter Morgan are committed to helping the youth in the Florence area by leading as Scout Masters for Boy Scout Troop 477. Tim takes the role as Scout Master and Hunter, who is also part-owner of Naturally Outdoors, is the Assistant Scout Master. What they have realized is watching kids grow is one thing but leading them through the process is a new experience altogether. Tim and Hunter are helping the scouts experience the world through educational adventurous trips.
Hunter has been taking people on trips across the country for the past 28 years. In previous years, he has taken the Boy Scout troops on high adventure trips including a 50-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail, a canoe trip in Ontario, a hiking trip on the High Sierra in Eastern California, and experienced Philmont, Northern New Mexico, a premier scouting destination. Tim says, “Hunter is an amazing guy. I’m glad he has three sons that have been scouts. It has allowed Hunter to spend nine summers taking us on adventures.” Hunter shares, “It’s one thing to go with my peers and even individuals older than me, but it’s amazing to see these kids catch and cook their own food daily, living off of the land and enjoying the hikes. It’s the best! I’ve taken many groups out but seeing the kids adjust to their surroundings and enjoy it is a great feeling!”
In July, Troop 477 explored the Popo Agie Wilderness in Central Wyoming which stretches out over 102,620 acres of rough land featuring high, jagged peaks, deep, narrow valleys and canyons, sheer granite walls, cirque basins, talus slopes, and perennial snowfields. There was a total of 20 in attendance including scout leaders Hunter and Tim, 4 fathers, 13 scouts (ages 12-17), and Hunter Morgan, Jr. (Hunter’s son). Hunter Jr. had just returned home from Alaska training with The National Outdoor Leadership School and was able to help guide the trip.
The trip consisted of backpacking where they climbed more than seven miles and 2,500 feet. They camped in an Alpin Basin surrounded by a dozen lakes at just below 10,000 feet. Most kids earned their fishing and fly-fishing badges on the trip. “We fly fished nearly every day,” explains Tim. “It was fun watching the boys help cook what they caught. We would have 20 to 30 trout laid out and dressed to cook.” The nights were 40 degrees and the days were 70 degrees. The Wind River Range is made of three Wilderness areas encompassing over 750,000 acres. The Winds are in the Greater Yellowstone Eco system. The highest point in Wyoming is in the Winds, Granite Peak. Plenty of large mammals made an appearance including grizzlies, black bears, moose, elk, and wolves. “The beauty of the deer walking through the campsite at night is indescribable,” shares Tim.
Volunteering with the Boy Scouts can be just as rewarding to the leaders as it is for the kids that participate. “Some of the boys were afraid they couldn’t do the trip,” says Tim. “It was great to watch them realize they could. It was quite a confidence builder.”
To find more information on how to get involved with the Boy Scouts in your area, visit peedeescouts.us
For 28 years, Naturally Outdoors has been outfitting folks in the Pee Dee area for wilderness treks & paddling adventures. For more information, call (843) 665-1551.
