The Summit Project

“The Summit project is basically the equivalent to an Eagle Scout project. It’s a project that benefits your community,” said Hester. “So someone has a need and it (the project) provides a solution to that need.”

Hester is working on a three-part project to build a playground at the Sensory Garden that will have a zig-zag balance beam, rope wall made of cargo net, a hanging bridge with non-traditional, hanging monkey bars, all with connecting platforms.

“The Sensory Garden was created with the intention for kids with special needs, but it has grown into something that people of all ages and all abilities like and go to,” Hester said.

She has been working with Linda Betts and Sharon Kuriga, two of three co-chairs at the Sensory Garden and master gardeners, throughout the project. Betts and Kuriga are familiar with projects of these scales, as they also have worked with Eagle Scout projects before.

Scouts involved in projects, like the Summit project, are in charge of planning, fundraising, reaching out for helping hands and building their projects, Betts said.

During the planning process, Hester worked with her father, a carpenter, she said. She also is seeking advice from a playground company.

“Ren’s play structure will appeal to all kids. It’s low enough to the ground to be safe, yet has an element of challenge. Kids need to be challenged, take risks, learn from failings,” Betts said. “That’s how we learn and grow.”

The playground is “something I think that will help bring awareness to the garden,” Hester said. “I’m hoping kids will tell their parents ‘I want to go to the Lycoming County Sensory Garden’s playground because they have that really cool rope wall or swinging bridge.’ ”

Hester started building pieces of the playground that will not be in the ground. In particular, the swinging bridge on March 14. She had help from Brandi Dillion, a teacher from Hughesville who teaches Introduction to Engineering, who had showed Hester how to use the tools.

Building will officially begin on May 5 and will be done before June 10, which also is Kid’s Day.

The Venturing Program

Venturing is a youth-led, co-ed and development program through the Boy Scouts of America (B.S.A.) that allows teenagers and young adults the chance to “adventure with a purpose,” as stated in their motto, develop leadership skills and have fun. Venture Crews also provide community service while exploring a venturer’s interests.

“This is much more a youth-oriented program. We plan all our own events and only really need permission from the adults to carry out,” said Samuel Mahler, vice president of administration for Crew 2790 and member of Troop 12.

“I think it makes it more exciting for the youth because you get to have more of your say and input in the meetings, so whatever you want to do is on the table,” said Rachel Miller, vice president of Crew 2790.

In some Venturing Crews, venturer’s can go backpacking, rock climbing and white-water rafting or drama club, service projects and job shadowing. Venturers works with adult leaders, mentors and community organizations. The program is for youth ages 14 through 20, although if someone is 13 and they have completed eighth grade, they can still apply.

Venturing Crew 2790

At 2 1/2 years old, Crew 2790 is still a new to the area. The Venture crew participates in inter-council events where they meet up with other local troops and crews, Mahler said.

2790 will be attending Quad, hosted by the Venturing Officers Association (VOA), a staff of youth, at Camp Karoondinha, Hester said. While there, Venturers have the chance to participate in shooting sports, like learning how to use a shotgun, as well as go kayaking or canoeing and rockwall climbing. At Quad, Venturers have the chance to learn new skills and meet fellow Venturers in the region.

The Venture Crew also will be attending Phenomenon, a similar event, hosted at Hawk Mountain.

In addition to the adventures Crew 2790 has had, like hiking and rock wall climbing, the group also participates in relaxed events — like going bowling, going to the movies or hosting holiday parties, said Miller and Hester.

Venturing “improves on yourself. If you are looking to improve yourself, improve your social interaction, improve your public speaking, this is a great program to go to. It’s a great place to make new friends, meet new people and make connections,” Mahler said.

Venturing and Future Plans

Because of Hester’s experience with Venturing and BSA, she is seeking applications with the U.S. Naval and Merchant Marine Academies, two of five service academies in the States, where she wants to pursue math, she said.

“I just got a accepted to the Merchant Marine Academy, so having things like being in the Venturing Crew, working towards my Summit, … being an assistant senior patrol leader in NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training),” said Hester. “I was able to put on my application and they saw that and recognized it as serious leadership activities.”

As a venturer, Hester was able to “really create a person I am proud to be because I’ve seen it in other scouts and they are amazing people and I wanted to be just like them. A lot of my biggest role models in my life have been from venturing and they … motivated me to step outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “If I could be like them and work hard to do something, then I could really accomplish anything.”

For more information about Venturing Crew 2790, follow them on Facebook at Venturing Crew No. 2790 Williamsport, PA.