Despite COVID-19 restrictions, there is plenty to do outdoors and plenty to do in Scouting. The Chief Cornplanter Council of the BSA and Chapman State Park are sponsoring a Cub Scout Outdoor Venture from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. The event is intended to give families a feel for the kinds of activities Scouts participate in, District Executive Jim Shaw said. And, “we’re trying to show people you can still do things outdoors.
Chapman Dam is such a great asset. It’s amazing how beautiful it is and how many different things they can do.”
“We’ll have a treasure hunt geocache,” he said. “Knot-tying, tree identification nature hike, archery, boating, fishing, and field games like capture-the-flag and tug-o-war.”
The Martz Observatory is providing a solar scope. There is a special filter on the telescope that will allow visitors to look directly at the magnified sun. Most of the events will be ongoing from 2 to 6, but some, like geocaching and the guided hikes, will follow a schedule.
“You can bring the whole family,” Shaw said. “Everybody’s welcome. No charge.”
The registration area will be located in the pavilion nearest the spillway. Visitors should take the left turn at the park entrance, cross the bridge at the spillway, and turn into the first parking lot. There will be signs to help with navigation.
Families are welcome to sign up youngsters for Scouting. Anyone who signs up will be entered into drawings for door prizes, Shaw said.
Precautions against the spread of respiratory illness will be taken, according to Shaw. Masks will be available for those who do not bring them. Social distancing will be maintained. Hand sanitizer will be available at each station and Scouts and volunteers will wipe down equipment between each use.