Potomac District Scouts Host Bike Hike and Scout Show at Canal Place
Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and adult leaders from the Potomac District will be holding a Bike Hike and Scout Show at Canal Place on Saturday, August 20, 2022. The event is designed to highlight the opportunities to participate in a Scouting unit within the local community.
The event has a long-standing history, although the format is significantly different this year. “We had been holding a Scout Show for many years at the local mall and at the armory prior to that,” stated Jason Pannone, Potomac District Chairman. “The last two years, we haven’t been able to host this event. As we are reintroducing it, we wanted to have an opportunity to showcase it in an outdoor setting, since so many of our Scouting activities are held outdoors. Canal Place was the logical choice for the event.”
The Bike Hike will begin at 9:00 AM that day, leaving from Canal Place for a 20-mile ride out and back on either the GAP Trail or C&O Canal. Beginning at noon, Scouts from across the district will be manning booths set up at Canal Place to highlight Scouting activities with an Outdoor Adventure theme. “We have struggled with limited recruiting efforts over the last couple of years, to encourage youth to join a Cub Scout Pack, or Scouts BSA Troop in their communities,” stated Mike Diehl, Potomac District Commissioner. “Getting the message out to families to join Scouting by inviting them to participate in this event helps us to better market the Scouting program directly to youth and families who will join.”
The idea for this event came through the efforts of Carl “Buck” Belt, Jr., who is a Board member for the Potomac District and Laurel Highlands Council. “When Mr. Belt suggested the idea, we were fairly confident that this would be a great opportunity to showcase the Scouting program to families who are already on the trail, or visiting Canal Place,” stated Pannone.
Scouting units exist throughout the area, but the pandemic has made it difficult for families to connect with their local Scouting unit. By bringing Scouting to a public venue, the Potomac District hopes to expand outreach and help kids join a local Pack or Troop. The public is welcome to join the event, and see some of the fun activities Scouts can do while enjoying the day at Canal Place.
For more information on the Bike Tour or about Scouting in your area, please visit the Potomac District Laurel Highlands Council Facebook page, or contact the Potomac District Office at 301-729-1300.