RUSSELL-One Saturday a month, a host of seasonal adventures awaits young people of all ages on the Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation.
Now beginning its second year, the Woronoco Heights Outdoor Adventures (WHOA!) is a unique offering from the Western Massachusetts Council of Boy Scouts of America.
One of the many offerings during the monthly Woronoco Heights Outdoor Adventures program is a hike that explores the many facets of nature. (Submitted photo)
While the daylong program is open to anyone ages 5 and older, parents are also encouraged to take part in the many workshops.
“We encourage parents to get involved along with their children,” said Steven Roberts, program director for the Western Massachusetts Council, noting it is not mandatory for a child to belong to a scout troop to enjoy the festivities.
“We want families to brave the weather and try new experiences,” said Roberts, adding, “Getting out of one’s comfort zone and trying new things in a shared experience can be exciting.”
Roberts notes the “safe, economical” day program costs $10 for youth up to age 9 and $15 for those age 10 and older as well as adults.
During the day, the camp’s Trading Post will also offer soups, chowder, hot dogs, soda, chips, candy and ice cream for purchase.
“It is a perfect way for kids and parents to experience the outdoors and see what they can accomplish,” said Roberts.
Mike Kirby, WHOA! director, echoed those sentiments.
“Our goal is to connect the public with our unique piece of property,” said Kirby, noting the reservation rests among 1,300 acres that abuts the Cobble Mountain Reservoir.
Daylong programs have been scheduled for Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16, April 27, May 18 and June 8. All programs are conducted rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“People can arrive and leave at any time,” said Roberts, adding that families can check in any time after 8:30 a.m. at the scout reservation on Birch Hill Road.
Since several of the offerings are outdoor activities, appropriate attire is important. Also, many of the events require walking around the camp and participants are urged to wear boots or other sturdy shoes.
At press time, programs slated for January include blacksmithing, geocaching, radio, snow shelters, snow shoeing and welding. New offerings to begin the year include a supervised “escape room” and tips for taking quality photographs with one’s cell phone.
Roberts noted that some programs could be cancelled or replaced with another activity at the last minute due to unsafe conditions or lack of snow.
In February, the blacksmithing and welding programs will again be offered, as well as workshops on maple sugaring, orienteering with a compass, rockets, ice fishing and ecology.
“Our blacksmithing and welding programs are very popular,” said Roberts, adding that participants get a chance at heating metal and bending it into various shapes and take home a built-in souvenir during blacksmithing. “During the welding program, kids learn the basics of welding and safety measures that must be taken.”
Another popular program is radio and participants will be introduced to ham radio, family service radio, marine radio, general mobile service radio, and how to build simple radio devices.
During the ecology program, participants will study the many facets of nature on a hike, and for those interested in maple sugaring, an explanation on how the confection is made takes place after completing a mile-long trek to a Blandford sugar house.
Popular outdoor activities also include learning proper ice fishing techniques, building a snow shelter, and exploring the back portions of the camp on snow shoes. Snow shoes will be provided at no extra cost for participants who do not have their own. Also, rockets fired with small engines are another popular offering. Participants can bring their own rocket and fire it off in the parade field.
Pre-registration is appreciated and can be completed by visiting www.wmascouting.org/WHOA. A complete list of programs for each month is outlined on the website.
“My hope is that we can get a lot more non scouts up here to experience the wilderness,” said Kirby.
