Plymouth Boy Scout Troop 851 Seeks Donations as Hurricane Erin Delays Return from St. Thomas Expedition
A Plymouth Boy Scout troop is appealing for donations after Hurricane Erin delayed its return from a Sea Base expedition in St. Thomas. Six scouts and four adult leaders planned and funded their trip over more than a year, raising about $2,500 each through selling popcorn, candy, Christmas wreaths and parking cars.
The group left for St. Thomas on August 10 and was originally slated to return on August 17. Because of the hurricane, they now expect to fly home on August 22 or 23. The storm also shortened the scouts’ time on the sailboats they were using as part of their learning experience.
While St. Thomas remains a beautiful but expensive destination, the troop faces increased costs beyond what was planned. In addition to lodging and meals, travel arrangements are now more costly. There are four adult leaders accompanying the scouts, and the adults are reportedly running low on medication as pharmacies in the area were closed during the storm. They hope pharmacies will reopen on Monday.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the extra costs incurred by the delay, including lodging, meals and travel. Those wishing to contribute can donate through the page mentioned by the troop.
Schroeder noted that the storm has passed through the area and the troop is safe, though the fundraising effort remains ongoing to ensure the scouts can complete their experience without financial hardship.
Additional context and value:
– Community support is playing a crucial role in preserving the learning experience and safety for the youth and leaders involved.
– The incident highlights how natural disasters can disrupt planned youth programs and fundraising timelines, underscoring the importance of contingency planning in scout activities.
– A positive takeaway is the resilience of the troop and its supporters, with a focus on ensuring opportunities for leadership development and hands-on learning despite setbacks.
Summary: Troop 851 is spending extra days in St. Thomas due to Hurricane Erin, with fundraising efforts underway to cover unplanned costs for lodging, meals and travel, while the group remains safe and hopeful for a smooth return. If you’re able to help, consider contributing to the GoFundMe fundraiser associated with the troop’s trip.