Last week, Explorers from around the country gathered at BSA’s National High-Adventure Base, the Summit Bechtel Reserve, for the first-ever Exploring Summerfest 2016. A first-time camp experience for many of the attendees, the experience was made possible thanks in part to a donation from Wenzel.
The outdoor retreat hosted youth from BSA’s Exploring program. From experiencing the epic outdoor thrills of the Summit to kicking back at the Summerfest Luau, Explorers from all career fields participated in three days of back-to-back adventure.
Summerfest attendees ended each action-packed day by camping out in tents set throughout the Summit’s incredible landscape. Since a number of Summerfest participants included some first-time campers that did not have a sleeping bag of their own, BSA teamed up with Wenzel, one of the Exxel Outdoors family of outdoor recreational gear brands, who donated 300 sleeping bags for the Exploring event.
“We at Wenzel are heartened and inspired by BSA’s commitment to providing youth with invigorating and formative Scouting experiences at Exploring Summerfest 2016,” commented Tory Upham, general manager of Exxel Outdoors. “We’re honored to donate sleeping bags for these new Scouts to enjoy a great night’s sleep under the stars.”
Summerfest 2016 was the first major outdoor experience for some of the attendees, and the outdoor retailer’s sponsorship helped give these youth a camping adventure to remember.
BSA’s Exploring program gives youth the guidance needed to succeed on the path toward discovering their future through one-on-one mentorship and real life experiences. You can learn more about this program at Exploring.org.
For more information on the Wenzel brand, visit Wenzelco.com, and to learn more about this event, head to the Summerfest 2016 website!
Did you attend Exploring Summerfest? Share your favorite memory in the comments below!