Home

Venturing Crew 32, representing the Boy Scouts of America Venturing program, made a clean sweep of the major awards handed out at the state level recently. The crew represents Hope Mills American Legion Post 32 and won for Venturing Unit of the Year; Venturing Advisor of the Year, Michele Harling; and High Adventure Boy Scout of the Year, Duncan Harling.

Michele Harling, the Advisor of the Year winner, is the adult leader of Venturing Crew 32. The Venturing program evolved from what used to be known as the Explorer level of scouting.

“When they started to go into niche careers, they took the kids that like to do outdoor activities and turned it into venturing,’’ Michele said. That happened in 1998.

Venturing Crew 32 has been around for about 10 years and has always been a coed group with a focus and a purpose. For this group, the emphasis has been on scuba diving, hunting, climbing and supporting veterans because of its relationship with American Legion Post 32.

A major reason for Venturing Crew 32’s win this year was its involvement in community service projects. One was the Governor’s Day of Service. From April 1 through June 30 last year, the crew took part in 1,400 community service hours.

The group members dealt with problems related to last year’s hurricanes and also cleaned up Cross Creek Pistol and Rifle Club, which is the crew’s venue for shooting sports. The crew also put in time helping disabled veterans with hurricane cleanup of their yards.

The High Adventure scouting award went to Michele’s son, Duncan. He earned a pair of scholarships to visit a High Adventure base.

Michele explained that the goal of venturing is to get involved in activities that are considered high adventure. There are alumni from Crew 32 who are divemasters, rescue divers and open water divers.

Duncan called his reception of the award humbling. “I figured I was not alone in doing all these really cool things (and) going out and helping other people,’’ he said. “I thought that was just what a scout did. The fact I got an award for it was a complete blindside.’’

The Advisor of the Year award for Michele was the latest in a string of honors she’s won. Others include the district award of merit along with leader badges and a trainer’s key.

“I get to advise them as the kids put together adventures,’’ Michele said. “My crew has put together some fabulous adventures.’’

She said the most important part of the process for her is the success her scouts have enjoyed beyond their time with the crew. “I have several that have gone to college, several that have gone into trades, several that have gone into the armed forces,’’ Michele said.

This summer, she has about a half-dozen crew members working at day camp at the John D. Fuller Recreation Center on Bunce Road.

“We like being helpful,’’ she said. “We’re living up to the scout law. I’m probably proudest of the fact they keep doing it with them in front, me behind.

“They determine what we do. They set the schedule. They put things together. It’s been great.’’

Photo:  L to R: Venturing Crew 32 President Connor Coplen, Natsuko George, Evan Novak, Duncan Harling, Charlie Thoele, Michele Harling, unknown American legion boy scout committee member (hat in background), American Legion outgoing Commander Evan Thompson, Bryant Cunningham