Hundreds of Hikers Join Scouts on New disAbled Awareness Trail

[mmhardy]

900 Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and their families enjoyed the crisp early

autumn weather at Camp Agawam near Lake Orion, Michigan on Sunday October 3rd. Scouts took in the early fall colors while hiking along the many trails in one of the oldest continuously operating Boy Scout camps in the country.The highlight of the day's event was the opening and dedication of the "disAbled Awareness Trail" The trail is a legacy of the late Ron Emmit,member of the all volunteer Chief Pontiac Trail Committee who developed the concept over eight years ago. The dedication ceremony was lead by Mike Jewell, a volunteer Scouter and Native American. At the conclusion of the ceremony the first hikers were lead by "Ranger", a Golden Retriever companion dog trained by Gail Montgomery of Paws With a Cause. The trail's intent is to inform the public about programs for Boy Scouts with disabilities. Stretching just over a half mile, the wooded trail has various stations that offer interactive displays to experience the challenges that the disabled must overcome in their daily lives. The trail ends at "Fort

Pontiac", a working replica of a 1700's fort, where visitors can see

demonstrations of 18th century blacksmithing, bread baking, woodworking and a trading post.

 

"The dedication of the disAbled Awareness Trail is just a start." noted Dave Putt, member of the Committee. "We are looking for partnerships in the community to enhance our program and the trail. In the future we would like a blacktop surface, Braille signs and barrier free bridge that crosses part of the trail." Putt added, "This is another part of an overall program that Scouting utilizes for the visually, mobility and mentally impaired Scouts in Macomb and Oakland Counties."

 

 

About the Chief Pontiac Trail

 

The Chief Pontiac Trail Committee is volunteer group of Scouters operating a hiking trail system with outdoor experiences for all age groups. The Chief Pontiac Trail Program is administered through the Clinton Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America serving Oakland and Macomb Counties. Although primarily focused to support the Boy Scouts of America program (Tiger Cubs, Cubs, Webelos, Boy Scouts, Venturers and Explorers), all youth groups are welcome to participate. Youth groups interesting in learning more about the disAbled Awareness Trail can contact Camp Agawam at (248) 693-8821.

 

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