Campus Connection

Boy Scout of America Venture Crew members at UW-La Crosse wrapped up a successful season with a trip to two mountains in the Eastern U.S. The BSA Venture Crew 13 at UWL includes a cross section of students from campus working in multiple areas of leadership, service to the community and high adventure. The coeducational group within the Boy Scouts of America focuses on developing leadership skills, providing service to the community, and high adventure outings. Four members advanced in BSA rank this semester while gaining leadership skills, acquiring personal goal understanding, developing better interpersonal skills, along with receiving first aid training and CPR certification. Through the rank advancement, the students are required to work on various service projects and volunteer for organizations. UWL’s 12 members amassed 2,458 service hours between Sept. 1, 2015 and May 1, 2016 — averaging 204.8 hours per student. “These are impressive people who represent UW-La Crosse very well,” says Music Department Faculty Member Tom Seddon, adviser and leader of the group. The crew completed camping outings every month during the academic year, along with a high adventure trip from May 15–20. The trip included hiking two mountains — New York’s Lyon Mountain, elevation 1,798 feet; and Vermont’s Camel’s Hump, elevation 4,081 feet. Both hikes are listed as difficult and were excellent for team-building. In addition, the crew visited Fort Ticonderoga in New York, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh, New York. “Because of the values that they began with and the character development through the Scout oath and law, we have seen tremendous growth in all of these young adults,” notes Seddon. On the trips to New York and Vermont, the crew stayed with two host couples and at a monastery. Because of the crew’s interaction, they have been invited to stay again if they return. “These are students of high character, intelligence and caring,” says Seddon. “Many of these students are headed out to internships, volunteer work, and work as camp counselors.” Seddon hopes the crew will continue to grow among students at UWL, Western Technical College, and Viterbo University. “I am very proud to be the leader for this group and adviser for these fine people,” he says. Crew members and their majors included: Andrew Anklam, archeology; Tristen Hayes, art education; Justin Holten, history education; Kathryn Purgill, athletic training; Alex Schmocker, music education; Peter Seddon, music; and Brittany Solensten, sociology.