High Praise for our High Adventure Leadership

We often hear stories from our councils and others about extraordinary and heroic acts performed by Scouts to help or save others. The following story is from a Scoutmaster who, with members of his troop, experienced a powerful “Be Prepared” moment that spoke volumes about how Scouting changes lives. Scoutmaster Howard Hudson of Troop 990 in West Chester, Ohio was in the midst of enjoying a canoe and portage trip with his Scouts at our Northern Tier High Adventure Camp when they suddenly found themselves in a battle for survival. I’ll let Scoutmaster Hudson pick up the story from here – please read on.

Dear Mr. Brock,

I wanted to take a few moments to convey my admiration and appreciation for your staff at the Northern Tier High Adventure Camp. My name is Howard Hudson. I am the Scoutmaster for Troop #990 from West Chester, Ohio. We are the troop that got caught in bad weather and whose canoe trip across Basswood Lake would evolve into a ten hour survival situation.

First let me say how impressed I was from the beginning with the Northern Tier experience. The careful planning and preparation was evident at once. The equipment was top-notch and in great condition. (I would be very grateful for the quality of my Personal Flotation Device a few days later!) Kevin Dowling and his entire staff were friendly and courteous at all times and always very helpful to the leaders and the boys. The orientation was very thorough and provided information that would later lead to our rescue. 

From day to day as we canoed for miles, portaged for what seemed like miles, and set up and broke camp, my boys pushed themselves. They were tired. They were sore. But they did not quit. Our Interpreter was a remarkable young man named Cody Loucks. Cody was an Eagle Scout, a Scout Professional for seven years and an Interpreter at Northern Tier for the past three years. Cody did an outstanding job pushing the boys when they needed to be pushed, keeping them focused and task oriented when there was work to be done, yet at the same time he always kept things upbeat and fun.

Cody also spent time one-on-one working with each scout – and adult leader for that matter – as we paddled. He providing coaching and instruction on paddling techniques and we all improved with each day. He also made sure that each scout knew how to navigate using the map and compass and that they knew our location at all times. This skill became vital later as three scouts had to call for help. They were able to give their precise location.

As the days progressed I could see the scouts’ confidence increase. They were getting more efficient on the portages and becoming better paddlers. I could see their pride as they carried the heavy loads and paddled for longer and longer distances. I remember thinking to myself that this was what Scouting is all about – enjoying a true outdoor wilderness experience while allowing the boys to push themselves, develop new skills and earn the confidence that comes along with their accomplishments. I was already glad for my sons and to be a part of the trip and also wished that every scout could do the same.

 After our canoe capsized, Cody sprang into action giving direction to everyone. He was able to deposit several scouts on the closest island and then returned to rescue the submerged canoe and towing it to another nearby island. Upon landing, he and the other adult leader, Mike Hall gathered up the gear and huddled together for warmth. I had been separated from the canoe shortly after capsizing and reunited with Cody, Mike and two scouts a short time later.

The boys left on the first island were able to assemble and use the emergency radio to call the base camp for help. They did so well in giving their location that everyone thought they were talking to an adult leader – hence the faulty first news reports. At this time Kevin Dowling certainly “pulled out all the stops” and sent every emergency response agency with any jurisdiction in the area to come to our aid. He also personally called my wife and the mothers of each scout to give them the information first hand as it was developing. He maintained contact with my wife throughout the ordeal and she was certainly appreciative of his time and efforts.

After the boat, seaplane and helicopter rescue we were all met at the local hospital by members of Kevin’s administrative staff. They gave us each warm clothes and drove us back to base camp. Upon our arrival we were taken to the cafeteria were we found that the entire kitchen staff had stayed on duty so that we could have coffee, hot chocolate and hot food. At the same time Kevin made sure that each scout was taken to a phone so they could personally call their moms. The camp Chaplain provided prayers and offered counseling. We were given winter-rated sleeping bags and taken to a warm cabin. The incident began shortly after noon. It was approximately 11:00 PM when we made it back to camp. The entire administrative and cafeteria staff had remained on duty to be there for us.

The next morning, after a good night’s sleep and a hot meal we met with Kevin for a debriefing during which each scout could talk about the ordeal. Kevin knew that this would not only help him learn what happened, but would help each boy deal with what he had just been through.

As a retired 33-year law enforcement commander I am aware of how much work goes on behind the scene during an emergency situation. I’ve been involved in everything from prison riots to hostage situations to political protests and I know how emergencies should be handled. I cannot think of one thing that could be improved upon in the way that Kevin and his staff handled the situation. Kevin is a true leader and a “class act”. Throughout the entire event there was nothing but works of encouragement and support form Kevin and the other staff. Never any judgment, never any criticism. We felt like we were with family – and indeed, I guess we were. 

I will forever be grateful for the quality of the program at Northern Tier, the professionalism and commitment of the staff. Please relay to them my words of appreciation and thanks for all that they did for us and for all that they do for Scouting.

Thank you for what you do as well.

Yours in Scouting,

Howard W. Hudson, III
Scoutmaster – Troop 990
West Chester, Ohio

What an incredible testimonial to how the lives of each of these Scouts – and their leaders – changed during this Northern Tier experience! While the canoe rescue was itself an extraordinary act of heroism and resourcefulness on the part of Interpreter and Eagle Scout Cody Loucks as well as Northern Tier General Manager Kevin Dowling, I was fascinated to read how the confidence and abilities of each Scout also grew in the days prior to their rescue. The ability of these Scouts to take their training and use what they learned to aid in their rescue is a remarkable example of how Scouting changes lives.

I’d first like to thank Scoutmaster Hudson for sharing this story, and congratulate his troop on a terrific job of keeping their heads in an emergency and using their newfound skills to help bring everyone home safely. My heartfelt thanks and praise go to Cody Loucks for helping to prepare our Scouts for this rescue experience, and to Kevin Dowling for executing a flawless plan to get everyone to safety. Their skill and proficiency in this emergency deserves the honor and respect of their peers, and I know the families of all involved are extremely grateful.

I call on each of you to review your training and resources to keep our emergency readiness at the highest level possible. As in this Northern Tier experience, our Scouts and their families need to be assured that Scouting adventures can be enjoyed with the highest level of safety for participants.

Well done to all involved!

Wayne