Volunteers from Nine Cities Unite to Support Inkster Scouts

INKSTER, MI -- Many youth in Inkster, MI have not had the opportunity to go camping nor have they had the chance to gain the skills needed for campouts, and leaders from nine cities decided to change this via hosting an event associated with Scouting America. Volunteers from Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Garden City, Inkster, Livonia, Taylor, Willis, Westland, and Ypsilanti collaborated with Inspire Inkster, a 501(c)(3) serving youth and families in Inkster, to create a "Day Camp" at Troop 1241's scout house (known as the Ford Drake Memorial in Garden City) on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event taught the skills that the scouts and their families will need for their upcoming camping trips in July and August, and both the number of units involved and the efforts made by this diverse group of leaders with various connections to Inkster and Scouting America made the day even more significant.

"It is heartwarming to see so many volunteers and organizations from different areas come together to serve our Inkster youth," said Sarah Hughey, the President of Inspire Inkster and the Chartered Organization Representative for Packs 2024 and 2025. "This is a representation of the work that our volunteers have dedicated towards building relationships between Inspire Inkster and leaders in the surrounding areas, and I am looking forward to collaborating with everyone again in the future."

With the goal of helping beginning scouts and their families feel more comfortable attempting their first camping trip, volunteers ran activities such as a campfire dinner, an additional campfire and s'mores program, tent set-up practice, a "Six Essentials" station where the youth created kits with supplies needed for outdoor activities, an art station, an obstacle course, a storybook-inspired activity by Essence GroveTM, and a cotton candy and popcorn station by Joyful Wonders. Approximately 36 people attended the event, with elementary-aged youth joining from Packs 2024 and 2025 and older youth joining from Troops 1241, 1841, and 499. Participants who took part in all activities were also eligible to win a prize by taking a "passport" to each station and having their participation notated by volunteers, and prizes included a variety of camping gear needed by the families as well as clothing and other merchandise from Scouting America.

"I had a great time!" said Amari, a New Scout in 7th grade from Troop 499. "This made me even more excited to go camping."

"My favorite station was the tent station!" said Havion, an Arrow of Light (5th grade) Cub Scout from Pack 2024. "I liked the s'mores, too!"

"Can we stay and go camping today? I don't want to leave!" said Karter, a Lion (Kindergarten) Cub Scout from Pack 2024. Azariah, a Webelos (4th grade) Cub Scout from Pack 2024, also felt similarly.

In addition to the excitement felt by the scouts, the adult volunteers also stated that they enjoyed the event and were pondering the lessons learned days afterward. After witnessing the benefits that an event like this provided to the youth in attendance, several made a commitment to continue to help the scouts in the future. For example, the Ypsilanti-based Joyful Wonders organization plans to return to conduct a socioemotional learning activity, and Essence GroveTM (https://www.essencegrove.art/) is considering supporting various scouting volunteer roles with the Inkster Cub Scouts.

"Yesterday's event was something special, and I'm still reflecting on it," said C'Anna Hanser, the Founder of Essence GroveTM, whose storybook station included an activity where scouts could make a wish for the future. "After the activities, I took time to read through the wishes the kids left at the Essence GroveTM station. Nearly every one of them wished simply 'to be happy.' One even wished to 'make the world a better place.' That quiet moment really stayed with me. It reminded me of how deeply children hope and how much they just want joy, safety, and a sense of purpose."

To participate in activities like this and to learn more about Scouting in the area, go to beascout.scouting.org to find a scouting unit near you. Both boys and girls are invited to join the program. Many units in the Michigan Crossroads Council are currently recruiting and are ready to welcome your family to Scouting!

About the Michigan Crossroads Council:

For more than 100 years, the programs of Scouting America have helped build future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun and adventure in the outdoors. The Michigan Crossroads Council organization is composed of more than 26,000 youth members and 11,000 registered volunteers in local communities throughout the state. For more information on the Michigan Crossroads Council, please visit www.michiganscouting.org.

For more information about scouting activities in Inkster, MI, please contact Sarah Hughey at inspireinkster@gmail.com.

Inspire Inkster
PO Box 11
Inkster, MI 48141

Inspire Inkster is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves Inkster, MI. Its mission is "to inspire and uplift the City of Inkster via supporting the needs of its youth and their families." Inspire Inkster's programming includes Scouting America activities, parent-teacher organization support, free swim lessons, a food pantry, and grants for high school graduates.

This release was published on openPR.