Stranded Scouts Get Help from American Legion Post 211

By Jim Simon

Venturing Crew 242, consisting of four adults and 12 teens from the Chicago area was caught in Avon Lake's severe weather recently while zip-lining at TreeFrog Canopy Tours. 

Amid flash-flooding and lightning, they were immediately evacuated from the camp grounds. 

They contacted friends in Avon Lake asking for assistance with shelter. These friends happened to belong to Boy Scout Troop 338, for whom the American Legion Post 211 on Walker Road. The Legion is the chartering organization. 

After asking the Legion for assistance, the Venturing Crew was immediately welcomed to spend the night in the Legion's main hall. 

Tim Swartwood Sr. and Tim Swartwood Jr. from the Legion as well as Paul Guay, Troop 338's Committee Chair, all met the Crew at the hall to make sure they got situated, even offering to make them breakfast the next morning. 

"This is a blessing," Crystal Vavrinek, one of the Crew's adult leaders said of the Legion's hospitality, noting the group was only seeking somewhere dry to put up their tents.