Cubs Explore the Water event brings science, fun and environmental learning to Camp Karoondinha

​On Saturday, May 10, 2025, more than 80 Cub Scouts along with adult leaders and parents from across the region gathered at the local Scout council's Camp Karoondinha, located along Penns Creek near Millmont, to rotate through numerous stations designed to teach science and environmental literacy while having fun in Cubs Explore the Water.

​A pond study station, led by Doug Fessler of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, allowed Scouts to examine aquatic insects and learn how scientists use them to measure water quality. At another stop in the rotation, they built their own beaver dams on a stream table and watched how water flow changed.  

Participants also launched water bottle rockets, raced boats in the rain gutter regatta, cooled off at the octopus sprinkler games and practiced their casting skills at the fishing station.

Participants also got to engage with local filmmaker Michael Kinney, who shared his film "Old River," at a Virtual Reality (VR) kayaking station. With the help of VR goggles, Scouts were able to “paddle” the West Branch of the Susquehanna River without ever leaving camp. 

Julie Moore said her 9-year-old son, Elija, loved everything about the event.  “My best parts were fishing, the VR kayaking and using a net to catch things in the lake,” Elija said. “I caught three tadpoles and we looked at them with magnifying glasses. They swim really fast and it was neat to watch them.”

Behind the scenes, older youth helped bring the event to life. Members of Sea Scout Ship 2323, chartered by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, worked alongside Venturing Crew 2307, of Sunbury, to help plan and run many of the stations. They were also joined by members of Club 2323: Aquatic Explorers, a Learning for Life program focused on waterway education and stewardship. Together, these youth not only led activities throughout the day but also organized a campfire program in the evening, complete with skits, songs and a traditional Scouting "cracker barrel" experience.

"Cubs Explore the Water" is just one of many programs made possible by the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership, created by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association in collaboration, for this event, with Scouting America: Susquehanna Council. Learn more about the partnership, upcoming programs at the Montour Preserve and other locations and more info at www.VernalSchool.org

"Thanks to the teamwork of passionate volunteers, partners and youth leaders, the event was a success," said Vernal School Program Supervisor Marissa Crames. "With enthusiastic feedback from packs and parents, plans are already in motion for next year’s program — with new themes and adventures on the way."

If your children participated in the event, we'd love to hear from you on what they enjoyed and what we can do better. Please take a moment to fill out this online survey.