CANFIELD — Members of Scout BSA Troop 25, out of the Canfield Methodist Church, are loving the fresh air again.

The girls from Troop 8025 were able in June to come out in a small group and work on their skills.

“Getting out together was great,” Scoutmaster Suzanne Heino said. “We are taking caution to plan events where we can be socially distant.”

Troop 8025 was chartered nine months ago. It is one of the newly formed troops since Boy Scouts began accepting girls. The girls troop is 8025 while the boys are now in Troop 9025.

Since 8025 was chartered, the troop has seen four to five girls attending meetings, of which most were virtual in recent months. June’s gathering on the Village Green was the first time for the girls to get out in the fresh air.

Heino said getting out goes along with the troop’s plan to help keep costs down for the church.

“Several sets of state guidelines were reviewed by the troop to ensure we follow the safest practices possible,” she said. “BSA district council and our chartering organization offer guidance and practices that help us to make decisions. We are allowed to meet and do short camps, and to help keep cleaning costs down for the Canfield United Methodist Church. We are meeting offsite. Additionally, by meeting outside we have more room to practice social distancing and choose activities that allow us to get back to learning Scouting skills.”

Gathering on the Green, the girls practiced orienteering. In this skill, the Scouts learn to navigate from one point to another using a map and compass.

“They were doing orienteering where, they were working on learning how to orient themselves to a pace count and coordinates,” Heino said. “Learning to read a compass to find your way started us off (for our in-person meetings and outings). We are looking forward to hiking, fishing, participating in shooting sports, and if all goes well, even going camping in small groups, called patrols (eight people).”

She said Troop 25 is still inviting kids from fifth grade and up to come out and explore a meeting with the troop. Anyone can visit the website at www. Troop25Canfield.org or call Heino at 330-261-3127 for the girls troop or Kevin Prus at 330-774-7130 for the boys troop.

She said if the Canfield area is not a convenient location, interested individuals can check out the other troops in the area at www.beascout.org or contact Stephen DiPaolo with Great Trails Council at sdipaolo@scouting.org or call 330-773-0415, Ext. 230 or visit the council website at www.gtcbsa.org.

“Scouting prepares youth for a lifetime of adventures,” Heino said. “Life is going throw challenges at us. How will you and your kids be prepared?”

jtwhitehouse@tribtoday.com