Submitted photo Ben Beers, 14, a freshman at Canfield High School, recently joined Venturing Crew 1944, which is organized under the umbrella of Scouting America and its hobby is World War II history. The group meets monthly at the MAPS Air Museum at the Akron-Canton Airport.

CANFIELD — If you were to ask a teenage boy about his hobbies, you might hear about time spent playing in and/or attending various sporting events, using social media or listening to the latest pop music.

When you meet 14-year-old Ben Beers, a freshman at Canfield High School, he will tell you about his interest in military history and his excitement about being a part of Venturing Crew 1944.

Venturing Crew 1944 is organized under the umbrella of Scouting America and its hobby is World War II history. It is sponsored by the MAPS Air Museum (Military Aviation Preservation Society) located at the Akron-Canton Airport where monthly meetings are held.

Ben found out about Venturing Crew 1944 during a visit to the MAPS museum, where he discovered an interest in military memorabilia and aircraft. It sparked his interest in becoming a member, but he had to wait until he was 14 to join.

Now a probationary member, Ben said he is learning about how World War II soldiers lived and served. It begins with assembling authentic gear for a period-correct appearance — from the glasses and watch he wears right down to his boots. Everything he puts on must be authentic to that time and worn to meetings. He also must acquire period-correct mess gear, bunking equipment and any other equipment necessary for crew activities.

Jim Cassler is the adviser for the Venturing Crew 1944 and sais that the young men involved “have a real interest in World War II history because that’s what we’re all about. We emulate the 5th Ranger Battalion, Company B.”

Cassler has been involved with Venturing for the past 15 years.

“It’s rewarding to see these guys appreciate our history as much as they do. I like to give them as much as they can handle,” he said.

He involves the young men in parades, military shows, memorial ceremonies, trips to historical military sites and museums, veterans’ activities, training in firearm use and safety, becoming familiar with historic military vehicles, leadership development and reenactments.

Cassler said the most popular event is the D-Day Ohio reenactment in Conneaut. Another big one is the Living History Weekend at the Age of Steam Museum in Sugarcreek, which also includes a reenactment.

The Venturing Crew 1944 draws young men from quite a large area, covering a 250-mile radius. Members come to the MAPS museum for meetings from as far away as Columbus and western Pennsylvania.

Paige Beers, Ben’s mom, believes it’s a good thing that Ben is involved.

“Our generation doesn’t have any idea what World War II was like. This gives him a chance to learn more about it. He’s just started out and he’s excited about it,” she said.

Ben’s father, Nate, is glad that Ben can interact with other kids in his age group who are interested in the same thing. He said his son is especially looking forward to the reenactments.

Venturing Crew 1944’s mission is to educate members and the public about World War II, and the sacrifices and contributions of those who served in that war on both the front lines and at home.

“We honor the history of World War II, as well as those who served, both in person and in memory,” Cassler said.