Boy Scouts help visually impaired enjoy canoeing on Fox River

Boy Scouts in Big Bend put their badges to good use Sunday, helping visually impaired community members have some fun out on the water.

In partnership with the group Blind Outdoor Leisure Development (BOLD) scouts, led by Troop 26, helped about two dozen participants down the Fox River.

“It's very fun, you get to meet new people,” 12-year-old Emmett Coughlin Derdziak said. “You can also get to know them and also try to be friends."

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Emmett told TMJ4’s Tahleel Mohieldin that he enjoyed sharing his love of canoeing and allowing others to experience the peace and relaxation of gilding through calm waters.

Chris Abraham is Troop 26’s Scout Master and he said their group, along with the Big Bend Vernons Lion Club, have been putting on the canoeing trip for more than 40 years.

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"(The scouts) all look forward to it every year,” Abraham said. “They enjoy this opportunity to be out here, especially on a nice day”

Sunday’s turnout was the group's biggest yet with troops from Muskego and Mukwonago stepping in to help.

Watch: Boy Scouts gather to share experience with the visually impaired:

Canoeing for a cause: Boy scouts gather to share experience with the visually impaired

The troop’s latest outing was Jenny Marchewka’s second time canoeing with the scouts.

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“It’s just nice to be out on the water,” Marchewka said. “They’re so kind and nice, all of the guides are wonderful.”

She also said she was thankful for the opportunities for adventure, she’s gotten through BOLD since losing her vision.

The non-profit puts on about 26 different summer and winter events annually in Southeastern Wisconsin.

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