Boy Scouts Stranded in Virgin Islands by Hurricane Erin Seek Help to Return Home
A Wisconsin Boy Scout troop stuck in St Thomas due to Hurricane Erin faces rising costs and limited flights A GoFundMe campaign helps them “complete their journey” and return safely before school resumes .
A Dream Trip Turns Unexpected
What began as a dream adventure for Wisconsins Boy Scout Troop 851 a sailing and snorkeling expedition in St Thomas has quickly shifted into an ordeal The group of 10 scouts and their leaders departed from Plymouth on August 10 anticipating a week of educational and team building experiences .
Their return journey was upended when Hurricane Erin developed in the Atlantic By August 14 the troops attempts to board evacuation flights failed forcing them to extend their stay on the island under stressful circumstances .
Also Read : Bat Colony Found at Grand Teton Lodge Raises Potential Rabies Exposure for Hundreds
Flight Delays and Rising Costs
The earliest confirmed flights back to the US mainland are tentatively scheduled for August 22 or 23 nearly two weeks after the troop first arrived With their stay prolonged unexpected expenses have mounted rapidly .
Leaders explained that costs for lodging meals and even medications needed by adults are straining their budget The Virgin Islands high prices have made matters worse “A loaf of bread costs seven dollars” one leader noted comparing the situation to living in a destination as costly as Hawaii .
Fundraising to “Complete Their Journey”
To manage the ballooning expenses troop leader Sara Lee Reysen launched a GoFundMe campaign As of August 19 donations had surpassed $11 000 providing crucial relief to cover housing food and travel until flights are available .
The fundraiser has been framed as helping the boys “complete their journey” home a mission that has resonated strongly with supporters back in Wisconsin and beyond .
Preparedness Patience and Morale
Each scout invested heavily in this trip paying about $2 500 funds they had raised over the past year through selling popcorn candy Christmas wreaths and by volunteering at local events .
Despite the disruption the troop is trying to remain upbeat Scout Josh Kilian said
“Like the Scout motto just being prepared for something like this to happen… We hope to get home before school” .
Troop leader Ryan Schroeder added that while the situation is challenging they are treating it as “a different kind of adventure” working hard to maintain morale and keep the groups spirits high .
Community Resilience and Lessons Learned
Even while stranded the troop has not been idle Scouts have engaged in local service such as shoveling seaweed from beaches and helping with cleanup efforts This commitment to community has kept them active and given a sense of purpose while they await their departure .
Though unplanned the ordeal has become both a lesson in resilience and an opportunity for the scouts to practice their values of preparedness service and teamwork .
Quick Recap
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Who | Boy Scout Troop 851 Plymouth Wisconsin 10 scouts + leaders |
| Where | Stranded in St Thomas US Virgin Islands |
| When | Left Aug 10 flights canceled Aug 14 return possibly Aug 22+23 |
| Challenges | Mounting lodging food and medication costs limited flight availability |
| Funding | GoFundMe raised over $11 000 as of Aug 19 |
| Outlook | Troop remains positive and hopes to be home before school begins |
Closing Thought
For Troop 851 this unplanned extension in the Virgin Islands has tested their preparedness and perseverance What was meant to be a week of adventure has turned into a powerful lesson in adaptability and the importance of community support proof that the Scout motto “Be Prepared” carries meaning well beyond camping trips .