A troop of area Boy Scouts is traveling to Alaska at the invitation of former Frankfort Coast Guard Commander Bob Nendza. In spring of 2015, Nendza got orders to transfer to Sitka, Alaska. He suggested the Scouts consider visiting him. Fifteen months and $33,000 later, a crew of 15 will embark on a two-week adventure. The Scouts, who have dubbed themselves the Tundra Knights, depart July 27 from Chicago.

The group, which consists primarily of Troop 267 Scouts from Honor and a Scout from Kingsley, raised the money through numerous fundraising events and donations from Rotary and the Frankfort Community Foundation. “I was impressed to hear of the magnitude of this journey, which is the greatest endeavor I can recall from our Council,” says Mark Ewing, River Trails District Director.

The Scouts plan to participate in several service projects to leave their mark by “doing a good turn daily,” the Boy Scout motto. “The Coast Guard has been gracious in hosting us for five days and they have an ocean beach trail that needs work; we’re down with that,” says Bill Kennis, the Alaska adult leader. Other aspects of the trip include a U.S. Forestry trail project, deep sea fishing, exploring a bear-infested volcanic island, glacier climbing, and kayaking with sea lions and whales. 

Follow the Scouts on Facebook at BSA Troop 267.