Adventure for girls

There is a program offering young ladies, ages 14-20, a great opportunity to experience outdoor experiences in a group setting. The Venture Crew 300 does just that.

Victoria Parsons, one of the group's founding members, said the goal of Venture Crew 300 is to be a safe place for young women, to create lifelong friends through the exploration of the outdoors through the use of the ALPS model- Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Service. Parsons said Venture 300 started out with a small group of four participants.

"It fluctuates. Right now we have between 10-13," Parsons said.

Parsons said the number of activities varies but that the group organizes for at least one big event in the summer and winter. Last summer, the trip was to Chilkoot Pass, a 33-mile trail linking the northern Alaska panhandle to British Columbia. She said the trip was more than just the hike. Those who went had to build up their endurance and strength by participating in local outings.

"Boy Scouts has always been a large part of my life, unofficially of course because up until three years ago in was for boys only," said Parsons. "That was when a few dads got together and Venture Crew 300 was born, a high adventure group for girls only. I think in part my dad wanted to quit hearing me grumble about how wonderful the boy scout program was and how unfair it was that girls didn’t have that opportunity."

Parsons said the group's most recent adventure was winter camping at Hatcher Pass in late February . Participants enjoyed an overnight campout with roughly a half-mile hike up over the sledding hill into a small bowl. Parsons said she lucked out on the outing.

"I joined the girls (late the first night). I had worked that day. I count myself lucky as I only had my backpack to lug up the hill and not a sled and a backpack. Either way, I did end up stepping out of my snowshoe which was quite a sight to see as I rolled around trying to untangle myself," said Parsons.

Venture Crew 300 teaches more than just skills. It also encourages camaraderie and cooperation.

“Venturing creates an environment in which teamwork and a good attitude are not only asked for, but are necessary. When you are on a lake trail system or hiking through a mountain pass, slacking off isn't an option," said Venture Crew plank member Taia Fagerstrom. Fagerstrom is another founding group member.

"Everyone is a part of the adventure and everyone has to keep up along the way to fulfill their duties, whether they’re cooking, setting up tents or cleaning up,” she said. "Before venturing I had an idea of the importance of teamwork, but when I joined I saw firsthand how much cooperation played a role. I am thankful that I have been able to go on excursions with this group, I have been able to make solid friendships, strengthen my outdoor knowledge and learn to be a better peer.”

For many Mat-Su residents, winter activities can be something of a new experience.

“Hiking in snowshoes was a new experience, as was winter camping. Ascending to our campsite was difficult but I felt accomplished afterward. I was grateful to see such beautiful scenery, I am glad I went," said Katelyn Boswell.

Mary Sewell, another Venture Crew member, said in addition to gaining outdoor experience, the recent trip to Hatcher Pass was simply fun.

“We had a blast winter camping at Hatcher Pass. There was lots of fresh snow so we were able to dig out a kitchen area with snow benches and a table. The best part was when, at the end of the trip, I got to push my sled down the hill and another girl got to ride hers down," Sewell said.

Parsons said the program is for any girl ages 14-20 who loves adventure, the outdoors and bonding with those who feel the same. Preliminary plans for this summer are a kayaking trip down the Kenai River.

"Our motto is Lead the Adventure and we take pride in doing so, Alaska is our home so if you're willing to explore it with us you are more than welcome," said Marty Parsons, a Venture Crew 300 committee member, Order of the Arrow and Eagle Scout. “If we want our daughters to be prepared to step up and lead with confidence then participation in programs like the Venture program are critically important arenas where that skill can be learned and honed."

The group meets Tuesday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wasilla on Tuesdays. Meetings begin at 7:15 p.m. in the downstairs youth room and generally run about an hour. For more information on the program, visit its Facebook page--Venture Crew 300 Alaska, email venturecrew300AK@gmail.com; or call Ed Sato at 907-231-5431 or Sally Diffendorfer at 907-841-5900.