Local News
Related Photos
-
Steve Bittner, Times-News
-
Steve Bittner, Times-News
Scouts get first experience with SCUBA diving
Enthusiastic teens didn’t want to get out of the water
CUMBERLAND — Members of Boy Scout Troop 42 had their first experience with SCUBA diving yesterday at the Riverside YMCA at the SCUBA Buddies program’s Discover SCUBA class.
The class was sponsored by East Coast Diver of Cumberland, LLC. It was an introduction to SCUBA gear and diving and involved a two-hour session with certified SCUBA instructor Scott Kiser. Eight members of Troop 42, aged 13 to 16, attended.
“The kids loved it,” said Mike Bacon with East Coast Diver. “They always have a good time.” Bacon said East Coast Diver has been giving Discover SCUBA classes for over 30 years.
“It was great,” said Scoutmaster Harry Morgan. “I’m a certified diver myself, and my scouts wanted to learn more about SCUBA. Bacon helped set up the class for us.” Morgan said that his diving experience included SCUBA demonstrations at the 2005 Boy Scout Jamboree and he hopes to be on the SCUBA staff at the 2010 Jamboree.
“The kids had a good time,” said Morgan. “It’s really not about me, it’s about the kids.”
Kiser, who has been diving since 1962, said he was pleased with the Scouts’ enthusiasm. “We thought we’d have to pull them back out of the water,” said Kiser. “They used up full tanks of air.”
Kiser added that young people tend to pick up the necessary skills for diving more quickly than adults. “Teaching an adult how to swim tends to be harder ,too,” said Kiser. “Kids tend to be more trusting.” He said that the age restriction for kids 13 and up was important, however, since there was some danger involved.
The Scouts will be able to use the class to earn a SCUBA Scouting award, but the merit badge involves a greater commitment. Scouts who hope to earn a SCUBA diving merit badge must obtain Open Water Certification, a process involving a six-week class which Kiser also teaches.
Kiser said that he believes he’ll see many of the Scouts at Sunday’s class pursuing their certification. “There’s no doubt in my mind that as soon as they talk their parents into letting them be in class, they’ll come to class,” said Kiser.
Contact Cory Galliher at
- Local News
-
-
Greenway a work in progress, but open for season
CUMBERLAND — Football fans will face a few “obstacles” and “inconveniences” Friday at Greenway Avenue Stadium, where Fort Hill High School’s 2010 season kicks off in the midst of a $3.3 million renovation.
-
<NEW>Nethken is 16th candidate for county commissioner
Former Cumberland Mayor Frank Nethken is now the 16th candidate for Allegany County commissioner.
-
Giving back
Cumberland Fire Department Capt. Tim Growden holds a sign as firefighter Kelly Fry collects a donation from a driver downtown during their annual Fill the Boot fundraiser Wednesday. Proceeds go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
-
College road, 9/11 ride topics of concern for traffic committee
CUMBERLAND — The new entrance to Allegany College of Maryland and the traffic congestion from America’s 9/11 motorcycle were among a hodgepodge of events and concerns discussed at a Wednesday meeting of the Allegany County Traffic and Transportation Advisory Committee.
-
District 1A candidates plan to maintain close contact with constituents
OAKLAND — The battle for the District 1A seat in the Maryland House of Delegates won’t be fought until the general election, but both candidates have already hit the campaign trail.
-
Land donation will benefit local Boy Scouts
CUMBERLAND — A local family’s donation of land just outside Cumberland will benefit hundreds of local Scouts, according to The Potomac Council, Boy Scouts of America.
-
Sex offender charged with alleged offenses
CUMBERLAND — A city man who is a registered sex offender was arrested Tuesday evening by the C3I Unit in connection with alleged sex offenses he committed against a 11-year-old girl while she was in his care.
-
Mineral consolidating precincts for fall election
KEYSER, W.Va. — Mineral County plans to consolidate two of its voting precincts beginning with the Nov. 2 general election.
-
Clean cut
James Hubbard, caretaker at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, cuts grass recently. Hubbard has been caretaker for about 13 years at the Furnace Street cemetery, which encompasses about 12 acres.
-
Federal grand jury indicts state Sen. Currie
ANNAPOLIS — State Sen. Ulysses Currie, chairman of a legislative committee that steers $32 billion in state spending, is accused of illegally using his influence to benefit a grocery store chain, the U.S. attorney’s office announced Wednesday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
