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The Pennsylvania Dutch Boy Scout Council is hosting its third annual virtual 5k and 15k race during the month of June. This year, they are collaborating with the nonprofit, Raven Ridge Wildlife Center for the Wildlife Rehab 5K and 15K Race.

Raven Ridge Wildlife Center is a rehabilitation center in Washington Boro, Lancaster County, that specializes in rehabilitating raptors, mammals (excluding deer and bear), and waterfowl. Raven Ridge was founded in 2015 by Tracie Young, who serves as the center’s director and rehabilitator. Raven Ridge rehabilitates nearly 2,000 animals annually.

When East Hempfield Township Police encountered this injured fox (left), they knew to call Raven Ridge. After being “out-foxed” a couple times in catching him, Raven Ridge was able to bring him into the center and give him a second chance at life (right). He was later released with the help of the Pennsylvania Game Commission into an area of more than 850 acres of protected land. (Provided photos)

The Pennsylvania Dutch Council serves Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, partnering with community-based organizations to operate a wide range of scouting and volunteer programs. The Dutch Council also maintains the Bashore Scout Reservation and the J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation, located at the northernmost and easternmost sides of Lebanon County. The Boy Scouts of America have roots in Lebanon County dating back more than 110 years.

Read More: Camp Mack celebrates 50 years and tens of thousands of scouting stories

Read More: Clothes salesman, civic leader, Boy Scout patron: the life of John Sherman Bashore

“We started the race as a way to encourage people to safely get outdoors in June of 2020 and have partnered with a different local non-profit each year to help others in our area,” said Nicole Welch, a district executive with the Dutch Council. “We have had people from around the world participate in each year’s race, the farthest one being a person in Japan.”

The virtual race can be done at any location and can be completed anytime between June 1 and 15. The registration cost is $20 per racer. All proceeds will be split between Raven Ridge Wildlife Center and the Pennsylvania Dutch Council, BSA.

The 2021 race benefitted the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania. After completing the race, Cayden stopped by the sanctuary to see the programs she helped support by participating tin the virtual 5K. (Provided photo)

The entire community and all scouting families are welcome to participate in the race. For the 5K, running or walking on the road, trail, treadmill, or track is encouraged. The 15K race can be completed by riding a bike on the road, trail, or stationary bike. After registering, all participants will receive a racing bib via email. Participant patches will be mailed directly to all by the end of August. Click here to register for the race.

All participants must register and complete the race by June 15. Any pictures taken during the race can be sent to nicole.welch@scouting.org or posted on the Facebook event page.

For more information regarding the race, contact Nicole Welch at nicole.welch@scouting.org.

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