Dr. David Eichler loves being out on the water. He also loves sharing his knowledge of boating with students of all ages. Now the member of Glossbrenner Church in Mount Joy can do both those things more often. Thanks to Eichler's efforts, the church was awarded a Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) R3 grant in July. "R3" stands for recruitment, retention and reactivation. The grant awarded the church funds to purchase seven canoes, a trailer, paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs).

Eichler taught health, physical and outdoor education at Donegal High School for 35 years. He used canoes provided through PFBC grants and fundraising initiatives to teach and certify students in boat safety. When he retired in January of 2020, he hoped to keep instructing people, but he needed canoes and equipment to do so. When the school district held a public drawing for the canoes, kayaks and trailers that Eichler had used, members of Glossbrenner Church submitted ballots, but they were not chosen. "Doc," as he's referred to by his students, wasn't deterred. He applied for the PFBC grant this year and took students on maiden voyages of the canoes in September.

A group of Boy Scouts from Maytown Troop 53 took to the water at Speedwell Forge Lake in Elm for the first trip. "The Scouts learned things like floating in their PFDs, how to retain body heat while in the water, the use of throw bags, safely capsizing their canoe, performing boat-over-boat rescues and paddle strokes," Eichler said.

Scout Logan Kean commented, "I liked it when we went in the canoe and flipped it over. I think overall it was a fun day here."

Assistant Scoutmaster Tim Ford added, "The classroom instruction was very interactive; even with the young boys it was very engaging. The on-water training was a lot of fun for the boys, and they did better than I expected!"

The second outing brought members of Glossbrenner Church out on Speedwell Forge Lake. "The goals for Glossbrenner Church members were to not intentionally capsize but to stay dry, learn some basic paddle strokes, properly don a life jacket or PFD, relax and have fun," Eichler said of the group that included church members Wayne and Debra Kennedy, Vaughn and Debbie Nissley, Steve and Pat Spence and Jackie Roberts and Glossbrenner Church youth member Jordan York.

"It was great to be out and about with church friends," said Debbie. "The canoes and accessories are fantastic, and we are so blessed to have them." Other participants emphasized the easy-to-follow instruction they received as well as the opportunity to enjoy nature, including a blue heron that followed their route.

"I haven't canoed for over 35 years and was looking forward to the outing," said Roberts. "I wasn't disappointed and want to definitely participate again."

Eichler proclaimed that the Lord blessed his church with these canoes and related equipment through the graciousness of the R3 grant. "I'm privileged to have the ability to share my knowledge of canoe and boat safety to the Glossbrenner Church family and to the Maytown Boy Scouts," he said.

He's also hoping people from other areas of Lancaster County will want to use the equipment and take advantage of Eichler's instruction. "Glossbrenner Church extends the canoeing opportunity to others in the local communities," he said. "If your group, church, business, Scout troop, school, etc., has interest in 2025 and beyond, contact Doc at Glossbrenner Church at 717-653-5683 and leave a message."