Twenty-nine First Gibsons Scouts and leaders celebrated the Olympics with a visit to Whistler on the Feb. 20/21 weekend. Without the Scouting program, many of the 11 to 14 year olds would not have been able to participate in the Olympic festivities. Scouts got the opportunity to hang out with the Canadian rock band Hedley and skeleton gold medallist Jon Montgomery.
The prime goal of the Scouting program is to develop an active, healthy lifestyle. During the trip, Scouts were able to earn their winter badge at the Shadow Lake snow camp just north of Whistler.
The First Gibsons troops brought their Canadian spirit to the Whistler venues and were recognized by members of the Scouting movement from around the world.
Scout leaders were able to get passes for all their volunteer drivers on the Sea to Sky Highway. The entire troop was given entry to the medal ceremonies and Hedley concert on Friday night.
Saturday saw the Scouts on camera at the CTV stage and invited to join a MuchMusic on Demand taping with Hedley. The kids mingled with visitors, performers, athletes and musicians at free events all over Whistler.
The Scouts found that Montgomery really is fun and nice when he let some members of the troop carry his giant Canadian flag and touch Olympic gold. They benefited from the friendliness of their hosts and the sunny skies, as no snow meant the Pemberton Main road crew were able to take the time to plow their camp parking lot.
The Scouts wish to thank the residents of the Sunshine Coast for the year-round support they receive for Scout fundraising activities that make outings like this possible.
And gardeners, please look for the Scouts manure sales on the weekend of March 20. For more information about Scouting on the Coast, see www.sunshinecoastscouts.ca.
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