Remember when Scouts did good deeds, helped friends and neighbours, shared stories around the campfire and just enjoyed being kids?
Well, they still do! And they do it in more exciting ways than ever before.
Gareth Forrest, 17, of Gibsons was recently recognized for his individual efforts making a difference in our community by receiving the Canada Day Youth Award. The award is an initiative that began in 1985 to recognize young Canadians who exemplify the qualities of citizenship that strengthen our social fabric and our country. Gareth joined Scouting at the Cub level and progressed through Scouts and Venturers, earning the Chief's Scout Award and the Queen's Venturer Award in the process. This past year, he volunteered as a Scout counsellor and organized a week-long hiking trip to Nootka Island. Gareth gives us every reason to look toward the future with confidence and enthusiasm.
Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers meet on weeknights in school gyms, community halls and church facilities from Gibsons to Pender Harbour where they learn skills, plan adventures and get down to the real business of being kids: having fun.
For almost 100 years, Scouts Canada has been Canada's number one youth organization. They are well known for their safe, fun and adventurous programs, where fun is the common denominator, blended with friendship and outdoor fun. Programs are provided by a network of caring people who enjoy the rewards of knowing the positive influence they have on young people.
In 2007, Scouting's worldwide centenary will be recognized.
From coast to coast to coast, Canadian youth will be involved in parades, shows, displays and exciting activities including PJ'07, the Jamboree at Camp Byng in Roberts Creek. They will be part of the global recognition of 100 fascinating years of a movement that began with one idea from one man at one small camp at Brownsea, England. Maybe that's partly why the World Organization of Scouting has for its motto: One world one promise. You can be one of a nationwide team of over 25,000 volunteers who give a few hours each week to kids and get so much in return. When you become a leader with Scouts Canada, you're in for more fun than you ever imagined. See them create, help them dream, watch them grow.
The look in their eyes as they begin to explore the world: that's wonder. The laughter and the jokes they tell around the campfire: that's fun. The feeling you get when one day you understand what you mean to them: that's irreplaceable.To volunteer, please call area commissioner Robin Woolmer at 604-886-9854.
or email [email protected]. Leaders will be at Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accept registrations for the coming year.
