For more than 100 years, Scouts Canada has brought a world of adventure, outdoor experience, friendship and fun to 17 million Canadian youth, but not unlike many organizations, none of this could have been done without the dedication and commitment of many volunteers.
Scouts Canada is the country’s leading youth organization and offers challenging program for youth and volunteers alike. The 1st Chestermere Scout Group dates back to the 1990’s and by 2005 there were multiple opportunities for boys and girls ages 5-14 years old to join the Scouting movement in Chestermere including Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
Currently there are close to 50 local children involved in the program, however unless community volunteers can be found to step up and help run the organization – this number next year may have to be capped to only 12.
“At the moment, we have not received any new interest from parents or community members to volunteer for the cubs program which covers ages 5-7 or the scouts program which is for ages 14-17,” stated Joan Gellatly, Group Commissioner for 1st Chestermere Scout Group.
Joan has been involved in the Scouting program since 2005 when her son joined as a child. Since then, her children have grown and left the program but Gellatly remains as a volunteer.
“Something about the program is just so neat, the energy and joy that you get from these kids is really cool,” said Gellatly, “I can’t explain it but there’s something that keeps me coming back, I guess I get a sense of satisfaction in seeing the kids grow and learn so much over the years.”
The organizations vision is for Canadian youth to make a meaningful contribution to creating a better world and their mission is to help develop well rounded youth, better prepared for success in the future.
“We all live in the big city now and a lot of kids don’t get the opportunity to explore and run in the outdoor,” said Jeff Morris, 1st Chestermere Scout Group Cub leader. “We have a lot of fun fishing, camping, hiking and exploring the outdoors – this year on a fishing trip one of the kids caught his first fish ever, a great big pike – and everyone was so excited for him so that was a highlight for me this year.”
Scouting volunteers have provided generations of Canadian youth with a first opportunity to sleep in a tent, to experience leadership and to build self-reliance and self-confidence. Volunteer dedication, resourcefulness and enthusiasm ae vital to Scouting.
“I was in Scouts as a child and now I get to participate with my own son which has been a lot of fun,” said Morris, “I have watched him mature and learn a lot of responsibility through the Scouting program, it has been great for both of us.”
Scouting is a rewarding volunteer experience because many people are looking for ways to develop skills that help them to achieve personal and professional goals. Scouting has a long tradition of providing such opportunities. Training for leaders include understanding youth, program planning, leadership and risk management.
Volunteer leaders do not have to be parents with children in the program, it is an excellent opportunity for any one that enjoys the outdoors, has a desire to learn new skills, likes to meet new people and wants to spend quality time mentoring youth in the community. You could be a grandparent, senior, business owner, young adult in university, anyone looking for a way to get involved and give back. There is a thorough police record check, interview and orientation where you’ll learn all the basics to help you provide great programs for youth.
If you can commit to 12-14 hours per month, you can help make a difference in the lives of many kids and help shape a better world for tomorrow. Contact 1stchestermeregroup@gmail.com or visit www.scouts.ca for more information.
