Scouting celebrates 100 years in Canada
by Michelle Minnoch

One hundred years ago Lt. General Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden- Powell took a group of boys on a camping trip on Brownsea Island in Dorset, England. What started out as a small camp has formed into an association, in which more than 28 million young boys, girls and adults have welcomed to their lives in 155 countries around the world.

Scouting started in 1907 and began in Alcona in 1976. Presently, there are over 90 youth in the Scouting levels; Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures and Rovers. In Alcona, along with the Beavers and Cubs, there are Sea Scouts, Sea Ventures and Sea Rovers.

Troop Scout Ernie Marshall believes Scouting is a great activity for the kids. "The program is adventurous and fun," he said. "The kids absolutely love it." He said we are the only group in the surrounding area which is active in all five divisions.

Scouts are divided into five age categories; Beavers (5-8), Cubs (8-11), Sea Scouts (11-14), Sea Ventures (14-18) and Sea Rovers (18- 26).

In Beavers, the kids are grouped into smaller groups, called Lodges. There are no badges to earn in Beavers, as the motto is "Sharing, Sharing, Sharing."

"It's a sharing concept, with no competition," said Group Commissioner Bev Kelbert. "We are trying to build their sharing and cooperation skills."

Cubs are divided into Wolf Cub Packs, with the motto "Do your best" to guide the youth. The cubs are introduced to hikes, weekend camps and are introduced to water activities (canoeing and kayaking). Learning important skills are an important part of the program.

The motto for the Scouts is "Be Prepared", in which the children are learning to get ready for something that may come their way. There are two divisions of Scouts, Land and Sea Scouts, and Alcona has the Sea Scout program.

"The Sea Scout program is focused around water," said Marshall.

Sea Ventures use their "Challenge" motto, which is another excellent tool for preparing the teens to challenge themselves to make the right decision. Sharing thoughts and decisions are encouraged, and so is getting back on your feet after a setback.

Sea Rovers, the last division, have a simple motto; "Service"; giving to others. The Rovers get into the planning stage of things, helping the younger troops.

"Once they get older, they get more involved in running things," said Kelbert.

Marshall said the one of the best things to happen to scouting occurred in 1992; Scouting was now for both boys and girls. First introduced into Scouts, Ventures and Rovers, pretty soon Cubs and Beavers followed.

"Alcona was one of the first groups to go co-ed," Marshall said. "The girls were really excited to become involved in the program."

In 1994, Marshall said his Sea Scout troop was invited to go camping with another, but the other troop leader, who led a troop of boys, said the girls could not come. He told the boys in his troop that they could go camping, but the girls could not. "They said if the other troop didn't want our girls, then they weren't going."

Kelbert said some of the girls really challenge the boys, but in the end, everyone learns about co-operation, respect and having a good time.

Obtaining badges is a feature of scouting which enables the youth to accomplish a goal; whether a challenge badge or a sport badge, badges have adjusted with the times. "The challenge badges focus on the uniqueness of the individual," said Marshall. Badges for the various levels of Scouting may include; collector, team player, cooking, first aid, personal development, spirituality, weather, world conservation and much more.

Scouting is based on three primary beliefs; Duty to God, Duty to Others, and Duty to Self.

"Scouting is a nondenominational program," said Marshall. He said youth of all denominations can join scouting. "Duty to God" refers to duty to a spiritual being, whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc.

The Alcona group has the largest vessel fleet in the country, and their boats range between 8 feet to 27 feet. Marshall said the kids love learning the ins and outs of sailing and canoeing. For some, it is their first experience on a boat.

The Scouts not only camp, hike and boat, but also get a tour of the local Fire department, local businesses and help in on Pitch in Day. They have been pairing up with the Lions in recent year, participating in the Annual Bike-a-Thon.

Kelbert said where Scouting is lacking in volunteers is in the younger age groups. Although the meetings are once a week, there are preparations to be made, and with the older groups, camping trips and outings to partake in. She said the adults have just as much fun as the kids. 'The Leader Magazine' a publication for those involved in Scouting Canada, is a great tool to help plan certain activities, and there is a bit of training required for the leaders.

"The participation of parents always helps," said Kelbert. She adds that volunteer positions for Treasurer, Secretary, Harbour master and Quarter Master are also in demand.

If you are interested in getting your children or yourself involved in Scouting in Innisfil, you can contact Ernie Marshall at (705) 436-1425, or Bev Kelbert at alconascouting @rogers.com

Aquote by Baden Powell, revised to fit the changes to co-ed Scouting, says it all; "Help the youth to become self-reliant, resourceful, to paddle his/her own canoe - that is, to look ahead and shape his/her own course in life".