Scouts Canada is the country’s leading youth organization. For more than 100 years, 17 million Canadian youth experience the outdoors, adventure and friendships.
The Scouts motto is “Be Prepared” and the 2nd Rossland Scouts is true that phrase as they have been involved with many activities and projects in the community and are preparing for a big adventure this summer on Slocan Lake.
The Scouts group in Rossland is split up into three main age groups. The youngest age being the Beavers, ages 5-7; Cubs, ages 8-10; and Scouts, ages 11-14. All the groups have been very busy this year. Some highlights have included outdoor exploration of our local trails, themed weeks with friendship parties, sleepovers, participation in Remembrance Day and the Winter Carnival. The groups work on earning badges and crests throughout the year, which are proudly displayed on their uniforms and camp blankets.
They recently designed, created, built and raced their own “Beaver buggies, Kub Kars and Scout Trucks” at a rally in Nelson.
An upcoming event for the local group is “Nite Trek” for ages 9 & up, where Girl Guides & Scouts are involved in a co-ed event that involves teamwork. There are daytime activities, a campfire and a night hike with challenges and stations. The groups have a lot of fun and meet new friends from other communities, while learning lifelong skills.
The older Cubs & Scouts have regular campouts in each season, as well as “Cuboree” gatherings and attended a “High Ropes” camp in the East Kootenay, where they learned climbing skills with certified guides.
A very important part of being such an active group is fundraising; some of the largest fundraisers are the selling of the traditional “Scout popcorn” in the fall, bottle drives throughout the year, help with the United Way Dinner for Caring and this spring, the 1st Annual Garage Sale.
Mark your calendar and bring your goods to donate to the Scout Hall, located at the end of the road beside Jubilee Field and Rossland Summit School. Drop off is Friday, May 9 between 2 – 6 p.m. The sale will be Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds goes to 2nd Rossland Scouts.
For more information about the 2nd Rossland Group contact Group Commissioner Tom Leask at 250.362.7118 or come out and help support the group by participating in their fundraisers throughout the year.