SCOUTING,
ALONG the PATH
By Mark W. Palmer - Service Team Member
Officially, We Now Belong
To my loyal readership, I welcome you back. This column will focus on "Investiture Night" which was held on November 15th. It is noteworthy to mention that this is the most important ceremony of the Scouting Year, and this year it was held in the lower auditorium of Knox United Church. All new members of each Scouting section namely, the Beavers, Wolf Cubs, and Scouts were invested along with, new Leaders.
Adults in the movement were recognized
for many years of service to Scouting by receiving their
'year pins". Millie Coker, in charge of honors and awards,
presented Community Volunteer Service Awards to Minetta
Kraynyk who is currently the Treasurer for Third Kenora
Group, and Debbie and Hans Kaiser; Debbie is currently Akela
with 2nd Kenora Pack, while Hans is taking a hiatus from
Service Team for this Year, however he is still very "present"
for special events including this one, as well as being
very instrumental in preparing the Scout's Float for this
years' Santa Claus Parade. Minetta, Hans and Debbie were
to be honored as part of a very special ceremony in Atikokan,
ON last spring, along with others of very notable service,
however, they were unable to attend at the time. Thus they
were presented with their special certificates and awards
by Millie during the ceremony.
As this is the Centenary Year of Scouting globally, everyone went "all out" to prepare for this event, the evening before in particular. There were many displays, scrapbooks for perusal, wall decorations, and tables of literature to inform the honored guests of what Scouting is all about. The Flags were correctly arranged and stood proudly in their stands; youth formed a color party as the Flags were paraded into the Auditorium, and out again at the conclusion of the ceremony. A very nice touch was Mrs. Diane Paroby playing the piano for the prelude and for Oh Canada, which began the ceremony. Thank you Diane! Scouter Olean Jones capably performed the Master of Ceremonies duties, and everything flowed smoothly under her direction. She had the honor of investing new Beaver Leader Michael Tomashowski who in turn was key in investing this years new Beavers. Cub Leader, Chris Moreau was also invested and Olean presented Troop Scouter Kelly Naaykens with a new, special "woggle" to commemorate her successful completion of the first phase of the wood badge training program. The "woggle" is the ring- so to speak- which encircles the neckerchief at the neckline, and holds it in its proper place. It may be made of a variety of materials, eg. wood, plastic, cloth , composite materials and , in this case, a leather thong. The neckerchief is sometimes abbreviated as the "necker." In most Scouting circles, "necker." is the universal term used.
Kelly was especially proud to invest
Scouter- In-Training Alex Muckle as someone who is an older
more experienced Youth, and will be undertaking greater
responsibilities this year. Scout Dustin Mason is the Troops'
Patrol Leader, and is also the "Kim" assisting with the
3rd Kenora Pack. After the Beavers' were invested- first!-
they paraded out and into the secondary auditorium, where
they enjoyed a scouting theme movie, and popcorn, and a
little bit of coloring, The new Youth, in the two Cub Packs
and the Scouts, respectively, were then invested by their
leaders, with previous years' invested members solemnly
observing. Proud parents stood behind their child and helped
put on the "necker". Leaders placed the epaulets on the
shoulder of each Youth as applicable to their particular
Section Group. Then, in turn, recited the Promise and the
Law. It is interesting to note that, and Yours' Truly did
not know this, it is the uniform shoulder epaulets and not
the "necker" that makes one an official invested member
of Scouting.
Olean spoke, during intervals when the
next group was taking its' place up front or on stage, about
the movements' Founder, Lord Baden-Powell and the history
behind each section.
I would like to welcome back Brenda Jorgenson to the movement. While she has served in the past as a Cub Leader and service Team member, we are enthused to have her back as a member of Service Team. Special thanks to Mr. Don Jones our Manager of Scouts' Island for greeting and distributing programs prior to people being seated. At the conclusion of the ceremony all partook of light refreshments and cupcakes.
It was a night to remember and a very special one for all our new members. Welcome to the Brotherhood.
At The Volunteer Fair held at Beaver Brae Secondary School, I had occasion to sit with Olean as she had a table set up with the various ways High School students could accumulate their requisite community service hours through service with a particular section group. It was an enlightening experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with all who approached our table. I realize that the $ 125.00 Activity Leader Membership Fee may be somewhat of a deterrent, however, I hope that those"interested" will be able to look beyond the cost and see what they potentially may gain. In one Scouting year - (September to June) - getting all of ones' volunteer hours in would be very achievable while enhancing their leadership skills. If you are willing to apply yourself, you will learn new skills, make new friends, be presented with leadership challenges, and most importantly, make a positive and lasting impression with Youth. If you are contemplating any type of Post Secondary education, it will be a start towards getting used to the idea of paying monetarily for the experience, eg. tuition and books etc. . And, trust me, it will look good on your resume. Did I mention "The Fun"?!? There are agencies in the Community who can help provide financial assistance if you are "feeling the pinch"; contact Olean Jones @ 468-6217.
As this will be my last column prior to Christmas, I would like to wish you all a very safe, healthy and happy holiday season.
