SCOUTING,
ALONG the PATH
By Mark W. Palmer - Service Team Scouter
One Hundred Years of Scouting - Globally We Are One
After a hiatus of a few months, I welcome again my loyal readers. This article will deal with the Centennial Year theme, the absolutely memorable and riveting Sunset Ceremony, and Canadian Jamboree '07 in Tamaracouta, Quebec attended by Scouter Olean Jones.
Allow me to begin with the Sunset Ceremony, an occasion of Wednesday August the 1st down at the Kenora Harbourfront. At this juncture, it is important to note that this date is not randomly chosen; according to Scouting lore, our Founder Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powel held his first Flag Break at 8:00 AM. On August 1, 1907 and called the boys to the flag pole by blowing the Kudu Horn. The location was 'Brownsea Island' situated in the United Kingdom and here Baden-Powel tested his theories and practices with the first "Scouts", male Youth of teen years from literally all walks of life. His goal was to instill in these young men a sense of self-worth, and to make them good and useful citizens. This camp historically marked the beginning of the world wide Movement readily recognized as Scouting!
On August 1st, sunrise/sunset ceremonies were held in 155 countries and in most communities across Canada.
The Kenora Scouting Centennial Committee which was struck by Ken-Kee Council to organize events to celebrate Scouting's Centenary, chose to conduct a Sunset Ceremony to commemorate the 'Brownsea Island' experience. Largely instrumental in the organizing of this event was Bill Zroback who saw to it that not even the smallest detail was overlooked. As an example, he even procured special sheet music for the music which The Cathedral Brass played for the listening pleasure of all assembled. The Musicians were comprised of Hans Behrman, Chris Wiebe, Maria Berezowski, and Julie Whelen. Of course, Bill had much assistance from other members of the Centennial Committee in the making of a memorable evening for all.
Allow me to extend Scouting's Three
Cheers of appreciation to Mr. Woody Linton, a former Scouter,
who arrived from his home in Sioux Narrows to capably serve
in the capacity of Master of Ceremonies. Well done Woody!
Other dignitaries included His Worship Mayor Len Compton,
who brought greetings from the City Of Kenora. Incidentally,
in his youth, Mayor Compton earned the designation of that
of Kings' Scout. We were honoured with the presence of Scouter
Gary Waycik who serves as the Council Executive Director
for Central Canada who gave an insightful and moving narrative
on the life and times of the Founder. Former Scouter Mike
Rushton played the KUDU Horn twice and verbally proclaimed
"Five Minutes To Sunset" in an authoritative voice followed
by "Sunset" You may be wondering exactly what a "Kudu" horn
is? It is in fact a horn made from the animal Kudu. A "Kudu"
is a quite large member of the Antelope Family indigenous
to certain regions of Africa. It has reddish-brown, almost
blue hair and yes, I realize that this sounds like an oxymoron!
A hole is drilled in a strategic part of the horn and emits
a "unique" sound when skillfully blown. Baden Powell first
heard the horn blown in Africa and brought a home back home
to England with him. Scouter Mike had the honour of using
Scouter Nick Zrobeck's partial horn to announce sunset.
On the morning of August 1st, in Tamaracouta Quebec, Baden Powell's great grandson, Adam Baden Clay blew the Kudu horn at the sunrise ceremony at the Canadian Jamboree.
After three consecutive days of "stifling" heat we were the grateful recipients of a comfortable evening on the Boardwalk and Lawns of The Harbourfront with a cooling, brisk breeze blowing in off of the Lake. The Colours (flags) were capably presented to Scouter Gary by Third Kenora Scouts Dustin Mason, Alex Muckle, and Raymond Cameron. We had all Section Youth represented, 2nd Kenora Beavers and Cubs, and 3rd Kenora Cubs and Scouts. Closing Prayer was conducted by The Reverend Therese Samuel of Knox United Church immediately after Scouting Vespers were sung accompanied by The Cathedral Brass. After the ceremony, cookies and juice were served by Barb Nault, Minetta Kraynyk, Debbie Farr, and Brenda Jorgensen and a time of fellowship complete with reminiscing of past Scouting adventures was enjoyed by all.
We give special thanks to the Kenora Rotary Club for their contributions towards this event and they will also be sponsoring the Scouter's Reunion Tea at St.Alban's Cathedral on September 20, 2007.
Registration for the upcoming Scouting year will be held along with the Mass Registration on Sept 5 and 6th at the Kenora Rec. Centre. See you there.
Yours in Scouting
Mark
