SCOUTING,
ALONG the PATH
By Mark W. Palmer - Service Team Scouter
Happenings in Local Scouting
I welcome again my loyal readership. It is indeed great to appear again in these pages! We being Scouting in Ken Kee Council - encompassing the 2nd Kenora Beaver Colony, 3rd Kenora Cub Pack and 3rd Kenora Scout Troop have gotten well underway with the 2007-2008 Scouting year.
Following on the heels of our "Sunset
Ceremony" held on August 1st and, which was principally
the theme of my last column, the Centennial Committee held
a Reunion Tea and display celebrating 100 Years of Scouting
which runs from August 1st 2007 to August 1st 2008. This
was an afternoon affair on September 29th at St Alban's.
Among the attendees were His Worship, Mayor Len Comptom
and Councilor David McCann who joined us for a cup of coffee.
Mr. Compton was presented with the adult version of the
Chief Scout's Award in recognition for having achieved this
award as a youth. The Beavers agreed that he could wear
this badge on his mayor's shirt but not on his pajamas.
The Keewatin Branch 13 Legion ladies donated baking and the event was also supported by the Kenora Rotary Club. Two members of the Anglican Church Women most capably keep the coffee and tea flowing which was brought to the tables by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
We again had our annual Apple Day on Sat October 6th and despite brisk weather had an overwhelmingly generous response from the public. We use these monies for youth programming and activities. Many thanks are extended to the merchants for their continued generosity in allowing us to canvass their customers for donations again this year.
Scouts have been particularly busy in
honing their camping and outdoor skills. Just last week
the Troop, guided by Scouters Brent Preston and Dave Allen,
spent two nights at Camp Bimoba on Scout Island. Scouter
Dave, in a brief conversation with me, mentioned that last
Friday night the sky was so clear and bright with a full
moon that the Troop embarked upon a hike at 11 pm! The Troop
had lessons in orienteering, saw and axe work, knife skills
and building camp fires. A good weekend was enjoyed by all.
At this point I would like to introduce my readership to Scouter Brent Preston who relocated here for employment. Scouter Brent hails from Miramichi, NB where he was involved in Scouting as a leader and trainer. Welcome to Kenora Brent, and thank you for sharing your time and skills with Area Scouting!
Incidentally, 3rd Kenora meets Mondays from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Knox United Church. Beavers have a very large Colony this year! Beaver Leader Jim Doulis, a.k.a. Hawkeye, would appreciate more adult help. It is a challenge to manage that many energetic "Little Beavers" while continuing to deliver a quality program. In lieu of a Halloween party this year, the Colony enjoyed a pajama and movie/game night. I was present at that meeting and doled out juice and cookies to "Hungry Beavers".
The Colony also had a fishing day at
the Harbourfront docks, took a night hike on the Tunnel
Island trails and visited a petting farm.
Cubs have been busy working on their badges and celebrating Halloween with a haunted house designed by one of the Moms.
Youth aged between 13 and 17 take notice! Ken Kee Council has formed a Venturer Company. Jim Doulis is the Advisor .The Lake of the Woods Masonic Lodge is their sponsoring body. What makes this section of Scouting "really cool" is that the Venturers wholly determine and guide their own program. Things Venturer Companies across the country have been known to undertake include canoeing, wilderness camping and rock climbing. There are also many opportunities to provide service for the betterment of the community . Interested ? For more information on this challenging yet rewarding program, contact Jim at 468-4024.
One youth member from each section will take part in laying a wreath at the Remembrance Day Service at the Kenora Legion on Sunday November 11th.
Our next major event will be our annual Investiture Night on Wednesday November 21st from 6:30 to 8 pm at Knox Church. This is the ceremony where new youth members and new leaders recite their promise and are embraced into the Worldwide Brotherhood of Scouting.
I will see you all again in a future column.
Yours in Scouting
Mark
