A valuable movement
Celebrate Annapolis County’s rich Scouting history
Scouting has played an active role in the early development of many youth in Annapolis County for more than 90 years.
Did you ever fill your pockets with rocks so when you get to the water’s edge you can throw them in? Our Beavers and Cubs do it every time we hike to the Annapolis River.
Scouting continued to grow in Annapolis County with groups in Wilmot, Melvern Square, Nictaux, Middleton, Lawrencetown, Paradise, Bridgetown, and Annapolis Royal at its height.
Kub Kar rally’s in Annapolis County would have close to 175 Cubs racing on tracks to declare a county winner. It was an exciting time to see so many youth eager to watch their car race.
But as society changed more and more opportunities arose for youth and Scouting has seen a gradual decline. Today the community that was the site of the first camp, Wilmot, is the only active group in the county. Lead by a group of dedicated volunteers, they continue to deliver the best the Scouting program has to offer.
So just what is Scouts? It is a program for boys and girls ages five to 26. In Wilmot they offer the Beaver program for youth ages five to seven and the Cub program for youth ages eight to 10. It is a challenging and exciting change from today’s video game/TV world many youth live in.
Remember that first hot dog cooked on a stick over an open fire that you built? There is no better taste and it happens in Scouting, too.
Scouting provides many adventures. Adventure is about exploring new things and ideas, learning new skills, and creating new paths. Whether youth are pursuing outdoor challenges, exploring their faith, or tackling a project related to personal expression or community development, they are growing as individuals by having new experiences.
It is an exciting time to be a part of the Scouting movement as the entire program has been revised to reflect the changes in today’s society. This new program called The Canadian Path continues to focus on youth to help them grow and learn while at the same time having a little fun.
It is never too late to enroll your son or daughter in Scouting. Wilmot Scouting meets every Tuesday evening at the Kin Centre in Wilmot from 6 until 7 p.m. For additional information call Eric Spidle at 902-765-8237, or email eric. spidle@ns.sympatico.ca.