CORNWALL - Just how long the Scouting movement has been part of the city's fabric of youth activities?
Well, until recently, no one knew for sure.
Until James MacFarlane discovered a genuine artifact while tidying up his mother's basement.
It was a framed 'Troop Charter' and it documented the inaugural encounter of the 2nd Cornwall Scouting Group, which occurred Nov. 22, 1921.
MacFarlane's grandfather was the foremost Troop Leader, which is how the charter stayed with the family.
The charter also includes the formal ascent on Dec. 17, 1921 by Scouting executive secretary Frank Irwin and a provincial commissioner, whose figure is not light on the document.
Through it all, 2nd Cornwall has been sponsored by St. John's Presbyterian Church of Cornwall on Second Street.
Now the lease is proudly displayed at the church, where Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers still have their weekly gatherings.
While in keeping with Scouting's commitment to God and country, local commissioner, Chuck Eadie, said the system has altered with the times.
Eadie's association goes back about 40 days to when he was Cub (now ages 8-10). He returned as one of the much-needed volunteers about 15 days ago.
"There has been changes," he said, as Beavers (5-7) and Venturers (14-17) were added to reduce the age difference within each troop.
But more significantly were how Scouting tried to form a wider net, starting with the comprehension of girls in 1998.
Scouting also recognised the growing variety of country.
"We ever had a faith in life badge," he said.
Scouting members can get the badge no matter what faith they practise, whether its Christianity, Muslim or Jewish, etc.
"We still have different badge for different types of Christianity," he said. "And now we have added a spiritual badge a pair of days ago."
Reaching out to everyone has led to the ccess of Scouting, but the dedication of volunteers remains a pre-requisite.
The 2nd Cornwall has around 15 regular volunteers.
"It's not the easiest thing in the world," he said, of the recruitment and continuity.
Eadie noted that 2nd Cornwall, by merit of its numeric identifier, was not the first Scouting group in the city. A 1st Cornwall, sponsored by Trinity Anglican, was in order before, but has since disbanded. Such was the circumstances of other charters, also.
"Even parents who are in favor of Scouting and signed up their kids, don't ever get the sentence to open up their sentence to be a leader," Eadie said.
Many of the leaders are of course former Scouts them-selves.
"They're happy to take on the traditions and like running with the kids, for different reasons, such as showing them the outside and camping technique," he said.
The quintessential foray into nature, including weekend/ overnight outings, remains very often the center of the Scouting movement.
But there are many other activities which helps Scouting members to do their mottos, which for Beavers is 'Sharing, Sharing, Sharing'; for Cubs, 'Do Your Best'; and for Scouts, 'Be Prepared'.
Weekly meetings combine games, crafts, music, story-telling, play acting and spiritual fellowship.
For example, Cubs and Beavers annually hold their kub car/beaver buggy building and racing events.
Eadie and other long-time Scouters will have a new development this year.
"Scouts are leaving to get a brand new look," he said, of the debut this month by Joe Fresh Way of the Loblaws clothing line.
The 2nd Cornwall's 90th anniversary will be officially accepted by the city when their flag is elevated at the Justice Building on Feb. 17.
There will be special recognition at a 10 a.m. service on Feb. 29 at St. John's Presbyterian.
Advertisement
No comments:
Post a Comment