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I was looking through some old Central Kings District scrapbooks from 20 years ago, and I found some interesting items. Central Kings District had many great scouters over the years, and I would like to share comments from three of the original founders of scouting in Sussex and area.

Ann Holder was a scouter for over 40 years, and was an honorary member of Central Kings District. At a ceremony in 1990, Mrs. Holder said she had sometimes considered getting out of scouting, but there was something each year about seeing a youngster in a Scout uniform that kept drawing her back, so she couldn't let go.

At the same ceremony, longtime scouter Gus Schousboe remarked that he would promote scouting for as long as he could, and there was no better course than scouting to teach one how to live scouting has everything, it is the whole package. Mr. Schousboe was also an honorary member of Central Kings District.

Dallas Hawkes was the third member of this elite group of longtime scouters, and at an award ceremony in 1991, scouter Dallas was presented with the Medal of Merit. Upon receiving the award, he said he shouldn't receive an award for something so close to his heart as scouting.

The hard work and dedication these scouters gave to scouting ensured the program grew and thrived in the Sussex area since 1949. Scouters Holder, Hawkes and Schousboe had over 125 years of scouting between them simply awesome!

There have been many district commissioners for Central Kings District over the years. Don Stevens, Stan Kincaide, Frank Rouse, Otty Forgrave, Ralph Dempster, Andrew Hopper, Murray Belding, Ray Leblanc, Paul Kelly and Paul Murray all held the position of district commissioner. I had the dubious distinction of being the last DC for Central Kings District, and had to oversee the formation of Fundy East Area, which was the amalgamation of Central Kings, Kennebecasis Valley and Fundy Coast Districts. I would like to know how many thousands of youth and volunteers went through the Scouts Canada programs in Sussex since the 1940s.

Many local groups have been busy with cleanup projects. The 2nd Trinity Cubs and Scouts spent time cleaning up a winter's worth of garbage along the Penobsquis village roads. They had a weekend out, staying at the Penobsquis Fire Hall, and doing their part for the environment. The St. Paul's Beavers cleaned up along the walking trail by the 8th Hussars Sports Centre, doing their part to keep our environment clean. Whether you are walking the trails in and around Sussex, or simply walking up the street, don't throw garbage out.

In scouting, we try hard to practise "Leave no Trace" camping, and it should be a rule for everyday life. Two of the better known sayings are "carry it in, carry it out" and "don't throw away, take away." For more information on "Leave no Trace" camping, go to www.leavenotrace.ca.