Scout Talk

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Since 1950, the Canadian Scout Brotherhood Fund has supported community development projects carried out in Third World countries. The Scouts Canada International Relations Committee administers this fund, and the World Scout Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland, suggests projects that need funding.

In 1991, the New Brunswick Council became very involved with the new Kenyan Street Scout project, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Initially, 24 street kids, mostly orphans, drug addicts and prostitutes were selected to join a Scout troop and were given medical aid , education, food and lodging.

Since the inception of this program, thousands of Kenyan youth have taken part, and many have become university graduates and successful adults. Since 1991, New Brunswick has donated over $60,000 to this project, with most of the money coming from group and activity fundraisers. The collections taken at Scout week church services, 15 per cent of money collected for Scout Trees and money raised at camps and jamborees are all earmarked for the brotherhood fund. In Kenya, Scouts Canada is referred to as New Brunswick, as they realize who their greatest supporters are. The success of the Street Scout project was very evident at last summers CJ07, as eight youth and two adults from Kenya took part in the jamboree, with their expenses paid through the brotherhood fund.

One of the original youth from 1991 was in attendance, and in the last 16 years, Peter has graduated from university and has become a shining example for the other project youth. All scouters in New Brunswick, youth and adults should be very proud of the success of the Kenyan Street Scout project.

Representatives of the St. Mark's (Sussex Corner) and St. Paul's United groups recently helped with the Town of Sussex clean-up day. Although the turnout was not what was expected, the workers were enthusiastic and they got great results. The St. Paul's Venturers once again volunteered at the Relay for Life event at Burton Park, working with Harry Beers on his sites and services crew. A big thank you to these groups and youth who continue to take part in community events, and give local scouting positive exposure. Well done!

I recently attended a retirement party at St. Paul's United Church for staff associate Jeanette Cosman. Jeanette was the sponsor liaison with the St. Paul's group committee, and was a great contributor to the success of the youth groups. Whatever the sections needed, and whatever the group needed, was provided. Jeanette's support and the support of the church were often used as an example to other groups at training events and meetings. In 2007, Jeanette was presented with the Commemorative Centennial Medal for her continued support to St. Paul's scouting. There is no doubt that Jeanette's absence will be missed, and simply saying thank you doesn't seem like it is enough. Thank you Jeanette for everything you have done for scouting.

Many groups have ended their programs for the year, and the volunteers are recharging and relaxing. I hope all volunteers will rejoin in the fall. Your contributions to the overall development of our youth are very necessary, and you are doing a great job!