Scout Talk

B2

By Paul Murray

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At the annual Scouts Canada awards ceremony Nov. 1, two members of the New Brunswick Council received awards for meritorious conduct, and should be publicly recognized for their actions.

Cyril Walsh was a member of the 1st Oromocto Venturer Company, and in June 2007, was fishing in a brook along the highway near Burton. Cyril heard the screeching of car brakes, and rushed to the road to see what had happened. A car had struck a young boy on a bicycle and the youth was in quite a bit of distress. Cyril took over the scene, started directing traffic and comforted the youth until the ambulance and police arrived. Cyril started a fundraiser to help purchase a new bicycle for the youth. For his quick thinking and cool head, Cyril Walsh was presented with the Scouts Canada Certificate for Meritorious Conduct.

Jim Simms is a Scout leader with the 2nd St. Andrews Scout Troop and also the area commissioner for Wabanaki area. At a camp in February, Jim successfully administered the Heimlich maneuver on a choking youth, ultimately saving the youth's life. For his quick thinking and use of his life saving skills, scouter Jim Simms was presented with the Scouts Canada Medal for Meritorious Conduct.

The youth and adults are extremely proud of these two members, who used skills and knowledge acquired in scouting to make a difference in two lives.

Two other youth received very prestigious awards as well. Matthew Nutter, a Scout with 1st Kingston Peninsula, received the Jack Cornwell Decoration, and Braden Gendron, a Cub with the 6th Hampton Pack, received the Award for Fortitude. Both of these youth have participated in all scouting activities despite severe medical conditions and remain positive and cheerful.

The 2008 edition of Operation Star Trek took place on Oct. 24 and 25, in Fundy National Park. It is an all night hike with checkpoints, stressing scouting skills.

This year the scout troop from St. Paul's United was among the 120 youth and 60 adults who took part. Star Trek is famous for its lousy weather. It is usually raining or snowing, but this year Mother Nature provided clear skies, with cool temperatures, but no precipitation. Star Trek is hosted by the southeast area (Moncton.)