Scout Talk

C7

By Paul Murray

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In the fall of 1932, the first Scouts Canada Apple Day was held in Saint John.

The concept of providing people with a shiny red apple in exchange for a donation to support scouting was indeed a novel idea, and has turned into an annual national tradition.

Last weekend, the Sussex area groups held their Apple Day and, once again, the citizens of Sussex and surrounding area showed how generous they were.

All money raised goes directly to the local groups and is used to support the youth programs. This is done by buying new handbooks, badges, craft supplies or to offset camping expenses. All local scouting groups extend a heartfelt thank you to those who supported this fundraiser.

Another Scouts Canada fundraiser has started. The Scouts popcorn sale is on and groups are selling the Trail's End popcorn, both the microwavable kind and the flavoured type in tins. These great tasting products make great Christmas gifts and all profits stay with the local groups.

Occasionally, a youth will go through the Scouting sections, achieve great things and will give the credit for their success to scouting. Zachary Branscombe of Wards Creek is one such youth. Zachary received his Chief Scout Award in 2003 as a member of the 1st Millstream Scout Troop. Upon high school graduation, he attended the Maritime College of Forestry Technology (formerly the Maritime Forest Ranger School) hoping to fulfill his goal of becoming a conservation officer. While attending this school, Zachary's love of the outdoors and the skills he learned in Scouts came to play on several occasions.

One field trip his class took was to a large woodlot where there were several marked trees. The students were given a map and compass coordinates and had to find these trees in a period of time. Zachary found his trees the quickest. Another outdoor assignment found Zachary's class in a woodlot, where all were given the same supplies and they had to stay overnight. Zachary found a great camp spot, built a shelter, table and chair, and settled in for the night. Several of his classmates were in awe at his calmness and at how prepared he was.

At graduation from the Forestry School, Zachary scored some of the highest marks since the school opened in 1946. Zachary is enrolled in Holland College learning the policing aspects of a conservation officer. Well done Zack!

In November, Scouts Canada is joining forces with Veterans Affairs Canada to send a contingent to France to mark the anniversary of the ending of the First World War. Scouts Canada was asked to supply 20 youth and Sam Wood, a Venturer from Fredericton, was chosen to represent the New Brunswick Council. Scouts Canada and Veterans Affairs forged a wonderful working relationship in 2005 when members of Scouts Canada passed out over 150,000 Year of the Veteran thank-you crests to our veterans. Remembrance Day ceremonies are fast approaching, so make plans to take part in a ceremony in your community.