By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
The 1st Oliver Scouts is in dire need of volunteer leaders to get the program back on its feet for local youth.
Group Commissioner and long-time Scout advocate Mike Field is putting the call out for qualified people to help the group “survive” the COVID-19 fallout.
The organization, an entity since 1927, has a significant history in Oliver. But all that is in jeopardy now.
“Over the course of COVID, we were shut down and a lot of our leadership left the program,” Field said. “What it leaves us with is a program that can’t run without the volunteers, and we need to have some new blood.”
Field said they are looking for qualified volunteers as soon as possible, but so far there has been limited interest. This has resulted in families having to be put on a waitlist, he pointed out.
The term “qualified” means anyone over the age of 18 who can pass a criminal record check and has an interest in youth leadership.
The 1st Oliver Scouts has five tiers including Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers.
Field said the organization offers all of the training that is required, and all expenses are paid for. There are also perks – those who volunteer have a guaranteed spot in the program for their own children, and there are some subsidies available as well.
“I think, myself, I wouldn’t have been involved in the program for as long as I have if I didn’t believe it was a beneficial program.”
For each Scouting section, a minimum of two volunteers is needed. “The more the better to share the load,” Field pointed out.
The level of commitment is negotiable, he said. In the past, the group has provided a program consisting of one or two hours a week of indoor activity, and every four to six weeks they would get the youth out for outdoor programming.
“If you enjoy camping, if you enjoy the outdoors . . . even if you don’t, we have areas of programming you can assist with as a volunteer.”
If you can’t set up a tent to save your life, someone can help you with that, Field said.
“I realize that we’re asking a lot from people. I realize that we are asking (you) to give up some of that free time, but I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t think the program was valuable.”
Field said the group participates in several camps and events every year, such as the Huckleberry Finn raft race on the Penticton river channel, and the Cub Car Rally. Field said they build wooden cars from a kit and race them on tracks.
“The youth are always excited about tweaking their car to perfection so that it races the fastest.”
The youth also win prizes for the most unique cars they can create. As for the trick to make them go faster . . . that’s a secret you will have to find out for yourself.
“Everybody thinks they have the secret down . . . you don’t want to give away too much,” Field laughed.
One of most popular Scouting events in Oliver is the junk box (go-kart) derby on Skagit Avenue. This community event brings neighbours together to watch the races and cheer on their favourite cars and drivers. Even Speed Watch volunteers get involved to monitor speeds on the hill.
The other events include camping and jamborees, preparing youth to be able to be self-sufficient and appreciate the outdoors. Archery is one of the favourite activities during these outings.
Field said 1st Oliver Scouts has a simple principle – “No one left behind.” That means they always find a way to involve youth regardless of physical or financial challenges.
For those interested in the program, there will be an information meeting at Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary School on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. People can also email [email protected] or call 250-689-2433.
