Although the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Scouting group has not been as active on social media lately as other troops, it has been active and growing its numbers during the pandemic.
The group consists of a Beavers section for kids ages five to seven and a Cubs section for youths ages eight to 10, while it is working to establish a Scouts section for youths ages 11 to 14. Both sections meet weekly at St. Andrew’s United Church, while Moose Jaw Kinsmen provides sponsorship.
Moose Jaw’s Scouting group — established on Sept. 28, 1910 — was one of only two groups in Western Canada in September 2020 to have all its members return after the pandemic was declared the previous March, while it was the only group in Western Canada to see its numbers grow thereafter, Scouter Curtis Hallborg told the Moose Jaw Express.
While the pandemic limited the group’s ability to attend camps with other Scout troops, it has stayed active with activities in Moose Jaw, he continued. The group has explored and learned in Wakamow Valley — youths have taken nature hikes, canoed, geocached and snowshoed — while developing a solid relationship with Wakamow Valley Authority.
“We hope that the new year brings us more opportunities to partake in some camps and canoeing trips in a safe manner. We also hope to be able to host a Beaver Buggy/Kub Kar rally this spring,” Hallborg remarked.
One highlight last year for the Cubs was participating in Scouts Canada’s Great 8 Challenge, which “Survivor Man” Les Stroud planned and hosted virtually, the Scouter said. This eight-week challenge included activities such as cooking, navigation and shelter building.
Meanwhile, the Beavers spent plenty of time exploring the outdoors, playing games and completing interesting crafts.
Hallborg credited the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club for its continued support, noting that the service club has allowed the Scouting group to take part in camps over the years at lower costs for families. The financial support has also allowed the troop to renew its equipment and buy new gear such as life jackets and tents.
The Scouter was also thankful that St. Andrew’s United Church allowed the group to use its basement.
“While there has been tremendous interest from the community in having youth join our group, volunteer numbers have limited our growth … ,” he said. “Our group is in desperate need of volunteers for next year.”
Volunteers help lead youth sections and work on the group committee in roles such as commissioner, secretary, treasurer and registrar. Scouts Canada provides online training for these roles.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact the group through its Facebook page or [email protected].
The community can help Moose Jaw’s Cubs and Scouts is to support their online fundraiser of Scouts Coffee, which can be purchased at https://scout-coffee.ca, Hallborg said. By selecting “Moose Jaw Scouting Group,” the profits will go toward the group.
Furthermore, the group also has an account with SARCAN through the latter’s Drop and Go program. Residents can quickly and easily donate their bottle money to the group.
Parents who want to register their child or add them to a waitlist can visit www.myscouts.ca.
“Scouts Canada’s mission, which we share, is ‘to help develop well-rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world,’” added Hallborg. “The group believes that they are delivering on that here in Moose Jaw and hope to be able to recruit more volunteers so that they can offer their programming to more youth … .”
