by Jennifer Rocker
Never in a million years did I think that I would join Scouts Canada. First of all, I am a woman in my 40s, and secondly, I thought that this type of adventure was behind me. But a couple of years ago, I found that I had a little boy dying to become a Beaver Scout. Well, I did what all parents do; I signed him up and as a consequence, found myself being signed up as a Scouter. I enjoy the outdoors and was a camp councillor as a teenager, but I had no Scouting experience. What I didn’t realize, was that Scouting was in my blood. In fact, it now extends over four generations.’
I first discovered the depth of my family’s Scouting history when I phoned my grandfather to update him on my son’s latest activities. To my surprise, my rather reserved English grandfather began to tell me about his love for the Scouts. He told a story of receiving an award for best turned out troupe at the end of the 1930s for his North London Scout Troupe. Shortly afterward, he shipped off to serve as a Merchant Marine aboard a Norwegian Navy oil tanker in World War II. Leaving the Scouts and joining the Merchant Navy was a passage for him to manhood and a significant memory.
I later discovered that my father had also been involved in Scouting as a Wolf Cub in the 1950s in another London troupe. His pack was based at St. Cuthbert’s Church Hall, Wolves Lane. My father’s Scouting involvement being a bit more surprising as he is not known for his love of the outdoors or group participation. But he also had fond memories. He provided me with a picture taken of him before going to his first local jamboree. They walked to the campground after loading and pushing a traditional Scout trek cart for the entire distance. Things have definitely changed for our campers.
So maybe it was destined that the next two generations carry on the tradition. As a Beaver Scout leader, I have loved getting back to playing in, being in, and learning more about nature. I have cherished the time with my son and helping his friends and peers learn new things. I have met new friends and have gotten more settled in our local community. This has been an important resource especially in these somewhat dystopian times.
As part of 167th Parkland troupe, we would like to invite you to check out your local Scouts. Maybe you have similar memories as a kid, parent, or grandparent being involved in the Scouts. Scouts Canada is currently extending registration until January 2021 and is offering free enrollment for Fall 2020. We welcome new members and especially volunteers, without whom our troupe does not exist. We are holding all meetings outside or online, taking into account all appropriate COVID-19 precautions and procedures. If you would like to sign up or have any questions, please contact us through our web site www.scouts.ca. And remember “Be Prepared” and stay safe.
