Victoria Scouts need volunteers to keep going

Members of the 10th Juan de Fuca Scout Troop participate in a Klondike Derby event at Royal Roads University, March 7, 2015. Photo credit: Dorthy Rosenberg

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

A former sailor of the Royal Canadian Navy is on a scouting mission.

Petty Officer Second Class (Retired) Colin Evans is looking for military and civilian recruits from CFB Esquimalt to help solve a critical parent volunteer shortage for Scouts Canada in the Greater Victoria Area.

“We desperately need volunteers for all sections of our organization in the Greater Victoria Area, from Scouters at our weekly meetings and weekend outings, and to fill support and committee-level roles,” said Evans.

Evans is a former Naval Electronic Sensors Operator who enjoyed a 21-year career in the navy before his retirement in 2007. He is now the Group Commissioner for the 10th Juan de Fuca Scout Group.

The volunteer shortage means growing waiting lists, which means youth have to wait a year or more to join a local scouting group. Evans says many children lose interest by the time they are contacted.

The shortage is particularly bad on the West Shore forcing two Scout groups to close.

With an ever-growing population in that area, healthy youth activity is much needed to keep kids busy after school and on weekends.

There are approximately 1,100 youth involved in Scout programs in the Greater Victoria area and 350 volunteers. Evans goal is to raise the volunteer numbers by 25 percent.

Adventure and confidence building skills are at the heart of Scouts Canada. Evans, a former scout, says volunteering with the program was a natural fit as an adult.

“Scouting is a perfect fit for me because my children are involved in the programs and I love the outdoors, adventure, and working with youth.”

He believes military personnel and civilians are a great fit for Scouts.

“They fit well with Scouts primarily because of their organizational skills, and a familiarity with structure and teamwork.”

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About Scouts Canada

Founded by Englishman Robert Baden-Powell, Scouting was incorporated by an Act of the Canadian Parliament in 1914. Scouts Canada is a member of the World Organization of The Scout Movement and offers the following programs for youth and young adults: Beaver Scouts, ages five to seven; Cub Scouts, ages eight to 10; Scouts, ages 11 to 14; Venture Scouts, ages 15 to 17; and Rover Scouts, ages 18 to 26.

All of the age groups hold weekly mid-week meetings where they vote on, and organize weekend outings. Adventures range from camping and hiking trips to charitable work, trail cleanups for Earth Day, and holiday season activities with area seniors groups.

For more information about how to become a Scouts Canada volunteer visit their website: www.scouts.ca