SPRINGHILL – The Second Springhill Scouts have only been in existence for little more than one month but they have found a lot of support, and participants.
“Our first meeting was mid-March and we have almost 30 kids,” said Melissa Scheltgen, group commissioner for the Second Springhill Scouts.
Scheltgen said there is a need for scouts in Springhill.
“A lot of activities in Springhill are for kids who are into sports,” said Scheltgen. “But for the ones who aren’t into sports there wasn’t really anything in Springhill to help them develop as young people, and provide a sense of community, a sense of pride, and to learn skills they’re going to need as adults.”
The Second Springhill Scouts held a ‘Welcome Brunch’ fundraiser Saturday at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Centre in Springhill, with money going towards activities for the scouts.
“We’re a brand new troop so the money will be used for camping equipment, camps throughout the summer and for activities all year long,” said Scheltgen. “Also, they are in the middle of planning their first grand adventure to PEI. They’re working with the PEI Scouts and will go over there for a few days in August.”
The Second Springhill Scouts meets Thursday nights at the Baptist Church in Springhill, located at 47 Church Street.
The troop is made up of Beavers, ages 5 to 7; Cubs, ages 8 to 10; and Scouts, ages 11 to 14.
“The Beavers and Cubs meet at 6 p.m., and the Scouts at 6:30 p.m.,” said Scheltgen.
They are also hoping to start meeting outdoors.
“We have in the works plan to make a fire-pit day-use area behind the arena very soon. We’re looking to get permission to do that from the county,” said Scheltgen. “We’ll host a lot meetings outside and incorporate the outdoors as much as we can.”
