Its legacy is over 100-years strong and returning to the former mining community of Springhill.
Scouts Canada is making a comeback and when its premiere meet-and-greet takes place at the Springhill Baptist Church on March 22, it will be an equal-opportunity for boys and girls ages 5 to 14. “When I took on the role of area commissioner we were looking to grow in Cumberland County,” Scouts Canada Area Commissioner Frank Occomore said. “There were only two groups in the area – Fenwick and Amherst – and Springhill was my first choice to see if there was any interest.”
The response, Occomore said, was phenomenal and support for three Scouts programs was quickly secured. Beavers for ages 5 to 7 years of age, Cubs for ages 8 to 10 and Scouts for ages 11 to 14.
Occomore said he couldn’t be happier with things during the planning stages.
“I grew up in Springhill, so it made sense to go there first and the interest was there.”
Outdoor enthusiasm is seeing a resurgence in popularity from all ages and walks of life. With emphasis "to help develop well-rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world," Scouts Canada offers co-educational programs while being committed to diversity.
“Scouts has come a long way,” Occomore said.
Running from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Occomore says parents the March 22 official meeting marks the beginning of two-free weeks for parents and youth to see if Scouting is something they would like to participate in. Offering both outdoor and life skills, the programs may grow to include the Ventures program for ages 15 and up, but for now, rebuilding a base is the first steps to be taken.
“We’re here to rebuild the program,” Occomore said.
For now, the programs will run in tandem at the Baptist church until more space and an idea of participation is determined, Occomore said.
To learn more, visit the 2nd Springhill Scouting Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/139342133401628/about .
