May 28, Sea Scout Benjamin Ellerton of the 6th Roberts Creek Scout Group was awarded the prestigious Chief Scout’s Award by the Chief Scout of Scouts Canada, Les Stroud, better known as “Survivorman.”
The Chief Scout’s Award is the highest award for a Scout in Canada.
To achieve this award, a Scout needs to complete the following requirements:
• Has demonstrated that he or she has developed in their personal progression, and has led the other Scouts of their Scout Group on an adventure – Ben planned and organized two bike trips on trails and roads in the Roberts Creek area for the Scouts from the 6th Roberts Creek Scout Group.
• Has completed at least 18 stages of the Outdoor Adventure Skills of Scouts Canada – Ben exceeded this requirement by earning 30 stages within the Outdoor Adventure Skills program.
• Has completed 30 hours of volunteer service, including some community service hours – Ben has far exceeded this requirement with more than 80 hours of volunteer service, much of which was giving back to the community.
• Has completed a Capstone Project that matters to the youth and that benefits the community. Ben was aware that there was little available for parents in his home community of Madeira Park to purchase children’s clothing and equipment, and little available for parents to dispose of clothing and equipment that their children have outgrown. Ben decided that a Trunk Sale in Madeira Park, focused on children’s clothing, equipment and toys, could address this situation. In addition, by charging a nominal fee for the sellers, the funds raised would be given to the local Pender Harbour Community School to support their projects and activities. Ben organized this Trunk Sale, including consulting with the community school, acquiring a location (thank you to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 112), preparing posters and advertising, setting out signage on the day of the sale, and greeting sellers on the day of the sale. The event was a great success! The Pender Harbour Community School is considering running a Trunk Sale again next year as this Capstone Project of Ben’s was very well received by the community.
Scouting is the largest youth organization and the largest educational organization in the world. Scouts Canada offers programs for girls and boys from ages five to 26. The 6th Roberts Creek Scout Group offers Beaver Scouts (ages five to seven), Cub Scouts (ages eight to 10), Sea Scouts (ages 11 to 14), and Sea Venturer Scouts (ages 14 to 17). For more information, contact Katharine Trueman, group commissioner, Scouts Canada – 6th Roberts Creek Scout Group, at 604-885-2282.
