Editor:
I attended the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Sechelt, as I always do. I placed a wreath in the name of the 2nd Sechelt Scouts at the cenotaph, and then joined everyone at the Legion for sandwiches and coffee. Then the questions started: "Where are the Scouts?"
Some Venturers and Rovers were there, but chose to parade with the Cadets, as they are members of both. Beavers, Wolf Cubs and Scouts were all busy being non-members of Scouting.
This year we turned away 31 prospective youth members between the ages of five and 14 because of one reason - no volunteers willing to lead them. A few Beavers were lucky enough to join the 6th Roberts Creek Group, but have to travel from as far away as Redrooffs.
The 2nd Sechelt Scout Group has been around for a long time. We have a wonderful sponsor and a hall to meet in. We have four canoes, 11 tents, two kinds of campstoves, soccer balls, flags, floor hockey sticks, Camp Byng, Camp Burley, Pacific Jamboree 2011 on our very doorstep next summer, and Scouts Canada's programs all in the palm of our hand. It seems to me that ages five to 14 are the very cream of a kid's years they certainly were for me. And given the resources in front of us, what a shame!
I realize that we aren't alone in this volunteer crisis and most other youth and community organizations, clubs, sports teams, etc. have the same problem. People just don't volunteer anymore.
Our Scout Group is active and will grow again, and will resume accepting registrations the instant that volunteers step forward to lead these youth. Volunteer, please. And I'll see you all at the cenotaph on Nov. 11, 2011. You'll recognize me. I'll be with a whole ton of kids.
Warren James
2nd Sechelt Scouts
