1st Scouting Group Bradford is looking forward to fall with plans of resuming club meetings in a new safely structured format.
Group Commissioner Manon Rodrigues says she is excited to get back to some form of normalcy after a long break due to COVID-19. .
Meetings for Scouts will once a week after Labour Day weekend.
“One week will be outdoors and the following week is a virtual meeting,” confirmed Rodrigues, “that way it’s a nice blend.”
The group has access to a location on the 13th Line in Bradford through Eric Wright’s World of Camping to hold its outdoor meetings.
“We do have access to a location where we can be well spaced out and work on our skills including building fires and shelters,” confirmed Rodrigues. “It’s a great place to get back to Scouting skills.”
Scouts Canada has a return to Scouting policy in place to ensure everyone’s safety. New protocols include mandatory masks for all youth and Scouters, hand washing stations and hand sanitizer at every meeting.
“Scouts Canada has updated our Scouter training with the new COVID protocols,” said Rodrigues, “we’re all updating our training to make sure we’re putting all the proper measures in place.”
At this time, only the senior groups will be allowed to resume overnight camping excursions in a limited capacity, provided they bring their own food, cooking equipment and camping gear. The younger groups will not be allowed to camp yet, but will be able to partake in other outdoor activities, such as lunches on a trail and fire building.
“It’s a great opportunity though to provide adventures to build outdoor skills, build confidence, while keeping safe,” noted Rodrigues.
Currently there is a free trial for anyone interested in signing up for Scouts until Dec. 31, 2020, pending space availability.
"Our numbers will be limited, we have to work within our patrols,” said Rodrigues, noting no more than eight youth per group will be permitted.
The group already has a few fundraisers planned for the fall, including a coffee and lawn bag fundraiser.
“Apple Day will look a little different for sure, and our Popcorn Day has been pushed to spring,” confirmed Rodrigues.
Apple Day is a Canadian fundraising tradition for Scouts, where youth distribute free apples as a “Thank You” to the community. Donations are accepted in exchange, but the apples are not sold. All money raised goes toward adventures and activities for the Scouting groups.
E-waste collection and bottle drives are now allowed and will be considered for this year as well.
Rodrigues says her mandate for the first half of this year is to work on recruitment, while the second half will focus on community outreach, (pending government restrictions).
Anyone interested in registering is asked to visit the Scouts Canada website here.
1st Scouting Group Bradford is always looking for volunteers willing to be a Scouter, helping to lead youth in their activities. Interested candidates can send an email to [email protected]. They will be hosting monthly virtual volunteer recruitment meetings, on the last Thursday of every month.
