A Penhold man has not given up hope that volunteers will come forward to revive a children's organization that disbanded in the community in 1992.
Last fall Alan MacLeod conducted research in the Penhold area and found that children were keen to join Cubs and Beavers, but adults at the time were not interested in becoming volunteer leaders.
"Scouts Canada said that at least three adult volunteers within the community area who are willing to complete the Scout Leadership training and commit to being a group leader are required before a Scouting Program can be resurrected in Penhold," said MacLeod.
Up until 1992 Penhold had a Scouting program, and MacLeod said he would like once again to make Scouting a part of the Penhold community fabric.
But he needs adult volunteers to make it happen.
"Please step forward," MacLeod asks of adults. "Specifically the residents of Penhold, though area residents are also welcome to volunteer."
Volunteers do not have to have previous childhood scouting experience as Scouts Canada provides leadership training.
"The time commitment for trained volunteers runs about three to five hours a week, depending on the season," said MacLeod. "I had so much fun as a kid being in Cubs and Scouts I would now like to give back to the program so other kids can also experience the joys of Scouting."
Since 1998 Scouts Canada has operated as a fully co-educational organization. The boys and girls programs that Scouts Canada runs includes Beaver Scouts for ages 5 to 7, Cub Scouts for ages 8 to 10, and Scouts for ages 11 to 14.
Penhold children do have the option of joining Scouting groups in either Red Deer or Innisfail.
"But wouldn't it be nice if there was a Beavers or Cub Scout pack closer to home," said MacLeod. "The time they spend travelling would be better spent having fun and learning things in a meeting located in their own community."
For more information on Scouts Canada visit www.scouts.ca online. This site provides detailed information on the organization's co-ed programs and what is required of Scout Leaders. If you would like to volunteer or find out more about the rekindling of Scouting in Penhold, call (403) 550-0649 and ask for Alan MacLeod.
