3 minute read
Scout’s honour
The Scouting Way
BY JACEY CONWAY
The scouting movement is alive and thriving in Airdrie, and looking to expand their reach.
Scouts are a significant part of Airdrie history, with photos dating back to the early 1930s and groups as old as 1910.
The reason why scouting has remained prevalent in Airdrie for almost 100 years is because of the selfless volunteers that keep the groups flourishing.
Rob Noble has been a volunteer for the 1st Airdrie Scouts for four years. He first joined the organization to be with his daughter who joined, and stayed to see his second daughter also join.
“It develops well-rounded youth,” says Noble.
“I have seen it foster friendship, community and service.”
The non-profit organization caters to both girls and boys aged five to 18 through weekly meet-ups and several events throughout the year that teach the children a variety of life and outdoor skills.
From camping, to canoeing, to outdoor survival, to community initiatives, scouting sets members to be successful in many areas of life.
“We have this laundry list of adventures,” says Noble.
Scouting is divided by age groups, so the children are carrying out activities suitable for their age. They work through each level as they grow older and earn badges and awards to mark their success.
All children are welcome to join, regardless of their previous scout experience. Parents are encouraged to join their children and volunteer to help in the fun adventures offered.
“A large community has been built within scouting,” says Noble.
There are currently three scout groups in Airdrie: 1st, 2nd and 5th. The different groups have been created to cater to the high number of children signing up each year.
Noël Cosgrove has been scouting for nine years and is celebrating her third year with the Airdrie 2nd Scouts.
She has seen the difference scouting has made in several young children’s and teens’ lives and celebrates the skills taught.
“We are creating a program to make better humans,” says Cosgrove.
“We put in a ton of time teaching these kids really cool skills they just don’t learn (elsewhere) anymore.”
Because of the big focus on outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and survival, Cosgrove has seen the positive results of the children spending less time behind a screen.
Scouting creates a chance for children to learn how to be better outdoorsmen and women, but also gives them a sense of community, says Cosgrove.
“A lot of kids who first join the program aren’t friends, but it brings them together,” she adds.
The Scouts see many children who struggle with mental health or physical disabilities join the team and be welcomed with no hesitation.
“If I had to use one word, it would be inclusivity,” says Cosgrove.
As a volunteer, she says she’s learned so much about the outdoors and what it means to be a good person.
As a leader, a simple thank you goes a long way, says Cosgrove, encouraging scout parents to thank volunteers via the online thank-you button on the Scouts Canada web page. “It makes a difference to hear a thank you,” says Cosgrove.
Both Noble and Cosgrove look forward to the many events that reoccur within the scouting community, including Jamborees all over the world and outdoor travel trips.
These trips create a goal after a year’s hard work of learning outdoor skills, fundraising and community service events.
“It is very rewarding,” Noble says. life
