Põhjakotka begins a new scouting season

This past Saturday morning, the Põhjakotka family gathered in the fresh air and sunshine of Todmorden Mills to mark the beginning of another scouting season. This year, the sixth under the PK banner, is undeniably not identical to Septembers past, yet our traditions endure, adapting to present circumstances.

Our Lembitu hundud, with no less than seven newcomers, gathered at a distance to one side of the parking lot, with the Kalevi skaudid and Viru vendurid spread out at the other.

Smiling eyes were visible above the latest fashionable masks as group commissioner, nskm. Marcus Tamm offered words of welcome to all and wishes for another remarkable season ahead.

With the cancellation of jüripäeva paraad in April, overdue was the distribution of commendations. Nskm. Aleks Kivi did the honour of bestowing the “hoolas hundu” award to Lukas Puust and Karu Soots (absent). Recipient of the “hoolas skaut” award was Parsa Petersoo (absent) and Marc-Andre Perron (absent) received the “eeskujulik skaut” award. For their years of distinguished and indispensable service, Peter Jeeger and Alrek Meipoom were promoted to “skautmaster”. Skm. Enno Agur presented the Põhjatäht II commendation to nskm. Mati Pajo and acknowledged that nskm. Marcus Tamm had received the Põhjatäht III commendation back in the spring.

Following the opening ceremonies, the various sections split up for their annual bike hikes. The hundud ventured north along the nearby Don River Trail, while the skaudid and vendurid bicycled to the south.

Meetings are being conducted out-of-doors or online this fall. It was a welcome opportunity to bring the whole troop together briefly as we resume our scouting adventures.

CHRIS TIMUSK and MARCUS TAMM