If you really enjoy having adventures with kids and can pass a police record check, Gord Buckingham would like to talk to you.
The district commissioner for First Parksville Scouts said scouting season is shaping up to be a great one this year, but he could use a few more hands on deck to make it extra special.
“For leaders, in Cubs we are doing really well,” Buckingham said. “We have four, possibly more. For Scouts we have two leaders and two Beaver leaders plus a mentor. So that limits the number of youths we can have.”
The Beavers, he said, aged five to seven years, must have a ratio of at least two leaders for every five participants, which means the number of children allowed in the popular program is limited by the number of leaders available. More parent leaders, he said, would be most appreciated.
“The only real requirement is that parents be keen on having fun with kids and they are able to get a clean police record check,” he said. “The rest is offered by Scouts Canada. We have a great training system, including a new Scouter welcome kit, a website at www.scouts.ca and Scouts Canada trains you as well.”
Buckingham is hoping to get one or two more parents on board — at any level — prior to the registration event, slated to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Parksville Elementary School, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the gym.
“All the leaders will be there and parents can find out more at that time,” Buckhingham said.
Although the registration fee is $150, Buckingham stressed this should not be a barrier for any young person who wants to participate, regardless of family income.
“We have two options for anyone who think their youth will be interested in going,” he said.
“One is the SOS, who will sponsor them and there is also a program within scouts itself called Nobody left behind, so cost shouldn’t be an issue.