This July, 1,000 scouts from around the world will gather for 10 days in Scotland to share dreams, ideas and stories in the Blair Athol Scouting Jamborette.
Twelve Greater Victoria youth will represent Scouts Canada as Pacific Explorers 2014. The 14th Juan De Fuca Scouts, the endorsing group for the trip, have six members from Metchosin registered for the trip as well as Local Scouter Curtis Becker, who will serve as the contingent leader.
The 12 senior Scouts and Venturers have distinguished themselves by achieving or working towards the Chief Scout’s Award, the highest honour in Scouts Canada for leadership and community service.
Many also are working toward and accomplishing their Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program.
The groups’ fundraising efforts have seen them work hundreds of hours individually and through special events, including a dinner/dance and silent auction held this month.
With nine of the youth living and attending school on the West Shore, Sooke school trustee and board chair Wendy Hobbs was invited as guest speaker. Her duties for the night included spotlighting Kyle and Tristan Becker for earning Silver Duke of Edinburgh award pins. They’ll receive the accompanying certificates from Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon in a ceremony Friday (April 25) in Burnaby. The brothers worked hard to accomplish their goals and as part of that commitment, volunteered for two weeks at the 2013 Canadian Jamboree in Alberta.
Also at the recent gala, Matthew DeMerchant and Nathan Brookes received recognition for completing the requirements for the Chief Scout Award. It takes three years of dedication and focus to acquire this highly recognized level of scouting achievement. The young men received their Chief Scouts uniform crest and recognition pin from leader Richard DeMerchant and Group Commissioner of 3rd Douglas, Rod Miller.
For more on the Scotland trip, visit pacificexplorers.wordpress.com.
– submitted by Yvonne Becker