Sharing, Doing Our Best, and Being Prepared – Scouting in the North Thompson
Our local Scouting group had a busy November with some annual events and new learning. At the start of the month, our meeting was a mock evacuation and arrival at an emergency entrance. Wanda Nystoruk of Emergency Support Services (ESS) and her grandson, Scout Declan, organized the meeting with go-bag item donations from the District of Barriere and Taesko Mines.
Evacuation orders can come suddenly, like a fast-moving fire, a failing dam, or hazardous material releases with truck/train accidents. Youth learned about the types of items that should be prepared in advance in a bag they can carry out quickly. This includes comfort items like toothpaste/brush, small game (eg cards, dice), change of clothes, and a stuffie toy; to essentials like water, food, and a first aid kit; and contact numbers and other essential papers (eg copies of ID, contact numbers, prescriptions). Youth were timed as they “walked with purpose” to collect the needed items throughout the mock house.
Next, they “arrived” at the ESS reception centre to register, get prioritized based on immediate needs, receive meal and hotel vouchers, and connect with a range of helper organizations. They also learned about taking pets and, for large animals, that the North Thompson Fairgrounds has been an evacuation site for them in the past.
Learn more about ESS: http://www.tnrd.ca/services/emergency-services/emergency-resources/emergency-support-services/
Pack your go bag: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/build-an-emergency-kit-and-grab-and-go-bag
In another type of preparedness, on Remembrance Day, the Scouting youth supported a local service organization, the Royal Canadian Legion, with the November 11 ceremony. One of the Scouts was a flag bearer with his fellow Scouts and Cubs following behind in the parade march. Once inside, the Scouts and the Guides carried the wreaths as part of the ceremony. Afterwards, they helped with table and chair setup for the lunch hosted by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
The youth heard about the sacrifices others made for Canadians and also for people around the world. And the impact of war has physical and mental effects even after they return from the battlefield. We will remember.
Our last meeting of the month is an annual favourite, at the Barriere Curling Rink. This sport is included for the winter badges in the Outdoor Adventure Skills part of the Scout program. Volunteers from the curling club teach the basics, and then they get onto sliding rocks and sweeping hard!
Yours in Scouting
Scouter Echo, Group Commissionaire 1st Barrière Scouts (Kelly Marciniw)
Read more on Barriere Star Journal
