With many volunteer groups in the community, there often comes a time when change is needed.
For First Canmore Scouts, that time is approaching, as Troop Leader Venita Sobering is looking to move on.
As well, the Scouts’ chairperson and registrar are stepping down – just as First Canmore is celebrating its 60th year with the nation-wide organization.
“It’s a really great program,” said Sobering, whose main goal in volunteering as troop leader was to spend time with her daughter, Rowan Montgomery, “but it can’t be done by one person. We always need volunteer parents.”
For her part, Montgomery has been with the organization for eight years, moving through the ranks. The now 15-year-old recently spoke on “Why Scouts is important to me” at a fundraiser in Calgary.
Montgomery’s experience within the organization shows why it’s important for youngsters and parent volunteers alike.
Because of the Scouts organization, said Montgomery, she’s been able to travel to Costa Rica and meet fellow scouts in that Central American country. As well, through a contact made, she received not only the invitation to the Calgary fundraiser, but an invitation to a big jamborette in Scotland.
“There are a ton of opportunities with Scouts,” said Montgomery. “You get a chance to see what you really like or don’t like.”
This year, Montgomery and a small group of Scouts, Venturers and adult leaders will be certified as open water divers, with dives locally, then a visit to a tropical locale. Last summer, a highlight was volunteering with 8- to 10-year-olds at a Sylvan Lake camp.
“And I’ve been able to do a lot of activities like ice climbing, scuba, archery and avalanche awareness.”
Montgomery and Scouts across the country are looking forward to a Canadian Jamboree in Sylvan Lake in 2013. The Jamboree will attract about 12,000 kids.
In all, there are 43 First Canmore Scouts, said Sobering, whose term as leader ends on Aug. 31. “I’ll sign up again as a parent volunteer, but not as a troop leader,” she said. “Just like Guides or hockey teams, volunteers are always needed; it does take a community to raise a child.”
Scouts meet Wednesdays for about 2.5 hours and being a leader requires another four hours of contacting people and a weekend a month, on average.
“I’d recommend it to anybody,” she said. “It’s a really good program and I’d hate to see it stop for a lack of volunteers. With the 60th anniversary coming up, it’s the longest running youth program in Canmore.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time, but it’s time to let someone else have the opportunity.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can call Sobering at 403-678-6897 or by email at [email protected]
