Scouts – Scouting in Golden is just starting up their new year, and they are trying to get kids outdoors in a fun and safe way.
“The primary focus of our program is to provide fun and adventure in the outdoors. So as much as possible, we’re learning skills to be in the outdoors,” said Julian England, Scout leader in Golden. “One of our main things is to get kids outdoors, all seasons.”
This year, the Golden Scouting organization will include three different groups: Beavers ages five to seven, Cubs ages eight to 10, and Scouts ages 11 to 14. All groups are co-ed.
“Boys and girls are welcome, and we have boys and girls in all of our sections,” said England.
In Scouts, kids will learn camping skills, including setting up a tent, planning and determining where they want to go, what they’ll need, and what the risks are. It is done outdoors as much as possible, and all age groups are engaged.
“Last year, we had (the Beavers) building snow caves. They can’t sleep in them, but they still had a lot of fun building them,” said England.
They also learn about responsibility, both personal and social.
“The badge program helps youth with goal setting, motivation, long-term projects, and service projects as well… So they’re thinking about their wider community, not just themselves,” said England.
Having gone through the entire Scouting program himself, England knows how fulfilling and life-altering it can be.
“The main way that it has enriched my life is that I now live in Canada. I came to the World Scout Jamboree, and that just opened my eyes to there being a bigger world and other opportunities compared to where I was living,” he said.
“The friends I still have in the UK are predominantly from Scouting. So I have a very strong network of friends who went out into the outdoors and learned to be safe in the outdoors. We had a lot of fun doing that, and we’re still in touch. It gave me a lifelong passion for activity. It also provides a lot of leadership opportunities, some important skills for adulthood.”
Scouting also provides great leadership opportunities for adults, and the group is always looking for volunteers.
“We’re looking for people who are passionate about the outdoors. You don’t have to have been through scouting, it’s a good training program for leaders as well,” said England.
He added, “It’s just about being passionate about the outdoors, and wanting to pass on that enthusiasm to youth.”
If you’re interested in signing your child up or volunteering yourself, just come by one of the meetings.
Beavers meet at the Legion Hall every Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Cubs meet every Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the APES gym.
Scouts will be meeting at the Legion Hall every Thursday from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
