By Jennifer Hoegg
Eleven Gaspereau Cubs and Scouts are heading on a big adventure next July.
The group, along with four leaders, plans to attend the 2013 Canadian Jamboree in Sylvan Lake, Alberta.
An exciting week with approximately 6,000 other youth members from across the country is planned – including field trips to local sites and attractions, from glaciers to the Calgary Stampede.
Cub leader Joel Sheffield attended two CJs when he was a Scout and is looking forward to seeing the Gaspereau girls and boy enjoy the adventure.
“It was a wonderful experience for me back then,” he said.
A great deal of work goes into the trip, however.
Parents, leaders and youth are working hard to raise the money necessary to go.
They need to raise at least $24,000 to get the group there, which covers airfare and the registration fees. Day trips and shipping gear will be extra.
“When we went as a youth, Scouting was one of the only activities available in the Gaspereau Valley,” Sheffield said. “So the fundraising was a lot easier.”
Leader Cecil Brown has led groups of Scouts at three national jamborees before and knows it’s worth the work.
“If you ever see the looks on their faces,” he said. “We’ll do what we can do to get these kids there.”
The fundraising “creates a bond,” Brown said.
Because they work hard to get there, they’ll appreciate the trip even more when they’re there, added Sheffield.
“We want them to come out of this and say ‘wow, ok that was fantastic,” Brown said.
The Gaspereau group has had a busy fall with a haunted house fundraiser, bottle drives, a variety show and raffle sales. Their next fundraising effort is Nov. 30, with a roast beef supper at the Wolfville Lions Hall. Gaspereau Scouts are also selling 12-inch wreaths in early December for $12 each. For both, contact Wanda George, 684-1109 wjgeorge@me.com.
Scout groups from Wolfville and Berwick are also actively fundraising to attend the jamboree.
