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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday October 15, 2008 - 29 Scouting an adventure for all By Hiba Kesebi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Everyone knows the cliches about being a boy scout -- that having bears rummage your campsite or spending the night in a haunted jail come with the territory -- right? Some of the most memorable moments in 14-yearold Richard Skeels' life come from his experiences with Scouts Canada, Canada's leading youth organization. Yet Skeels, who is a member of the Second Glen Abbey Scouts, admits being a scout is often "frowned" upon by his peers. "People at school think it's only for losers. They have no idea what they are missing out on," he said, recalling all the adventures he's had since he joined scouts, more than seven years ago -- like the time a baby bear went through his campsite's garbage during one of the scouts' camping expenditures, or the time he slept at a haunted jail during the program's trip to Ottawa, and even the many fun times he shared with other scouts during an annual trip to Algonquin Park on May 21st. Such outings are common in scouting, which offers youths, ages five to 26, challenging programs to encourage contributions to the community and family, as well as respect and care for others. Its foundation focuses on three duties -- to God, to others and to self. Kids ages five to seven start with the Beaver program, which emphasizes sharing and co-operation. Participants who continue with scouts will take part in the Cubs program, Scouts (11 to 14 years); Venturers (14 to 17 years) and Rovers (18 to 26 years). There are approximately 850 members enrolled in Oakville scout programs this year, according to Peter Barber, Oakville Commissioner. Although he's only a Beaver, seven-year-old Ethan McTague is thrilled to be part of scouting. "It's cool," he said. "I get to get out. We picked up garbage on Earth Day. We had bicycle day and the police talked to us about safety and wearing helmets." The best experience for McTague was hiking up a mountain. "We hiked above the mountain, looked down on the cliff," he said, proving his memory had not faded in connection to that special moment when he and his dad sat on the bench, and looked down upon the world, during one of the Second Glen Abbey Scouts family camps. McTague enrolled in scouts two years ago, after his parents saw an ad about the program. His father, Tom McTague, admits to having been a little hesitant. "I didn't know much about the program," Tom said. "I went on the Internet and I started doing research, and then I decided yea, I'll sign up my son." According to Tom, some myths surround scouting and had it not been for the research he did, he may have fallen victim to believing them. Myth one is the belief that scouts is only for boys. Tom's research deemed this false. Boys, as well as girls, are encouraged to RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER sign up. HE'S PREPARED: Ethan McTague, who's in the Beaver division of Scouts Myth two is the assumpCanada with some badges and his Kub Kar. tion that the program is affiliated with religion. We have been instructed by Robert Charles, There is no religious Trustee in Bankruptcy, to conduct a angle even though enrollment for the program is done in a church, said Tom. While one of the three duties of a scout includes the duty to God, the Scouts Canada website (www.scouts.ca/dnn/AboutU s/OurMissionPrinciplesandP ractices/tabid/55/Default.asp x) defines it as "the responsi360 Revus Avenue, bility to adhere to spiritual Unit #10 principles, and thus to the Mississauga religion that expresses them, and to accept the duties therefrom." PARQUET Tom added that contrary HARDWOOD TILES FLOORING to popular belief, scouting is ALL TOP GRADES supported by organizations from many faiths and as a SQ* SQ* result does not follow or encourage one specific faith. FT FT After noting positive changes in his son's personSTORE FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT FOR SALE! ality, Tom is now getting · Fork Lift with Charger · Strapping Machine · Fire Resistant File Cabinets ready to enroll Ethan's · HD Shredder · Racking · High Quality Modular Office Furniture younger brother in the proand Equipment · Phone System · Etc. gram. "It seems to build his SALE STARTS THURSDAY OCT. 16TH AT 10 AM (Ethan's) confidence," said Tom. "It teaches you leadership and community responTues to Fri: 10am - 6 pm · Sat: 10 am - 4 pm · Sun: Noon - 4 pm sibilities and by the end, he'll Sale Continues Until Everything is Sold!! gain leadership skills and be expected to become a role Sale Conducted by All model for five year olds." Cash, Visa, Sales For information, visit M/card or Debit Final ONLY "Groups" at www.oakvillescouting.ca, or call 1-888*All goods are solid as-is where-is, on a "cash-and-carry basis" only. Small lots will not be subdivided. No guarantee, 726-8876. warranty or representation as to the fitness of the goods for any purpose is expressed or implied except as may be BANKRUPTCY LIQUIDATION ALL ALL 2 / 49 99 / ¢ OPEN available from the manufacturer. No exchanges or refunds. No adjustments on prior purchases. Quantities limited. E & OE.