Scouting movement still active, seeking volunteers

Remember when scouting was about building a fire, constructing a bird feeder and hanging out in the woods?
Well, it still is all of those things, but Scouts Canada is trying to adapt to the changing times, as well.
Scott Murdoch, a recruiter who has been involved with scouting for more than a decade, said he has noticed a sharp decline in scouting around Pictou County. With soccer on the rise and hockey a culturally ingrained pastime, the Beavers and Cubs programs are getting pretty sparse.
"Ten years ago, there was a Cubs pack in pretty much every town, and even out in Thorburn and River John," Murdoch said. "Now, there's only two in the county."
Murdoch thinks youth are missing some important things by sidestepping Scouts. Discipline, a connection with nature, fiscal responsibility and fun with friends are pluses he points out.
Still, to keep up with changing interests and values, Scouts offers different challenges now. It's doubtful many former Cubs would have envisioned obtaining the new computer badge. There's a reading badge, law awareness badge, entertainer's badge and a musician's badge.
Scouts' attitudes towards the outdoors have also changed now, too.
"We're teaching environmental awareness in the woods," Murdoch said. "There's a big emphasis on leaving things the way you found them, and not doing harm to your environment and to nature."
The decline in children joining is one issue Murdoch hopes to address, but he also wants adults to take notice.
Scouts is currently looking for leaders and group committee volunteers for the 2008-09 year in Beavers (ages 5-7), Cubs (8-10), Scouts (11-14), and Adventurers (15-18).
"Scouting is like any other activity, it's more fun when the whole family gets involved." Interested parties should contact Scott Murdoch at 922-2805 or Donny Kennedy at 752-2828.