AMHERST – It’s been three years since Amherst had a Scout troop but that could change this year. All that’s needed are more leaders.
“We’re hoping to resurrect the Scouts this year,” said Terry MacDonald, the area commissioner with Scouts Canada. “But we need adults to come on board and get with the movement.”
Scouts are for ages 11-14 and a Scout troop can have 25 or 30 kids, so four or five leaders are needed for each troop.
“You should have at least four or five adults there,” said MacDonald.
A Scout troop usually gets together at least once a week.
“The kids have a hand in planning the program so if they want to go camping or hiking, you might get together more often than that.”
Last year, Scouts Canada celebrated its 100 birthday and it continues to teach fundamentals that creates leaders of tomorrow.
They learn about citizenship, knots, maps, compasses, orienteering, the Canadian Coast Guard, outdoor cooking, indoor cooking, how to survive in the wild and how to treat nature with respect.
“The program is growing with the times,” said MacDonald. “We have environmental and computer-based programs as well.”
Scouts Canada, which is a co-ed program, has a program in place and all the training needed to become a leader.
“What we like to see are parents participate in Scouts with their kids,” added MacDonald.
Registration runs today from 6:30-7:30 p.m., in Parrsboro at the Catholic Church Hall.
Registration in Amherst and area is Tuesday night from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the First Baptist Church.
Fenwick and area registration is Wednesday night at 7 p.m., at the Fenwick United Church.

dmathieson@amherstdaily.com