11 to 14 years of age (with option to remain until age 16).

The Scout program emphasizes having fun while encouraging youth to feel good about themselves, their friends and family, God, and the environment. The Scout program helps youth expand their leadership skills and gain self confidence.

Scouting promotes activities that encourage youth to:
• express and respond to their own spiritual values and beliefs while showing concern for others
• develop self reliance
• pursue hobbies and personal interests
• develop self discipline and the skills of working cooperatively with others
• cooperate in setting and achieving small group and personal goals
• practise leadership skills
• relate with adults
• be of service to others
• camp, explore the outdoors, and develop good conservation practices

The Scout program is designed around a lively variety of activities based on personal and group interests. Scouts emphasizes outdoor and environmental activities, citizenship and community service, leadership, and personal development. Individual interests and skills are recognized through an awards system.

The outdoors is an essential part of the Scout program. Weekend events, extended hikes, no trace camping and seasonal sports opportunities round out the Scout experience. Developing an active, healthy lifestyle is the prime goal.

Scouts meet in a group called a troop. The troop is split into smaller groups called patrols. There is one leader for every six Scouts. Each Scout learns a promise, law and motto to help guide their personal development.

Scout Promise:
On my honour
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and the Queen
To help other people at all times,
And to carry out the spirit of the Scout Law.
Scout Law:
A Scout is helpful and trustworthy,
kind and cheerful,
considerate and clean,
wise in the use of all resources.

Scout Motto:
Be Prepared

(UNIFORM)

Scouts

Scouting is Alive and Well in Dorval!
The Nahani Scout Troop has been around for over 50 years, and this year at the annual Tri-District camp May 9-11, in Massena, New York, we were the only Canadian contingent to receive an "A" pennant: First place!

We were heartily greeted at the camp by the Americans who were hosting like we were coming to their place for dinner. They were so welcoming, I wanted everyone in Scouting to hear about the great time we had. Being a young group (mostly kids around 11-13) no one thought we stood a chance against the older groups! How wrong they were!

It was the first Tri-District for Becca, our new leader this year and Amanda, who joined us as a Venturer. It was awesome. Our kids went through the games like nobody's business. From knot tying to compass they certainly did their best, and more. One of our guys who wasn't going to come for his own reasons was finally convinced to come and a big smile was on his face I think even when he was sleeping!

My leaders were just the best anyone could ask for: dedicated, caring and pumped up for every minute of the camp. We could not have accomplished what we did this year without them and one parent helper, Stacia.

When you have the best leaders you could ever have, and the best kids, it is kind of hard not to brag about it. Did I tell you that Scouting is still alive and growing in Dorval?

Brian Legault, Nahani Scout Troop, Dorval, Quebec.

GPS and Geocaching with the Scouts

Follow the Scouts in this 21st century hunt for hidden treasure at the 2003 Alberta Jamboree, at Camp Impeesa in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Read all about it. </media/documents/gps.pdf>