1st Bayridge Howlers project supports local wildlife rescue
A final project for the youth in their final year at the 1st Bayridge Cub Pack, before moving up to Scouts next year, made an impact for a local wildlife rescue.
Youth in their final year of Cubs (“Howlers”) can earn a Top Section Award called the Seeonee for exceptional achievement and leadership. According to a release from the 1st Bayridge Cub Pack, the requirements for this award include community service, Scouting skills, and a youth-led capstone project that addresses an issue they care about.
The 1st Bayridge Howlers chose to collect donations for the Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre in Napanee, because they wanted to help wild animals, according to Scouter Ikki (Emily Bickell), volunteer Pack Scouter.
“The Seeonee award is not one that every youth in the program achieves,” explained Scouter Ikki. “It takes initiative, persistence, teamwork, and leadership. These 10- and 11-year-olds have demonstrated commitment to community service, and taken on an ambitious group project from planning to completion.”
The youth spent weeks planning their project and developing a flyer to deliver in their neighbourhoods. According to the release, they collected donations from friends and neighbours. Items from the wildlife centre’s list of needs included paper goods, cleaning supplies, and lots of food such as fresh produce and bird seed. Two vanloads of supplies were delivered to Sandy Pines at the end of May.
Kelly Fraser, Administrative Director of Sandy Pines, praised the youth’s efforts: “Kudos to those kids for their drive and determination. The world needs more caring individuals like this in our world today!”
“I’m really impressed with the Cubs for choosing to help animals, but I’m astounded with how much effort they put forth and the amount they managed to collect,” said Scouter Baloo (Jason Betts).
The 1st Bayridge Cubs spend their time learning outdoor adventure skills and having fun in the Scouts Canada program, led by volunteer Scouters. According to the release, they will be seen out in uniform doing community cleanups and fundraising for activities like rock climbing, camping, and paddling on “Apple Day” in the fall, and with popcorn sales in early winter. Visit scouts.ca for more information on Scouting, volunteering, or donating to the program.
Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre helps injured and orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild, caring for approximately 5000 wild animals annually. To learn about or donate to the centre (a registered charity), visit sandypineswildlife.org.