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Wednesday, 19 February 2014 19:00

Scouts in South Frontenac

South Frontenac Group has 82 boys and girls from ages 5 to 13 in 8 Sections of Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Scouts. They meet in Perth Road, Sydenham, and Verona with families coming from Sunbury to Enterprise and Kingston to Parham. There are 27 Section Leaders working with the youth at weekly meetings on four different nights of the week, and six support volunteers on the Group Committee. South Frontenac Group covers most of the northern part of the Scouts Canada Loyalist Area territory, which includes Groups from Bath to Gananoque to Joyceville.

The pot luck dinner had an attendance of 130 youth, leaders, and parents. Guests were South Frontenac Township Mayor Gary Davison and his wife Sue, Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church Pastor David Moran, Loyalist Area Commissioner David Cunningham and his wife Lynda, and Deputy Area Commissioner for Program, Kevin Thompson.

The evening started with the opening ceremonies for the Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts, singing of O Canada, the meal, presentations of certificates appointing nine new leaders, Certificates of Commendation for Service to Scouting presented to both Karen and Doug Young of Perth Road, a 5 years of service certificate to Matt Smith of Sydenham, and a 20 years of service certificate and pin to Maggie Dalmas of Harrowsmith. All of the leaders received a “Thanks” crest for their campfire blankets. Our volunteers have from one to 38 years of service to Scouting, representing a total of 282 years of service to the youth of our local communities.

The youth had previously created model vehicles out of wood, called Beaver Buggies, Kar Kars, and Scout 18 Wheelers as part of their programs. All of these vehicles were raced down long wooded tracks in a fun competition, always a highlight for the youth.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Thursday, 08 June 2006 04:46

Scouting

Feature Article - June 8, 2006

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

60 years in Scouting

by JeffGreen

Pack leader, or Akela, RJ Vermeulen had just finished handing out the awards and recognition plaques to the Cubs and Beavers at the year end ceremony for the Land o’ Lakes Scout troop, when she reiterated something that everyone in attendance already knew: she had decided to retire from scouting.

RJ founded the Land o’ Lakes troop 17 years ago, and has been the major force in keeping the troop going ever since; but her history in scouting goes back 60 years. She started as a Brownie in Holland in 1946, was a member of the sea cadets in Holland from 1952-1957, during which time she was a part of the service team that assisted during the 1952 Holland flood. She remained active in the girl scouts until 1973, received a certificate of recognition from Scouts Canada in 2001, and is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouting Organization in the United States .

RJ worked as a nurse at the local boy scout camp for a time, and this led the Lions Club to approach her about reviving scouting in the Land o’ Lakes in 1993.

Marion Buchanan has been working with RJ since then.

She says that RJ has brought “a love of the outdoors to the local children. She loved to take the kids camping. Having lived in the North West Territories , she taught the kids things she learned up there, and introduced them to other cultures. She always put a lot of effort into planning meetings, creating games to keep the kids interested and making sure that scouting was fun, that it wasn’t like school.”

After handing out all of the awards at last week’s ceremony, it was time to celebrate the work RJ has done over the years. Parents, children and people RJ has worked with all had something to say about what she has brought to them.

When it was her turn, RJ couldn’t say much because her emotions were running high. “I’m going to miss the kids, I really am,” she said. “I love the kids. Thank you.”

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Published in 2006 Archives
Thursday, 22 March 2007 06:42

Scout

Feature Article - March 15, 2007

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Feature Article - March 15, 2007

Local Scout wins grand prize

Local Scout Troy Perry has won the $2500 grand prize in Scouts Canada's Fill it Up to Win Contest. As a member of the 1st Verona Scout Troop, Troy took part in Scouts Canada annual popcorn sale last fall. Troy was able to fill every line on his order form, earning him an entry in the Fill it Up to Win contest, which was open to Scouts Canada members across the country. One prize a day was awarded throughout the month of February, with Troy being one of two Grand Prize Winners nationwide. Troy had a choice of four different prizes and opted for the Dell Inspiron Laptop and accessories package. He was presented with his prize at his troop meeting on March 20. Last year, Scouts in the Greater Kingston Area raised over $20,000 through Scouts Canada's annual popcorn sale. Scouts Canada, the country's leading youth organization, offers fun and exciting outdoor adventure for boys, girls and youth ages 5 - 26 in communities across Canada. – submitted by Harold Dalmas

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Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 01 March 2007 05:43

Scouts

Feature Article - March 1, 2007

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Feature Article - March 1, 2007

Scouts celebrate Lord Baden-Powell's birthday and centennial year

For thousands of Scouting youth across Canada , the week of February 18 to 24, 2007 marks a special week in a golden year.

Scout-Guide Week is a traditional annual celebration for Scouts and Guides across the country when both organizations join together in the spirit of camaraderie and friendship to mark the joint birthday (February 22) of their founder and his wife; Lord Robert and Lady Olave Baden-Powell.

This year’s celebrations are especially significant as they coincide with the 100th anniversary of Scouting in Canada and around the world. Special events are planned all across the country including:a successful South Frontenac Group banquet in Sydenham with over 100 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Leaders, and Parents on February 12.; model car and model 18 wheeler truck races for Cubs, Scouts and Guides on February 17, a full week of displays and activities at the Cataraqui Town Centre in Kingston from February 19 to 24; and a campfire for all Scouting Groups in the Kingston area on February 22 at the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area.

August 1, 2007 marks one hundred years since the first day of Robert Baden-Powell's experimental camp on Brownsea Island in the UK .Attended by 22 boys from a variety of backgrounds, this historic camp led to the formation of the Scout Movement.

Today Scouting is a worldwide organization with over 28 million members in 216 countries and territories. Since Scouting was founded in 1907, over half a billion young people from virtually every country and culture have enjoyed Scouting activities and pledged to live by the Scout Promise and Law. Scouts Canada ’s 78,000 boys, girls, and youth, together with its 24,000 dedicated volunteers, are excited to be a part of this global Centennial celebration.

For further information, please contact:

Harold Dalmas, Box 27 , 3938 Wilton Rd., Harrowsmith , ON , K0H 1V0 ; Home: 613-372-2050; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 19 July 2007 06:12

Scouting

Feature Article - July 19, 2007

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Feature Article - July 19, 2007

Scouting movement celebrates 100 years

HARROWSMITH - On August 1, 2007 at 8 a.m.,local Scouting will be joining world wide activities to recognize 100 years of the Scouting Movement. The ceremony will be held at Centennial Park in Harrowsmith, and is open to all current and former members of Scouting.

These “Sunrise Ceremonies” are being held at 8 a.m. in every time zone around the world in conjunction with a ceremony being held on Brownsea Island in England where Robert Baden-Powell held an experimental camp on August 1, 1907. Twenty-two boys from a variety of backgrounds attended this historic camp. This was the beginning of the Scout Movement and for 100 years over half a billion boys and girls representing Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers have participated in hundreds of thousands of activities. They came from virtually every country and culture, forever linked in their enjoyment of Scouting activities. Through their pledge to live by the Scout Promise and Law they have helped change the world for the better.

“One hundred years is a unique milestone for Scouts Canada’s members and volunteers, both past and present. Over 17 million youth have participated in our programs during the past century. We are extremely proud that Scouting’s efforts in developing Canada’s youth during this period have made a significant contribution to Canada’s heritage, values and culture.I invite everyone to join with us in celebration of this historic accomplishment,” said Glenn Armstrong, Chief Commissioner of Scouts Canada.

Today there are 28 million Scouts worldwide, in 216 countries and territories. Scouts Canada’s 78,000 boys and girls, together with its 24,000 dedicated adult volunteers, are excited to be a part of this global Centennial celebration.

To further celebrate the local history of Scouting in South Frontenac and the surrounding region, there will be historical displays and information over a three day period in the old Sydenham town hall or currently the Township of South Frontenac Council Chambers. The doors will be open to everyone on Tuesday, July 31 from 1 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Former members of Scouting are welcome to bring in memorabilia, equipment, and records that belonged to formerScouting groups so it can have a new Scouting home for today’s youth and leaders.

Forfurther information, contact Harold Dalmasat 613-372-2050 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 26 June 2008 11:32

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Feature Article - June 26, 2008

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Feature Article - June 26, 2008 Sydenham Scouting on the riseBy Julie Druker

Scout Counsellor Marc Meyers, his son Patrol Leader, Ben Meyers and Scout Counsellor Kris Rasmussen

The First Sydenham Troop of Boy Scouts held a bottle drive in Sydenham to raise funds for the troop, which has returned to Sydenham after an absence of eight years. Scout Leader Marc Myers, his son Ben Myers, the troop’s patrol leader, and Kris Rasmussen, the troop’s scouter, all helped out collecting empty beer, wine and spirit bottles donated by local shoppers.

The purpose of the drive is to raise much-needed funds to pay an outstanding $1000 loan that was taken out to pay some of last year’s fees. While the numbers of scouts are slowly rising in the Sydenham area, money to support their program is still an issue.

The Scout program has gained popularity in the last few years and the public is realizing the many advantages and positive effects that can be gained by joining the Scouts.

Thirteen-year-old Ben has been a “beaver” for six years and it was his first year this year as a scout. He is excited about the new responsibilities he will have. “I will be arranging everything during the camps and organizing most of the duties.”

Adults Marc and Chris explained that they are called scout “counsellors”, whose job is to guide the scouts more than to lead them. Kris explains, “Once the troop decides what they want to accomplish, within certain guidelines, it is the kids who decide how they are going to accomplish the goals that they have set out for themselves.”

The scouts meet regularly once a week in the gym at the Loughborough Public School and try to get outdoors at least once every six weeks for some kind of special event. “Urban Camping” is a favorite with the scouts, most of whom come from rural areas. The group spends the day in a city “hiking around it” and getting to know some of the features it has to offer, like its museums.

Last year a memorable trip was “winter camping” at Otter Lake when the scouts had a chance to learn survival skills. Kris recalls, “There was 2 feet of snow on the ground; we practiced how to light fires in the snow and how to build a survivor shelter.”

Scouts costs only $145 for the entire year, plus a dollar a week for dues. “Scouts is a relatively inexpensive activity, compared to playing hockey, let’s say.” Marc and Chris point out.

The first Sydenham Troop is already making plans for next year when they will be attending a Brotherhood camp down in the States. They are also talking about possibly attending the World Jamboree in Sweden a few years down the road. And why not? As these three know… anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

To join the Scouts or to find out more information please call Kris Rasmussen at (613) 767-9987

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 02 July 2009 07:49

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Back to HomeLetters - July 2, 2009Canada Day

Harrowsmith

Sharbot Lake

Sydenham

fun in the Glorious sun

Volunteers with the Sydenham Canada Day Committee, the S&A Club in Harrowsmith and the Central Frontenac Recreation Committee in Sharbot Lake had to feel a little down going into Canada Day this year. After months of hard work, the predicted cold rainy day would have brought Canada Day festivities to a soggy halt.

But the rain held off early in the day and the warm sunshine took hold and never left, turning Canada Day into a rousing succes throughout the region.

The longest Canada Day is the one in Sharbot Lake. The Oso fire hall was busy from before 7 am until after 10 am for the most popular pancake breakfast of the year, and continuing through the parade and events at the beach the crowds remained thick (although not as thick as the mosquitos) right up until the evening fireworks at 10 pm.

Harrowsmith

Top Right: Tyler Morey, OPP Constable Schouten and RCMP Constable Osmond led the Harrowsmith parade,  Top left: The Harrowsmith Scouts Left: Dale White of Harrowsmith

Sharbot Lake

Right: Bob Hollywood amidst the ATVs in Sharbot Lake Above: 10 year old Josh Clark easily won the duct tape boat race Below Left: Karate by Sharbot Lake Karate

Sydenham

Top Right: Jane, Brandon and Emma, decked Jane's Sydenham home in Full Canada Day Regalia  Top left:Clown led pony rides were a treat for kids at the Point. Left: Danielle Tohill of Sydenham served up birthday cake at the Point
Published in 2009 Archives
Thursday, 05 March 2009 12:06

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Back to HomeFeature Article - March 5, 2009 Local Girl Guides and Scouts think bigBy Julie Druker

Sydenham Sparks join the ranks for the WAGGGS' "World Thinking Day" celebrations in Harrowsmith

It was an evening of song, celebration, and trivia games for the Girl Guides and Scouts of Harrowsmith and Sydenham last Thursday night at St. Paul’s in Harrowsmith as they met for their annual “World Thinking Day” celebration, which occurs every year on February 22.

The event celebrates Guiding by honoring the birthdays of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell of England, founders of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

The “World Thinking Day” according to organizer Marni Pedersen of Harrowsmith is “geared to thinking of our sister Guides all over the world.”

This year’s theme was “Stop the spread of AIDS, malaria and other diseases” and it supports the WAGGGS’ aim to change the world by taking global action and affirms their commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals as set out by the United Nations.

The five local Guide and Scout groups that participated in the Harrowsmith event were the Sydenham Sparks, Brownies and Guides, the 1st Harrowsmith Guides and the Chippewa Pathfinders. The five groups took turns presenting songs, skits, and trivia games in an interactive presentation that was enjoyed by friends and family members. Highlights included an interactive “stomp” by the Path Finders sung to the tune of Queen’s “We will rock you” with their own original lyrics.

Long time Guider Marni Pedersen organized the event. Val Ruttan of Harrowsmith, who has been involved in Guiding for 40+ years and remains involved as a trefoil member, was also present.

There are more than 10 million Girl Guides and Scouts worldwide whose goals are to contribute responsibly to their communities and to develop into responsible citizens.

Guiders Marni Pedersen and Melissa Nason say that the numbers of local Guides and Scouts are down because there are so many other activities available to children these days.

Kelsey Ross, who helps guide the Chippewa Pathfinders and who has been in Guiding herself for 12 years, lists the benefits of Guiding.

“It’s taught me leadership and teamwork and I’ve had a chance to meet a lot of people outside of school.”

The groups meet weekly and are looking forward to their regular camping excursions that take place at Camp Waupoos near Picton.

Anyone interested in joining the ranks can call Marni Pedersen at 613-374-9929.

Published in 2009 Archives
Thursday, 10 February 2011 06:25

Annual South Frontenac Scouts banquet

Photo: Harold Dalmas (bottom right) presented certificates of appreciation to group leaders and volunteers of the 1st Scouts Canada- South Frontenac Group

On Feb. 7, over 100 diners gathered at the Free Methodist Church in Harrowsmith for the 1st Scouts Canada - South Frontenac Group’s annual banquet, which included Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from the 1st Verona, 1st Sydenham and1st Perth Road groups.

South Frontenac Group Commissioner Harold Dalmas emceed the event, which included opening ceremonies by the members of all three groups. Toasts were made to Lord Baden-Powell, who founded the world-wide Scouts movement and to the Queen. Following the potluck dinner was a presentation of certificates of appreciation to 22 individual leaders and members of the SF Group Committee in recognition of the work they do within the group.

Commissioner Dalmas said that the event is an important one for the South Frontenac group. “Because the group covers such a wide catchment area, this is one of the only times during the year that that the entire group comes together.”

Dave Parker, who is the Loyalist Area commissioner of Scouts Canada, spoke about the recent resurgence in scouting over the last three or four years in the area he serves. “I think it is due to the three pillars of Scouting: Duty to others, Duty to God and Duty to Self. The scouting program on the whole is more of a spiritual thing than a religious one - and on the whole the Scouting program is focused on a spiritual commitment to doing the right thing, which is tied to the Golden Rules. The fact that 10 of the world’s major religions carry a common thread related to those Golden Rules is helping to increase the popularity of Scouting,” he said.

Anyone interested in learning more about Scouts Canada or joining a group can contact Harold Dalmas at 613-372-3050 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

 

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Thursday, 27 June 2013 15:19

Local Scouters Honoured

Two local scouters were honoured at an awards ceremony that took place on June 16 and coincided with the final day of a two-weekend training session for volunteers held at the Scouts Canada Camp located on Otter Lake in South Frontenac Township.

Harold Dalmas received the Silver Acorn Award and Bill Racz was presented with the Bar to the Silver Acorn. There are a number of awards in Scouting and the Silver Acorn is one of the more prestigious that is awarded for especially distinguished service to Scouting.

Scouter Dalmas has been involved for over 30 years in scouting and has been the Group Commissioner for the South Frontenac Group for the past 20 years, where he is responsible for recruiting, selecting and training volunteer leaders. He is also responsible for encouraging a positive attitude for growth, enabling the group to offer more youth the opportunity to take part in scouting.

Bill Racz receives his Bar to the Silver Acorn Award from Jim Peverley, Voyageur Council Commissioner

Bill Racz has been involved in the scouting movement for over 35 years. Scouter Racz currently acts as the Group Commissioner for Bayridge, organizes the annual Apple Day Fundraiser, held in October, and is the Deputy Area Commissioner, responsible for Property. He also serves as the Warden for the Loyalist Area Camp at Otter Lake. He was presented with the Bar to the Silver Acorn, which is awarded to a scouter who continues to provide particularly distinguished service to scouting. He received the Silver Acorn award in 2008.

The award ceremony took place at the conclusion of a Wood Badge 2 Course. This training session attracted leaders from the Ottawa area, as well as Brockville, Petawawa and Kingston. The session offered more detailed training for volunteer leaders who worked with youth in Beaver Colonies (aged 5-7), Cub Packs (ages 8-10) and Scout Troops (ages 11-14). 

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
With the participation of the Government of Canada