Euan Sinclair, the Group Commissioner for the Bowen Scouts, says that nobody knows exactly how long the Bowen Island Scouts have been selling Christmas trees at the CSA Christmas Craft Fair, but it has become a Bowen tradition.
The proceeds from the Christmas tree sales are spent on camping trips and outdoor activities, as well as craft supplies, badges and equipment. Sinclair, who is responsible for the smooth running of the Bowen Scouts group, which consists of Beavers (ages 5-7), Cubs (Ages 8-11) and Scouts (ages 11-14), says that there are currently twenty-two youth registered in their programs. Scouts Canada has been co-educational since 1998 and they run a “no-one left behind” bursary for registration costs. The Knick Knack Nook Foundation has also given the Bowen Scouts a generous bursary for camps, which eliminates any financial impediments to young people who are interested in joining.
With a strong focus on outdoor activities and adventures, the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts meet weekly at BICS and Cates Hill Chapel. Throughout the year, the Scouts enjoy rock climbing, kayaking, and lots of camping, often joining other Scout groups from the Lower Mainland. The children work on strengthening core values such as teamwork, sharing, community involvement, environmental stewardship, family and respect.
In the winter, the Scouts venture out to Hollyburn Scout Cabin, Shadow Lake near Whistler, and the Joffre Lakes. Their favourite summer camps are Camp Byng on the Sunshine Coast and Gambier Island. They are hoping to add Camp Maclean in Langley and Camp Bow-Isle to their roster this summer. This year, the Scouts will be selling Noble, Fraser and Wild Douglas trees with prices ranging from $45-$90. Make sure you come down to the CSA Christmas Craft Fair at BICS on Sunday, December 3 from 10am-3pm and visit the Scouts to pick up your Christmas tree!
