1st. Ketepec Scouts brought an engraved limestone which was embedded in the Cairn Monument, representing 100 years of Scouting in Nova Scotia.  It was erected at ScotiaJamb’09 at Camp Carter in Cape Breton, NS.

Back Row:  Brenda Graham, Nathan Dickens, Laurie Boakes, Julia Kelly, Makyle McLellan, Bill Dowling, Kayla Boakes, Paul Crilley

Front Row:  Dylan Hebert, Elizabeth Matheson, Madelaine Bedard, Shelby Goddard, and Emily Lockhart

A huge thank you to all individuals, groups and companies from Grand Bay-Westfield and area for their generous donation to help our Scouts and Leader attend the Scotia Jam 09 in Cape Breton this summer. A good time was had and many benefits received by all who attended. Thank you from each member and leader of First Westfield-Grand Bay Scouting and Group Committee. Watch for the celebration of 50 years of Scout Sponsorship by Westfield United Church. This church has held the charter from Scouts Canada, all sections – Beavers – Cubs – Scouts – Ventures – Rovers since 1960. Celebrations will take place in early 2010.

I was flying through the air…

…and I couldn’t believe it, I was finally doing it, zip-wiring for more than 100 meters into the water and loving every minute of it!

It all started back a year ago, when my scout leader Paul Crilley of Ketepec Scouts said we were going to raise money so we can go for a week long trip to Scotia-Jam at Camp Carter, N.S. The jamboree was to help celebrate 100 years of scouting in Nova Scotia, 100 years of flight in Canada and 100 years of Canadian naval operations. We were really excited because there were supposed to be more than 1,100 youth, plus adult staff, attending the jamboree from across Canada.

My troop worked really hard fund raising as the trip was very expensive and we wanted to pay for it ourselves. Our leaders Laurie Boakes and Brenda Graham helped us to raise money in many different ways; packing groceries, popcorn sales, apple day donations, sweeping parking lots and lots of other community service activities.
On July 9th we stuffed our bus full of gear and left for our scouting adventure! This was my first time going to Cape Breton and on the drive up I realized how quiet and peaceful the province was. It was so pretty with all the trees, water and blue skies.
On the first day we got our gear down to our campsite and got set up. We were one of the first troops to arrive and we had plenty of time to relax before it was time to make supper. We didn’t bring any food because the camp provided us with the supplies we needed to cook our breakfast, lunch and supper. Finally, after supper everyone was ready for the Grand Opening! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the crowd of Scouts and volunteers. It was quite a sight to see!

Over the week, the jamboree was packed with many activities and events. We were busy every minute of the day! I got to go on 2 hour boat ride to Bird Island. We saw plenty of birds, such as the Atlantic Puffin (what a cool bird!) the Razorbill, the Black Guillemant, the Great Black-Legged Kittiwake, the Great Cormorant, the Double Crest Cormorant, some Great Seals and bald Eagles! It was an awesome experience! I loved it!

One of our quests was to go by canoe that was attached to a platform to another canoe. It was the times of the Roman Empire. Our objective was to find a brick of salt and give it to the tax collector so we could be freed. We had to fight off pirates that were trying to steal our salt. It was very fun and cool!  I got really wet.

We also played cool games such as going through mazes, shooting plates with sling shots, archery, sword fighting, contests against other teams and badges trading. We learned how to steer a plane and one night we had even comedians entertaining us.  We also had a massive water balloon fight with the entire camp. My troop teamed up with Westfield scouts and a troop from Burlington, Ontario.  We won 2nd place! Again, I got really wet!

The best activity was the zip-wire. It was not for those afraid of heights! I climbed a path that lead to a drop off on the side of a mountain. I conquered my fear of heights and sat in a special chair attached to a wire. I was zipped over trees eventually landing in very cold water. The ride was 100 meters long and we were up over 50 meters high. It was truly amazing and I loved it so much I went back a second time.

The trip was fantastic! I met so many new friends and learned so many new things and I will never forget the experience.

I hope my troop is now well rested. In two years I want to go to CJ 2012 and we will need to start planning soon for the trip! Scouting is my life!

By Madelaine Bedard, 1st. Ketepec Scouts