Every four years, Scout troops from around the world look forward to attending Pacific Jamboree.
And they make the most of the four-year gap between jamborees to raise the funds they need to attend.
But for members of 1st BX Scout Troop, it’s a little more challenging to come up with the funds they need in time for the week-long PJ, taking place in Sooke on Vancouver Island this July.
“The troop faded away in the mid ‘90s and we were able to pick it up again this year with 11 boys and girls aged 11 to 14,” said Scouter Kevin Bader, one of six volunteer leaders with the troop. “Typically, a Scout troop would have four years to raise funds to make the trip, but because this is the first year of our newly-formed scout troop, our timeline has been really tight to raise enough funds.
“Former Scouts that have been to a jamboree always say it’s something they’ll never forget, and it’ll be a cool opportunity to connect with Scouts of other cultures. Eight of our Scouts and six of us Scouters have committed to going, and that means we’ve all been working hard with our different fundraising efforts, from bottle drives to our Christmas tree pickup. By participating, each Scout reduces his or her own total cost.”
Registration for the jamboree is about $600 per person, which covers all activities and food while there. The other costs are basically getting to the island and back. Three of the Scouters are driving their own vehicles, but there is also the cost of meals, gas, taking the ferry and camping equipment.
“We’ve been slowly building our supplies of camping equipment, but there’s still a significant list of gear to purchase and/or build prior to the trip. Our goal is to raise enough to cover those costs and we need about $2,500 more to reach our goal. If we raise even more, parents will get a bit of a break on the registration fees, so every dollar helps.”
BX members were able to vote on the activities they will be doing at PJ, and Bader hopes they will be assigned some of their picks.
“There will be about 3,000 Scouts from around the world, all with their own faves as well,” he said. “Rock-climbing, kayaking, canoeing, touring Victoria, fencing with an Olympic champion, and visiting a traditional First Nations’ gathering place are just a small part of the list of cool opportunities for the kids to experience.
“Of course, we’ll be tenting and our Scouts will be cooking all of their own meals, something they’ve been practising to get ready for!”
Since 1st BX started up again, the kids have voted on their troop goals for the first year, with Scouters guiding them in terms of how to accomplish those priorities.
So far, Scouts have earned their knife, axe and saw, fire, and stove and lantern permits, they’ve planned and participated in several tenting adventures, completed a six-hour winter hike, earned a multitude of outdoor survival and safety skills, and have completed a weekend leadership training course.
“The list of accomplishments is huge because we meet every week and camp several times a year, and because we work hard,” said Bader.
While busy fundraising to get to PJ, the Scouts are excited about the adventure that awaits them.
“I’m excited about meeting everyone from different places and all the activities in general, also to exchange badges and to see what other groups have designed,” said Taylor Clark.
Brianna Li has a number of reasons for wanting to attend PJ: “I can’t wait to do real rock climbing, not just on a climbing wall, and to spend a week away from my brothers.”
Brynne Francescutti is looking forward to camping in a part of Canada where she’s never been, an adventure she will share with her brother, Thomas, and sister, Brooke.
“I’m looking forward to doing all the fun activities that there will be,” she said.
Jeremy Bader is looking forward to everything about PJ, and said it will be fun camping with all of the other Scouts for a week.
“I love camping and I’m also looking forward to meeting other kids from around the world and trading crests with them,” he said. “It’s a tradition at jamborees, a way to meet new friends, and I’ll be able to add them to my campfire blanket.”
And for Alexander Kazimer, PJ is a chance to try new things.
“If you never try, you think of it as never failing, but you are actually never succeeding,” he said.
To help 1st BX Scout Troop get to Pacific Jamboree, donations are always welcome.
“Every time we are out in the community, we are approached by people who used to be in Scouts,” he said. “They are always eager to tell us of their memories of enjoying the outdoors, learning new skills, and working as a team. If you are able to help out our Scouts attend this once-in-a-lifetime event, we will gratefully accept your donation.”
Donations can be made by contacting Kevin or Shawna Bader at 250-558-5688.
