“I will promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and the queen, to help other people at all times and to carry out the spirit of the Scout law.”
Those words, familiar to many males young and old alike, are often heard in community halls or schools during meetings of Scouts Canada groups across the nation.
But on Monday night, they were repeated in the Guelph-Eramosa council chamber, as the 1st Rockwood Scouts group initiated Mayor Chris White as an honorary member.
Mike Chapman, commissioner of the Rockwood Scout group, said the ceremony was organized as part of local Scout Week celebrations. He told the Advertiser that White, also warden of Wellington County, is the first honorary Scouts Canada member in the county.
“We [invest honorary members] to try to reach out to the community and let them know we’re here,” Chapman said.
He explained the Rockwood group has operated for decades in the area and now includes over 70 active youth and volunteer members.
White, who said he recognized the Scout promise from his days as a Cub Scout, thanked the organization for the honour.
He commended the group for its important work in the community, which includes efforts to keep boys active and offering rewarding outdoor and recreation experiences.
“It’s good to see those traditions are still occurring,” White said.
Councillor John Scott, who along with the other three members of council was presented Scouting a crest and certificate, said it was nice to see the local group carry on traditions that now include taking part in the township’s Remembrance Day ceremonies.
“It’s really an important thing to carry on our heritage with young people,” Scott said.
For more information on the Rockwood Scouts, visit http://rockwoodscouts.com.
