The Annual Torch Light Parade made a short march from the parking lot to the pile of wood Scouts would use to light the bonfire, a ceremonial start followed by chants and songs in honour of Lord Baden-Powell.
Lucie Roy Photos
Sturgeon County – It was an evening of flaming torches and a roaring campfire as local Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures, Guides, Brownies and Sparks gathered to celebrate the birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. The event More than 150 from Edmonton, St. Albert, Gibbons, Legal and Morinville gathered at the Sturgeon Agri-Plex Parking Lot for the 6:30 p.m. torchlight parade, which was followed by a fire, hot chocolate and comradeship.
Lord Robert Baden-Powell, in addition to being the founder of the Scouting movement, was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, serving in India and Africa from 1876 until 1910. The scouting founder is generally believed to have started the movement in 1907 while on a camping trip with some local youth.
Wednesday night’s gathering recreated Baden-Powell’s scouting traditions around the campfire with each of the visiting and local groups offering a song, a cheer and skit as their turn came around the circle.
The torchlight parade is an annual event that is an opportunity for members to look back to the beginnings of the organization and to continue the organization’s tradition of teaching young people about team work, camaraderie and respect for others.
In Canada, various scouting groups are broken down by age. Beavers (5 to 7), Wolf Cubs (8 to 10), Scouts (11 to 14), Venturers (14 to 17) and Rovers (18 to 26). Girl Guide groups are also broken down by age. Sparks (5 to 6), Brownies (7 to 8), Guides (9 to 11), Pathfinders (12 to 14), and Cadets, Rangers (15 to 17).
Information on scouting can be found online at Scouts.ca.
Above left: Young Beaver member Ashleigh Ethier was holding her torch and waiting for the parade to begin at the Annual Torch Light Parade held Wednesday night at the Sturgeon Agri-Plex. The Scout-Guide Week held Feb.16-23 celebrates the birthday of Lord Baden-Powell the founder of Scouting.
Morinville Scout Leader Peter Otte helps light the torches.
Scout Master Hughes watches as the bonfire was lit from the torches.
