When a group of parents got together in 1961 to organize Glenayre's first Scout troop, they thought the club would give young people in the Port Moody neighbourhood something to do while learning about camping and the importance of respecting nature.
Fast-forward to today and, while the faces in the troop have changed, 1st Glenayre still adheres to the same principles. This weekend, the organization is holding a 50th anniversary open house and many of the people who were a part of the troop over the years are expected to attend.
Bob Moore remembers the early days of the 1st Glenayre Scout troop. The neighbourhood was still young, with developed lots sitting next to forested areas, much like Burke Mountain of today.
"I got involved in 1968," he said. "My neighbour was a leader and he came pleading for volunteers. They had all these kids and they needed help."
Back then, he said, it was not uncommon for families to have four or five children. From the 492 homes in the area, there were enough kids to support three Cub packs and two Scout troops.
There were also fewer extracurricular activities competing for young people's time, said Jim Gray, a 1st Glenayre leader in the early 1970s. For many of the members of the troop, Scouting was the only thing they did aside from school, he added.
In the Glenayre of the late 1960s and early 1970s, camping opportunities abounded. Gray said many nights were spent at the base of Burnaby Mountain, only a few kilometres from many of the Scouts' homes.
"You could just go up the hill," he said. "We were right there."
Both Moore and Gray said they can still see the influence Scouting has had on their own sons. To this day, Moore's son Doug keeps his Scouting experience on his resume and continues to spend a lot of his spare time hiking. Gray's son Darren has had a knack for cooking ever since the first time he put together a meal over a fire on a Scout camping trip.
"All this stuff came through Scouting," Gray said. "It is a very good experience for young people."
Gina Johns, a current leader with 1st Glenayre, said Scouting has helped teach her son a lot about the importance of the environment. With so many distractions for young people today, she said it is important for kids to have the opportunity to get outdoors and away from the bustle of a major metropolitan area.
"I think getting outdoors is key for kids," she said. "Academics and athletics takes up a lot of time... but the connection to nature is definitely important."
While the 50th anniversary open house will be an opportunity for old friends to get reacquainted, Johns hopes it will also help remind people of the importance of Scouting. Volunteers are always needed, she said, and anyone who has experience with Scouts should consider helping out with their local troop.
"We want people to know that Scouting is alive and well," she said. "We want people to think about maybe coming back into the fold."
CELEBRATION ON SUNDAY
The 1st Glenayre Scouts' 50th anniversary open house will take place between noon and 4 p.m. at Glenayre community centre, 492 Glencoe Dr., Port Moody on Sunday, June 26. Any past and present members are welcome to attend and are asked to RSVP by emailing glenayre50th@gmail.com. Those with photographs and memorabilia are encouraged to bring them.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
