On Feb. 19, Scouts and Girl Guides across the country hoisted their flag with pride to honour Scouts and Guides Week.
Every year, Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide take a week to celebrate the Scouts' founding father, Robert Baden-Powell and his wife, Olave who was a World Chief Guide.
“We want to celebrate his life and her life… It's a memorable thing to do,” said Gerald Francis, group commissioner for the 1st Medley Scouts in Cold Lake.
The week encompasses the birthday of their founder, Feb. 22, also dubbed World Thinking Day.
“(Thinking Day) is everywhere around the world. Every Guide and Scouting organization in every country celebrates Thinking Day,” said Marla Haring, contact guider for the Cold Lake Girl Guides Unit.
World Thinking Day has been celebrated since 1926 as a day of international friendship. It's a day for speaking out on issues that affect girls and young women, and fundraising for the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. In total, there are over 10 million of these organizations across the globe.
Haring added by raising the flag, they are also raising awareness of their organization and how it impacts not only the girls, but also the community.
Francis added, “This is a way of ensuring that this is a long lasting thing that doesn't fade away.”
To kick-start their week, the local groups gathered at Trinity United Church for a Think Day service, before parading to city hall where they held a flag ceremony.
The organizations encourage their young members to be active in the community; one way of doing that is by having them present to city council every year.
On Tuesday, Feb. 14, a small group of Scouts and Guides attended City of Cold Lake council to vouch for the annual tradition and share why they love their group.
“Scouts to me, is about learning and having fun in the process,” said Scout Xander Hoizingh. “We learn all about survival and nature, and it is all so fascinating.”
Hoizingh is the assistant patrol leader for his Scout group and has been a member of Scouts for three years. He said since signing up he has learned how to contribute to his community, and has made friends along the way.
Girl Guides is more than just a weekly obligation, said first year pathfinder Desiree Trott.
“It's about the friendships we make, community service and how we can become better citizens in our community.”
Anita Roi shed some light on the camps they attend through their program and what she learns as a third-year pathfinder with Girl Guides, including how to survive in the woods, cooking outside and building a fire.
Francis said the more people that become aware of Scouts and Guides, the more children and youth will sign up, keeping their organization alive and thriving.
