TEHKUMMAH—The weather proved outstanding for the 55th Scouts/Guides 2016 Rendezvous held at Gordon’s Park as nearly 250 young Scouts and Girl Guides came together for a weekend of serious learning cunningly disguised as fun and games.
The theme of this year’s Rendezvous was “Building the Future” and was hosted by the Northern Shield area of Scouts Canada.
“Building the future is an important topic because the youth of our society are our future,” said Katherine Buchanan, co-camp chief (scouting) and area youth commissioner in her opening remarks to the gathered Scouts and Guides. “You will determine what our future looks like and how it is developed. Have fun this weekend learning new and intriguing ways to develop our future. We’ve got some really awesome games and activities planned for you.”
The opening ceremonies included a number of “housekeeping” announcements, particularly staying safe and keeping hydrated, before the flag was presented by a Copper Cliff Scout and a Pathfinder and the singing of O Canada.
There were 20 activities lined up for the participants and the designers of the activities showed a tremendous innovation in their design.
Scouts and Guides from across the North and beyond took part in the weekend, forming relationships that will last a lifetime.
Girl Guide leader Linda Pulliah has been involved in guiding for 23 years, two years of that as a participant, and this is her 22 Rendezvous. “The dark sky reserve here at Gordon’s really presents a great opportunity,” she noted. As an amateur astronomer, Ms. Pulliah brought her own telescopes and provided night sky viewing for whoever expressed an interest.
The Scouts and Guides also took the opportunity to spruce up the Baden Powell Grove located at Gordon’s Park, a popular destination for Scout and Guide troupes from across the North and beyond. “Gordon’s really promotes scouting and guiding,” said Ms. Pulliah.