St. George’s Georgetown Excels in Scouting

By Lucinda Landau

St. George’s Anglican Church in Georgetown, sponsor of the 2nd Georgetown Scouting Group, has been lauded in the October the leader, Canada’s scouting publication:

Sue Bramley, Area Comissioner was thrilled to find out the 2nd Georgetown Group had the highest membership increase in the country. She said their sponsor, St. George’s Anglican Church, had a lot to do with it, as the minister had moved through scouting and was very supportive. The Beaver Colony was re-established [this year] and four new leaders joined. – October 2005, the leader.

Brenda Sisnett, Group Committee Chairperson for the 2nd Georgetown Group and long time member of St. George’s also said that Reverend Rob Park is a pleasure to deal with. The scouts appreciate the use of the church hall for its weekly meetings – for free.

Rev’d Rob moved through scouting as a boy and takes great pleasure in saying grace at their yearly dinner. “We have a long tradition at St. George’s of providing space for community groups and we welcome occasional group involvement in our Sunday worship services” said Rev’d Park. “It appears from our Church records that the date of the first Scouts charter was January 4, 1921.”

“Every February we commemorate the anniversary of scouting founders Lord and Lady Baden Powell’s birthdays in the Church with a parade and inclusion of scouts in the 9:30 am worship liturgy – last year we even had an artificial ‘camp fire’ going at the entrance to the nave. The kids really enjoy the service and bring their families to participate,” said Rev’d Park. Members from the congregation have actively supported the group by acting as group leaders and congregants sometimes come out to speak on special topics, such as world religions.

“Scouting can instil values that last a lifetime for children, I know it worked for my children and I’m proud that my own parish has provided consistent support,” said Brenda Sisnett. “This year, our group has grown the fastest of any other group in the country, that’s not surprising considering the wonderful partnership we have here” she concluded.

(Ed’s note: This article has also been submitted to The Niagara Anglican for publication in their January edition!)