Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in the Abacos - Abaco Scouts Reorganize
By Sandra Evans

As a new school year begins, the Scout Association of Abaco is ready to meet its challenges and responsibilities. Although still very involved with decision making, our beloved Commissioner, Mr. Drexel "Skip" Major, remains temporarily sidelined by his accidental injuries. After ably and loyally serving as District Commissioners, Father Hugh Chapman, whose ministry has taken him to the Virgin Islands, and Mr. Huel Moss, who is devoting himself to teaching, have resigned their positions. In order to continue serving the Scouting movement and the community at large, the National Executive has named the Rev. Father Kenneth McKenzie of the Parish of St. Martins and St. Annes, and Mrs. Sandra Evans, real estate broker and recently retired Cub Scout leader, as acting District Commissioners. The Scout Association of the Bahamas expects a smooth transition under ths new leadership and a renewed emphasis on financial responsibility, consistency and credibility.

At present there are active Cub and Scout groups in Marsh Harbour, Dundas Town, Sandy Point, Crossing Rocks and Fox Town. A new group is being formed in Treasure Cay and the troop in Green Turtle Cay will be reactivated. The goal is Scouting is to provide challenging and fun ways for young people to occupy their time while learning valuable life skills. Community service is a major component of Scouting and plans are underway for Scouts Abaco to be more visible in this regard.

District-wide fund raising will be held this year with funds being raised to send deserving Cubs and Scouts to camp both in the Bahamas and abroad. In addition, Scouts Abaco is committed to the establishment of a national camp in New Providence and locally to the preservation of the Abaco wild horses. There will be standardized procedures and programs throughout Abaco dedicated to the purpose of shaping responsible and competent future adults.

There is a growing need for interested persons to become Cub or Scout leaders. If you are creative and hardworking, then please consider giving of yourself to provide guidance and skills to our young people. Scouts is based on allegiance to God and country and is designed to foster independent and responsible citizens. The programs are well defined and easy to follow. Your time is the greatest gift.

We plan to make this the best Scouting year yet. In the past groups have gone camping, kayaking, hiking, fishing and boating as well as performing community service and being introduced to Jujitsu. Scouts proves an opportunity for the ambitious young person to elevate themselves and prepares them to meet the future in a mature and honourable way. Registration will beheld on September 17. Scouts is an exciting and relevant program and we appreciate your ongoing support.