The B.C. Fellowship of Baden-Powell Guilds held their 2011 AGM in Barriere on Oct. 1, at the Barriere Lions Hall. Over 40 members from throughout B.C. attended, representing 10 different Guilds.
During the early afternoon they gathered and registered, and by 2 p.m. the meeting had started. One of the highlights was when Doug Stanbrook, the National Guildmaster, addressed the group. He spoke about some of the changes taking place in how members are registered with Scouts Canada.
Elections were then held for the positions of the Provincial Guildmaster and Provincial Secretary with Isbel Nebel and Beverley Carl (respectively) being elected for those positions.
After the meeting the members enjoyed a roast beef dinner and a variety of entertainment. A Kub Kar Rally was held, with three people at a time racing Kub Kars down the track, the winners then faced off against each other, for prizes. The evening ended with a Campfire, complete with skits, songs, and stories.
The majority of Guild members are former Scout and Guide leaders who, while no longer active at the grass roots level of Scouting/Guiding, wish to continue in a community service capacity. They, along with other adults who subscribe to the principles of Scouting and Guiding, have a desire to continue supporting Scouting and Guiding, but at arms length from local Scout and Guide groups.
Each Baden-Powell Guild operates independently under the limits of the Constitution/Bylaws, Policies/Procedures and other membership requirements. Each Guild is free to meet as often as they like and perform activities of their choosing; whether in service to Scouting or the community, or simply socialization amongst their members. The 28th BP Guild is the nearest Guild to Barriere. They meet at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at the ABC Restaurant in Kamloops.
Members have made a commitment to honour the Aims and Objectives embodied in the Scout Promise. Aims are:
1. To keep alive the spirit of the Promise and Law, in a process of continuous personal development;
2. To bring that spirit into the communities in which they live and work, through active service to them; and
3. To actively support Scouting and Guiding in their communities within Canada and worldwide.
Objectives are:
1. To establish a liaison and a co-operation between the National organization of former adult Scouts and Guides;
2. To establish Baden-Powell Guilds in areas where no such Baden Powell Guilds exist; and
3. To promote friendship amongst former adult Scouts and Guides within Canada and throughout the world.