Scouts Canada Beavers program returns to Sun Peaks

A Scouts Canada Beavers program is returning to Sun Peaks after several years, and organizers are seeking volunteers and participants.

The program, which previously operated in Sun Peaks before coming to an end in 2020, is being revived by Alexander Morrissey and Cathy Burnham, who hope to provide more opportunities for young children to get involved in outdoor activities. 

Morrissey, from Whitecroft, said the idea came from wanting to find more activities for his own children as they get older. 

“I’ve got three kids. They’re getting older. They need things to do, and Scouts is one of those things that kids like to do,” he said. 

He explained that Scouts offers children an opportunity to develop new skills, spend time outdoors and participate in activities that appeal to a wide range of interests. 

Burnham, who lives in Sun Peaks, independently reached out to Scouts Canada around the same time that Morrissey did to inquire about bringing the program back to the community. The pair have since been working with a Scouts Canada representative in Kamloops to establish the local group, which will operate under an existing Scouts affiliation. 

As part of the process, volunteer leaders are required to complete training and screening to ensure they understand the responsibilities when working with children. The Beavers program is designed for children aged five to seven, with weekly meetings focused on age-appropriate activities such as crafts, introductory knot tying, water safety and outdoor education. 

Sun Peaks is particularly well suited for the program, according to Morrissey, given the number of outdoor recreation opportunities already available in the community. 

“It’s really just a natural fit,” he said. “The things that you think of Scouts doing, like camping and outdoor stuff, that’s what people think of Sun Peaks.”

From hiking and camping in the warmer months to snowshoeing and other winter activities, Morrissey hopes the surrounding environment will provide opportunities for children to develop practical skills while exploring the outdoors. 

Alongside weekly meetings, Morrissey said Scouts groups also aim to organize outdoor weekends, which can include activities such as camping, canoeing and kayaking. The regular meetings help prepare children for these experiences by introducing them to outdoor safety, planning and practical skills. 

While the immediate focus is on establishing a Beavers group, Morrissey hopes the program will also provide a welcoming environment for families who may be less familiar with outdoor recreation. His goal is not to change the existing Scouts Canada model, but to make it accessible to children living in Sun Peaks and the surrounding area.

“It’s just to facilitate the curiosity that kids have, and probably add a little bit of structure to outdoor knowledge,” he said. 

While many families in Sun Peaks are already familiar with outdoor activities, Morrissey said the program could be particularly beneficial for those who are new to the area or looking for ways to introduce their children to outdoor recreation. The group is also encouraging parents to get involved as volunteers to help support the program as it grows.

Having enough adult volunteers is important not only for meeting supervision requirements, but also for ensuring the program can continue when individual leaders are unavailable. 

“Many hands make light work,” he said, emphasizing that greater parental involvement would improve the experience for both children and organizers. 

For now, the focus remains on establishing a consistent Beavers program for younger children, although Morrissey said there could be opportunities to introduce Scouts programming for older age groups if there is enough community interest and volunteer support. 

Weekly meetings are planned for Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. at Cahillity Lodge.

“Sign up. Have fun. You know, try it. That’s what we’re here for. That’s what we’re about. It’s about getting kids outside and doing things,” he said. 

Families looking for more information about the program can contact Morrissey at 250-318-3869 or Burnham at 604-865-1965, folks can also visit the Scouts Canada website for more details.