There’s been plenty of controversy in recent history around groups that are typically associated with the word “scouting.” Now, I was never a “scout,” but growing up, my parents made sure that we lived rurally enough that we spent many weekends in the woods, doing the country version of what is now called “urban foraging,” which my sister and I would call something completely different. I can clean a fish, identify the tastiest mushrooms that won’t kill me, stare down a bear, and even manage not to drown if my favorite jelly shoe were to float down a river (again). I swore I’d never spend another day following adults around a mountain.
Several years later, along comes Jeffrey Kaye (Group Scoutmaster) and his amazing family, now of the 45th Columbia River Scouts. We became great friends and he started sharing pictures of all of their wonderful outdoor adventures. And I thought about electively participating with my family in their weekend morning excursions, especially after Jeffrey said he’d bring coffee and haul me in a special trailer outfitted with my bed (which still hasn’t happened). But seriously, I’m here to say that if you’ve ever been interested in a scouting experience, it is definitely worth a closer look.
The first distinction of Baden-Powell Service Association (BPSA) groups like the 45th Columbia River Scouts is that they are a SERVICE association; one of their main focuses is to provide service to others with everything they do. BPSA groups are distinct in many ways though they are a traditional, outdoor organization. Their focus is to get everyone outdoors safely and with the skills to keep everyone safe. Their members are co-ed and of all ages; your entire family can participate and you can stay members for as long as you’d like. They are an inclusive group; if you follow the Scout Law and Scout Promise, you can be a member; simple as that. Adults and leaders are background-checked, without exception, and all leaders must serve in the company of at least one other leader. Any gender represented in a scout group will also be reflected in the leadership of that group.
Meeting and outing schedules vary by age group, but currently take place on one to two Saturdays a month. The official schedule will be set when new members are established after their upcoming open house. Regular meetings will be in Clark County, Washington, though they will join with Portland BPSA groups at least twice a year for service projects and a group camping event called Hullabaloo. Cost for membership is currently $50 per person per year and includes BPSA fees, support of the 45th Columbia River Scouts, patches, and a neckerchief. There is room for many new participants in all different age groups, and especially leaders. You don’t need any special skills to participate or lead, just an eagerness to get outdoors and a willingness to learn. If you are interested, consider attending the open house this Saturday, October 5th: http://columbiariverscouts-efbevent.eventbrite.com/
For a wealth of information on the 45th Columbia River Scouts, including a blog of their recent adventures, visit http://www.columbiariverscouts.org/
Other BPSA organizations in our area are the 55th Cascadia Scouts (N/NE Portland) and the 636th Mount Tabor Scouts (SE Portland).
