2nd St. Albert Scouts NEWS

Farewell to Edie

Bring on the adventure

Saying thanks to an energetic leader

Feb 26, 2007 - Gord Welling

At our Centennial Baden-Powel Dinner, we were pleased to have our out-going Group Commissioner, Edie Hesson act as our MC for the evening. Edie originally answered the call from Norther Lights Council when our Group had gone almost six months without a Commissioner.

A look at a fantastic year

In one short year, Edie was able to rebuild a strong leadership team and revitalize our Group. Edie demonstrated what strong leadership can accomplish. We have:

stopped the loss of youth and have started to increase membership numbers.
refocused Section activities to meet the mission of Scouting
built a cohesive and trained Group Committee.
recruited a strong cadre of Scouters and parent volunteers, and has ensured that Scouters have taken Woodbadge One training.
introduced proper administration and financial controls at the Section of Group Committee level, and
instilled a sense of purpose and a strong desire to have fun!

In addition to leading our Group, Edie was a major organizer and contributor of the Alberta Scouting Travelling Exhibit that will open in Sherwood Park on March 31st.

Over 30 years of service

Started in Guiding in Brownies as the Toadstool fairy at age 5. Edie spent 15 years in Guiding as a youth and leader. After completing her nurses training, she and her husband moved to Bonnyville, Alberta in 1962. When her oldest son was old enough for Cubs in 1972, she became Baloo and started to take training. Her first of four Gilwell 2 recognitions was received in 1974 and she continued to take and work on training courses and has never really stopped as a trainer. Her roles in Scouting have included Cubmaster, Beaver Leader, Trainer, PR coordinator, Assistant District Commissioner Cubs and Beavers, Water Safety Specialist, Small Water Craft Trainer, Special Events Coordinator, Course Designer, Regional Service Team member etc. When asked recently why she has stayed on in Scouting, she replied: "It's one of my three families and has given me much more than I have given away. It is a way of life with friends, fun and challenges." She is known by her Scouting friends as Speedie.

In Appreciation ...

In appreciation, Greg Cowan presented Edie with a walking stick that has the signature of almost every leader and youth member within 2nd St. Albert Scout Group. We hope that she enjoys using it as she continues passing on her wisdom to other Scouters throughout Northern Lights Council. We can't fill your shoes, but we can try to keep your legacy alive and well ... Happy Scouting 'Speedie'

Bring on the adventure

About the author

Gord Welling (Rusty) is our Group Administrator and has been an active Scouter with Wednesday Night Beavers for the past four years. This will be Rusty's last year with Beavers and he plans to move to Monday night Cubs next year.