We need your assistance in reaching people for a historical project we are working on. A group of retired Scouters from the South Okanagan is attempting to create a rich historical archive on the history of the Scouting movement in the South Okanagan District (Penticton, Naramata, Summerland, OK Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos).
The Scouting program has been offering opportunities for youth in this region for 100 years. Sadly, however, records prior to 1980 are not easily accessible in any central location. In fact, much of the history can only be documented by as yet undiscovered boxes in peoples’ attics and basements.
We are desperately trying to reach people who have a history in Scouting in the District. It could be through their own involvement as youth members or adult volunteers, or often through a parent, grandparent or other relative. So much historical material has already been lost. We need to preserve what still exists, providing we can find it.
The project is in collaboration with the Shatford Centre and the Penticton Museum, with the likely home of the archives being the Shatford Centre in Penticton.
Our focus is on the human, local history of Scouting. How many people were involved over the years? How many groups? What special events occurred over the years? What special achievements by the youths and adult volunteers were recognized in the communities? Who went on to achieve greatness later in life (illustrious alumni)? What other community projects were the adult volunteers involved in? Who were the sponsoring organizations? And so on.
At first, we hoped to finish in spring of 2014. But due to the lack of official records, I am revising this to 2015. It will have to be done the hard way. And you can be a huge help by putting this story out there.
For now, we are starting a Facebook group at DYB DYB South Okanagan Historical Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/143977019098987/
People can contact me by email at thecompetition@telus.net or phone at (604) 530-9679
For local contact, Jane Shaak at the Shatford Centre can forward your information to us.
E-mail her at jane.shaak@shatfordcentre.com or call (250) 770-7668.