It’s time for a new update on this project. And it’s time to go public with local Scouting heritage. I will be back in the Valley from September 8 to September 13, digging through some more archives and trying to add to the Museum archives. Did you know that the Boy Scout movement now has 107 years of history in the South Okanagan?

Well, in case you need proof of this, join me at the Penticton Museum on Tuesday, September 13 for a presentation at the first of their “brown bag” lunches. You bring your lunch, the Museum will provide tea, coffee and confections, and I will provide the dazzle. It starts at 12:00 (noon) and runs for an hour. Donations are gratefully accepted by the Museum. What is on the agenda, you might ask?

Well, of course we will touch on the timeline, briefly highlighting some of the things that happened over those 107 years. But the focus will be on the people of Scouting, in particular in Penticton. There are so many well-known names from Penticton over the past century in terms of their community service, but their commitment to Scouting has often been credited as only a footnote among the other things they did. My research has shown that Scouting was often the single, biggest thing they did in the community. And I can prove it. The documents are in the Museum archives. Let’s talk about why they did this Scouting thing. The answer is actually quite simple.

And then let’s talk about how we can help our public museums preserve our history before we lose all of our important documents. Yes, this will be time for some “show and tell”. What makes one document or item valuable from an archival point of view? As examples, we will tickle your fancy with some Scouting items that have yet to be seen publicly, and discuss the historical significance of these items.

So mark your calendars, and please spread the word. Send email to your friends. Talk to former Scouters. For me, this has been a nearly six-year project. For Scouting in Penticton, it can represent the beginning of a resurgence in the program.

If anyone would like to meet with me while I am there during the above dates, send me a private email, or call/text to my cell at (604) 230-1053. I will likely be stopping in Keremeos and Oliver on my way there.

Once again, you are receiving this “blind copy” email because you have expressed past interest in Scouting history in the area. If you wish to be removed from the list, please send me a private email and you will be removed.

Cheers,

Gerry Lamb
Interim Chair
DYB DYB South Okanagan Historical Group