PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA — The local chapter of Scouts Canada has renewed its ability to teach children life skills in the great outdoors as the latest beneficiary of the Port of Prince Rupert’s Community Investment Fund.

The Port recently provided $11,040 to help the 11^th Prince Rupert Scout Group purchase a new cargo trailer and camping equipment. The local volunteer organization is entirely reliant on fundraising to provide children with weekly activities that encourage equality, diversity and kindness. The Scouts’ current outdoor equipment was purchased over 20 years ago, and the organization had struggled to secure dedicated in-kind storage space for their supplies in recent years.

“As an organization, our goal is to help youth gain new experiences and adventures that will help them develop confidence and prepare for future success,” said Jeroen Gerritsen, Group Commissioner of the 11^th Prince Rupert Scout Group. “This project is a dream come true for our leaders and kids, giving us the ability to plan and participate in all the traditional outdoor activities Scouts are known for with renewed enthusiasm and inclusiveness.”

With eight new tents and a cargo trailer to store and transport equipment, the 11^th Prince Rupert Scout Group is now fully equipped for outdoor adventuring. Last year, the Group organized and hosted two overnight events that brought 60 kids from Kitimat, Terrace and Smithers to the Prince Rupert area to participate in activities like fishing, archery, and camping. In 2018 the 11^th Prince Rupert Scout Group will host a weekend camping excursion with the regional Scouts Groups to Lucy Island, where they will learn about wilderness survival.

“Active for 28 years in Prince Rupert, the Scouts are one of the many volunteer-led, non-profit societies that work to improve the quality of life for kids in our community,” said Kris Schumacher, Communications Coordinator for the Port of Prince Rupert. “It was our pleasure to match their fundraising efforts through the Community Investment Fund and help secure the tools they need to continue teaching valuable life skills to local youth.”