Photo courtesy
Kevin MacIver, Sports Director of ANAF Unit #318, presents a $500 cheque to Andrew Hopkins, leader of the 1st Lennoxville Scouts, in support of their ongoing activities and community programs
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The 1st Lennoxville Scouts, a prominent youth group in the region, recently received a generous $500 donation from local military veterans’ group ANAF Unit #318. The cheque was presented by the unit’s Sports Director, Kevin MacIver, during a small gathering attended by Scouts Leader Andrew Hopkins. The contribution, which Hopkins said is the first in several years, is intended to support the ongoing activities and programs of the group.
“Supporting the Scouts is important to the members of Unit #318, as they are the future of this great country,” said Brady Smith, President of ANAF Unit #318, in an email. The unit, commonly known as “the Hut,” has a long history of community involvement and regularly supports local organizations, including the Lennoxville Scouts. The relationship between the two groups goes beyond financial support; the Hut also provides meeting spaces for the Scouts and serves as a venue for their events, such as the annual Kub Kar Rally.
Hopkins, who oversees the Scout section for youth aged 11 to 14, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that funding like this is crucial to keep the Scouts’ activities running smoothly. “There’s always a need for money there for us,” he explained. “Camps, equipment, and regular meetings all come with expenses, so the support is appreciated.”
Currently, the Scouts are involved in a variety of activities, including bottle drives at local football games. “We collected up bottles and cleaned up after the games,” Hopkins shared. While he did not yet have the final tally from their recent efforts, he mentioned that they gathered a substantial number of bottles and cans, which are being sorted for redemption.
Looking ahead, the Scouts are preparing for a busy season. The upcoming winter camp at Lake Lovering will see the Cubs and Beavers, children aged 5 to 11, engaging in outdoor activities. In February, the group’s annual Kub Kar Rally will take place at the hut, a much-anticipated event where participants build and race their own cars down a track. “It takes up quite a bit of time for us,” Hopkins noted, emphasizing the excitement and community spirit surrounding the event.
Additionally, the Scouts will participate in the Remembrance Day ceremony in Lennoxville this November. “We’ll talk to the kids about why we do Remembrance Day and what it’s about,” Hopkins explained. During the ceremony, the Scouts will stand at attention, place crosses, and lay a wreath to honour veterans. This involvement aims to teach the young members about the importance of remembering and respecting the sacrifices made by others.
Hopkins, who is dedicated to providing enriching experiences for local youth, highlighted the value of the programs they offer. From outdoor camps that build survival skills to community service events like the bottle drive, the Scouts aim to develop practical skills and a sense of responsibility in their members.
For anyone interested in learning more or joining the 1st Lennoxville Scouts, Hopkins advises reaching out directly, as the group’s Facebook page is private. Information can be provided via email (1stlennoxvillescoutgroup@gmail.com) for those looking to get involved. The group remains open to new members, and community support like that from ANAF Unit #318 is vital to ensuring the Scouts’ continued success.