The 33rd Kerrisdale Centennial Group

Luke Anglican Church, which provided the space for the regular scout meeting every Saturday. It started out with only 15 cubs but has now grown to a Group of over 100 members, with full compliments of 5 sections from the Beaver Colony to the Rover Crew. We place great emphasis on leadership development hence the training method of our Troop follows the DELTA training method adopted by the Viking Council of the Boy Scouts of America which is designed by the Center for Youth Development and Research at the University of Minnesota. DELTA was developed by a partnership of Scouts and University faculty; it joins the wisdom of both in a method of positive youth development. Essentially scouting is a skill building program. For example, boys learn simple knots like a clove hitch or a square knot. They then build on those skills as they learn to lash and ultimately may participate in building a large structure like a monkey bridge. So too are the skills for ethical leadership built, in small steps that nurture the development of a boy's sense of responsibility for his choices and their effects on others. In DELTA, these skills are practiced through initiative games and Scout skills. The power of these activities lie in helping boys make sense out in the game or skill by reflecting on that experience at the conclusion of the activity. In 2003, the 33rd Group set up a Junior Leader Corp which comprises members of the Venturer Company as well as the senior members of the Troop such as the Patrol Leaders and their assistants. Due to the ever growing need of leaders as the Group accepts more members and also as part of the succession strategy, we have decided that the best way to develop the next generation of leaders is by training the younger members on the job, giving them the responsibilities of the different sections and of different projects, mentoring and coaching them so that they get the experience of making decisions and handling people, which is another aspect of leadership development. We have 2 Junior Leaders and 12 active Leaders right now, serving in 5 sections. Some of the leaders have responsibilities in more than one section.