Scouting for a new commissioner

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/08/2010 (5711 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After an exciting three years, the time has come for Michael Papst to pass on the torch.

Since 2007, Papst has served as the council commissioner of the Scouts Canada Manitoba Council, but based on Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell’s philosophy that people should change things up every three to five years, it’s time for him to move on.

The organization is recruiting for his replacement for the volunteer position — basically the head of all scouting activities and volunteers in the province — but it won’t be easy. Papst leaves big shoes to fill.

A volunteer with Scouts Canada for nearly 30 years, Papst knows the ins and outs of the organization, having volunteered for decades as a Cub leader and a scout master.

In addition, he has spent many years assisting with the camps, outdoor activities and events.

Papst said although the job of council commissioner was busy and had more responsibilities than other volunteer positions within the Scouts, it was fun and taught him a lot, particularly about the spirit of Manitoban volunteers who routinely work together to ensure the success of an event.

“In three years, I can honestly say they’ve never let me down,” said Papst, a retired environmental biologist. “That’s been the most rewarding part of the last three years.

“People always seem to come together and put it together. I’m always absolutely astounded by that.”

He spent 10 hours volunteering each week, with camp and ceremonial activities on top of that. In addition, Papst travelled to at least three national meetings each year to meet with other provincial commissioners.

He left one volunteer job but he won’t have any spare time. He’s already decided to volunteer at Scouts camps, giving him a chance to share his passion for the great outdoors with young people. Down the road, he also plans to volunteer as a scout master again.

“We are at a unique tipping point. There’s no problem in recruiting kids, it’s the volunteers,” said Papst, a 59-year-old, father of three. Most cite a lack of time and experience as the reason for not volunteering with Scouts.

“I’ve had many adults say to me that I was only in as a Cub and then I went off and played baseball so you really wouldn’t want me as a leader,” explained Papst. “But if you have a desire to work with young people or have even a rudimentary understanding of scouting, we’ll train you.

“We will give you a mentor like me… to teach you what the little handshake and everything else means. What we really need are those caring adults who will take up those positions,” said Papst.

If you would like more information, please call 786-6661. You can learn more by visiting www.mb.scouts.ca.

If you know a special volunteer, please contact Erin Madden at erinmadden@shaw.ca.

Volunteers needed

Volunteer opportunities advertised in the Winnipeg area. For more information, please contact the person/organization directly. You may call (204) 477-5180 ext. 221 to set up an appointment with Volunteer Manitoba. Email: vmreferral@mts.net or visit our website: www.mbvolunteer.ca for other opportunities.

— Beacon Hill Lodge requires a volunteer to play hymns at hour-long weekly church services. Denomination of service offered rotates on a weekly basis. Services are at 10 a.m. on most Wednesday mornings, 10 a.m. on the first Thursday morning of the month, and 2 p.m. the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month. Call Stacy: 942-7541 ex 248 or stacy.blazina@reveraliving.com.

— International Métisfest promotes culture and arts and will be held Aug. 26 to 29 at the International Peace Gardens. Volunteers needed in the areas of hospitality, clean up, raffle ticket sales, stage hands, etc. Information: www.metisfest.com or 1-877-437-8733.

— CNIB needs volunteers to sell bingo sheets and pull tickets to Club Regent Casino patrons, Sept. 6, 6 to 9:45 p.m. Call Candace 789-0955 or candace.gower@cnib.ca.

— Eritrean Immigrant and Refugee Centre Inc. (EIRC) requires a person with fundraising experience to help fund a specific need for the Eritrean Immigrant and Refugee Centre Inc. Plan events, approach other community organizations for support, etc. Call Abeba 772-8786 or abeba.habtemicael@yahoo.ca.

— ASL Society needs volunteers for the Drive for Life Golf Classic, Sept. 9, noon to 6 p.m., Bel Acres Golf and Country Club. Lunch at 11:30 a.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. To volunteer or for more information call Brian at 837-1270 or e-mail bcampbell@alsmb.ca.