60 years of Scouting

Marcel Portelance began his journey through Scouting in 1952, in the Northern community of Virginiatown.

He began as a Scout himself, working his way through the ranks.

On the weekend, Portelance was part of a group of more than 100 retired Scouts, celebrating years of memories.

In Portelance's case, it was 60 years of memories.

“The camping, the outdoors,” are some of the things he recalls most fondly. He also values the things he learned along the way, like how to “play, have fun and love one another.”

“Be prepared to help people at all times,” he said.

Through his experiences, Portelance went on to become a leader in the organization, sharing knowledge along the way.

“He lives as a Scout with great conviction,” a media release stated. “His generosity is to be admired.”

“He lives Scouting,” said Diane Charette-Lavoie, volunteer resource consultant with Scouts du District de Sudbury.

Along with celebrating his years of service, former Scouts also got together to share stories and relive tales from their days in the movement. They also brought pieces of Scouting history with them — from old badges to buttons to guidebooks. All the goods were on display throughout the weekend.

“Our retired scouts have been asking for opportunities to meet and participate in a variety of outings,” said Carmen Portelance, district commissioner of the group.

“The bonds they created as volunteers or young scouts have left them with good memories. They would like to know how things are going and would like to offer occasional help.”

The first French Scout troop in Northern Ontario was founded in Sudbury in 1936.

The goal then is the same as the goal now — help youth develop their health, character, self-sufficiency, caring and respect for others and seek moral values, as well as support youth to take charge of their own development and help them become more disciplined through outdoor activities, technical training and life encouragement.

The district includes Scouts from as far away as Sault Ste. Marie in the west and North Bay to the east. Anyone who was any part of Scouts in these areas, either as a participant or leader, is welcome to share their stories.

The weekend event included a mass and dinner on Feb. 16, then a brunch Feb. 17.