Addressing The ‘Scout Desert’ In Montclair: Volunteers Needed

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following article comes courtesy of Maureen Edelson, Boy Scout Troop 4 Scoutmaster. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

A hundred years ago, men of Montclair came together to mold the character of our town’s “incorrigible” boys by taking them out to the countryside each month for learning, camping, hiking, skill-building and fun, with weekly meetings in Nishuane Park. The ‘unincorrigible’ boys liked this adventure, too. The program was, and is, called Scouting. Montclair’s Scout tradition is one of the nation’s oldest.

It’s time for more of Montclair’s men of the today to do the same. There’s been a shortage of accessible Scouting south of Bloomfield Avenue for thirty-plus years – yes, a ‘Scout Desert.’

Men of the community who value traditional programs such as Scouting, enjoy the outdoors, and understand the essential need in society to mentor young men are invited to volunteer to take South End Scouting to the next level. Join me, perhaps with your son (grade 4 through age 17), for new skills, adventures and the knowledge that you’ll be shaping the character of Montclair’s and your family’s future.

Next volunteer recruitment meeting: Wednesday, October 24, 8 pm, 4 North Brookwood Drive. RSVP and for more information, email montclairscoutinstitute@gmail.com and visit https://montclairscoutinstitute.wordpress.com/. Can’t volunteer but would like to support? Donate at: https://montclairscoutinstitute.wordpress.com/donate/

Help provide a comprehensive, attractive, sound, positive magnet to attract our young people – especially those who seek a sense of belonging. Otherwise, who – or what – will?

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Maureen Edelson