PITCH-IN Week began in 1967 with a small group of concerned citizens picking up litter and harmful waste along the shore of Vancouver Island. This year, over 200,000 community members across Canada committed to cleaning up their neighbourhoods and public spaces during Pitch In Week, which ran from April 22-29.
The Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts each cleaned up an area in North Grenville: the Oxford Mills Beaver Colony picked up litter along Patterson’s Corners Road; the Kempville Beaver Colony cleaned up the North Grenville Rail Trail between Van Buren and County Rd 44; the Kemptville Cub Pack tackled Riverside Park; and the Kemptville Scout Troop spent time ditch-diving along the north and south sides of Highway 43 between Shopper’s Drug Mart and the Creekside Mall.
Throw-away paper/waxed cups and plastic lids were the most common types of litter. Each of the areas that were cleaned up were in proximity to streams and creeks. Over 20 bags of garbage were collected between all sections.
Each section of the North Grenville Scouts is very active throughout the year, and learns many skills during outdoor excursions (hikes, canoeing, camping), weekly meetings, and community events. If your daughter or son is interested in joining the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, or Rovers (with Beaver and Cub Groups in Oxford Mills and Kemptville), registration begins May 15 – more information can be found at the Scouts Canada website: www.scouts.ca.
The North Grenville Scouts are looking for volunteers from the North Grenville community. If you are interested in being a Scouter, or have prior experience as a Scout or Scouter, please contact Group Commissioner Rob Grimes at ngscouts@gmail.com.
