Volunteer shortage could close Montague Guides

The Girl Guides of Montague are in jeopardy of being shut down unless more volunteers step up.

In recent years there has been a decline in both volunteers and the number of girls involved in the movement, from Sparks through to Pathfinders.

Erica Wheeler, district commissioner for Kings County and a Sparks leader, said there are only about 20 girls involved in the Girl Guides in Montague.

"Our numbers are declining. I think we're forgotten," said Wheeler.

"Our Girl Guide unit here in Montague is pretty close to being closed for the year. We don't have leaders for our Guide unit. It's heartbreaking, it really is. The girls that are in it now have been in it since they were Sparks."

Charlottetown scout groups find success

Meanwhile, the number of kids involved in Scouts in Charlottetown is up. For the first time in five years, there will be a Spring Park Beavers group.

Chris Spenceley, a leader with Spring Park Scouts, said he took extra measures to get interest in the programs.

"I sent out 900 flyers to city schools, and from that I had a pretty positive return," said Spenceley.

"So we have about 10 cubs, 10 scouts, and between 10 and 15 beavers this year."

Spenceley said getting the word out has helped the program rebound from some hard years.

Over all, the number of kids in Scouting on P.E.I. has dropped by two thirds over the last 13 years.