Local leader celebrates 40 years with Carman Scouts

For four decades, Edwin Pritchard has been a steady and inspiring presence in the Carman Scouts program.

What began as a volunteer position on the troop’s group committee when his son was a Beaver has grown into 40 years of dedicated leadership, mentorship and service.

“They were looking for parents, and my son was the right age to start getting into it, so it took off from there,” Pritchard said.

To mark the milestone, the troop hosted an outdoor dinner in King’s Park, where about 30 members—past, present and future—came together to celebrate his commitment. Pritchard was presented with a 40-year pin and a commemorative plaque.

“I definitely didn’t expect—or need—anything like this, but it was nice to get together with everyone,” he said. “The pin and plaque are just a nice added touch.”

A lifetime outdoors

An avid outdoorsman, Pritchard said one of his greatest joys is helping children discover nature for the first time.

“It’s a learning experience for both them and me, and I’ve really grown to enjoy it,” he said. “I like getting to plan their events like camping and outdoor trips and seeing the young ones become fascinated with the environment.”

One of the highlights of his Scouting career came in May 2007, when he attended the 100-year celebration of the Baden-Powell Scout Movement at Island Park in Portage la Prairie. More than 1,000 Scouts from across Manitoba gathered for the event.

“It was something different for sure—especially seeing 1,000 people in tents,” he recalled with a laugh.

Another unforgettable moment came when he saw a bald eagle swoop down and catch a fish from the river during a boating trip.

“With Scouts, you get to experience things most people will never get to see,” he said.

Over the years, Pritchard has taken part in winter Klondykes, Kub Kar rallies, sleepovers and canoe trips. He said his goal has always been to make the outdoors an enjoyable experience for everyone, because “there’s so much to do and learn.”

While his enthusiasm remains strong, Pritchard said membership numbers have dropped significantly since he began in the 1980s.

“There was a time when we had 45 Beavers, 35 Cubs and 17 Scouts just from the Carman area,” he said. “Now there are only 22 kids from across southern Manitoba, as the Carman division is one of the few that remains.”

He noted that changing family schedules, organized sports and the rising cost of living have all played a role in the decline.

“It’s really disappearing, and it’s been quite the change since I started,” he said. “It would be great to keep picking up numbers instead of having them fall away.”

Fellow volunteer Lynne Melvin said it’s Pritchard’s leadership and motivation that have kept the program alive.

“This is such a good program for kids, and he has been such an integral part of it,” she said. “The positive impact he’s had on kids—mine included—is too much to measure.”

Melvin described him as “the backbone of the program,” always willing to lend a hand and share his experience.

“I hardly even have the words to explain how much he has done,” she said. “He’s always there and willing to help, and that has been such a great asset.”

Melvin helped organize the dinner in his honour and said the event was a small way to say thank you.

“It almost feels too small of a recognition,” she said. “He’s a huge part of our community, and our program would truly suffer without him.”

Looking ahead, Pritchard hopes to gradually pass the torch to a younger generation of leaders—something he’s confident will happen naturally.

“There have been many exceptional leaders who’ve come and gone over the years, and I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do this without them,” he said. “It’s not about me—it’s about the group we’ve all created.”

He expressed special gratitude to Melvin, his volunteer partner of 20 years, for her dedication and shared passion for keeping Carman Scouts strong.

Pritchard also hopes to see more outdoor activities added to the program and encourages other adults to get involved.

“Anyone who enjoys working with kids and being outdoors should give it a try,” he said. “There’s so much to explore, and this experience has truly been an integral part of my life. I’d do it all over again.”