YORKTON – The Yorkton Scouts held their 'Not-So-Annual' Couch Rally in the city May 6.
"Scouts from around the province came and gathered and walked about 18KM around the city getting photos in front of different businesses and locations in a little competition," said Kent Latimer, Group Commissioner of the Yorkton Scouts.
"It happened last year, we took a couple years off, it happened three years ago," said Latimer.
"It's the not-so-annual because it's not so annual," said Latimer with a laugh.
Latimer said the purpose of the Couch Rally was purely for the enjoyment of the scouts, but noted the group will be volunteering around the city in the near future.
"We're doing a creek clean-up along the riverside creek next week," said Latimer.
The day also featured the presence of Scouts Canada's brand new Chief Executive, Liam Burns.
"I started my job on Monday — so this is day six — and am travelling from the west coast to the east coast to meet local volunteers, young people, see the amazing comeback post-COVID that has events like this," said Burns.
Burns stressed the importance of groups like the Scouts.
"I think when people have seen what young people have gone through during COVID and lock down for substantial parts of their lives — getting outdoors, making friends — building skills for life has never been more important," said Burns.
"Events like this — local community heroes bringing kids together, getting them to try things they've never tried before — means that they're getting experiences that are just so important," added Burns.
Burns said he loved the couch rally event.
"I've never been to a couch rally before — I didn't even know what one was — I think the ingenuity of the kids building the couches is second to none," said Burns, adding, "I think the team work they've shown is deeply impressive — I've loved the looks on people's faces as they've walked past thinking 'what on earth is this?' — it's a cracking event."
For youths interested in joining the Scouts, Latimer said to contact him.
"The Scouts just love being outside and love doing stuff and if any kids are interested in joining parents can give me a call at 306-621-1367," said Latimer.
