Looking into my rearview mirror, the experience gathered on the brief journey through adolescence seems, at first glance, unremarkable. Sporting an overactive imagination and very few challenges to my ego, it is not a stretch to say that regularly hearing Latin bits and pieces from a mother who followed Julius Ceasar made my confidence rock solid. That kid who walks and talks like he is a meter and a bit tall and bulletproof. The phrase Veni Vidi Vici was not within my vocabulary back in the day, but the spirit was there. I was that chubby kid, but that didn’t stop me.
It’s a good thing we start out with some confidence as youngsters before reality straightens our course. Not every kid is destined to play or win a hockey tournament or bring home a ribbon from an event. The opportunity to participate and compete for those drawn to a path in sports is one of life’s building blocks that no one can dispute. Exposure to new ideas that are not competitive is equally fulfilling as the knowledge and life experiences offered by a group I met recently. I enjoyed speaking to the 1st Delaware Medical Venturers & Rovers members this week.
Led by several dedicated mentors with medical and technical backgrounds, this troop of Venturers meets regularly to learn about and practice various skills ranging from first aid and CPR to search and rescue. Followed closely by their leaders, the Med Vents asked me to address the group regarding their futures, which might include careers as paramedics and first responders. In the words of one leader, a drawing card for the group was the chance to discuss Running Reds. I had the drop on the group before ever arriving at the Delaware Community Centre for their meeting.
A personal weakness has always been an unwavering fascination with enthusiasm, like a moth to a flame. Revisiting great memories of time spent as a cub scout and then a scout in Lambeth, the attraction to the older group was magnetic. The Scouts Canada movement is alive and well. However, when I visited their website in preparation for the evening, I could not find a specific reference to the Medical Venturers division. I hope that oversight changes to acknowledge the organizers’ efforts and inform the social media-conscious youth of the great adventures offered by the Med Vents.
At the presentation, the faces around the table reflected a genuine interest in their pursuits as responders. Nearly impossible to find a group of young people these days that are not nose and fingers first into their electronic devices. The focus was apparent, eyes on the prize. Thinking I would stay one step ahead by asking questions to engage the enthusiasts, I was impressed by their answers and reciprocal inquiries.
Scouts Canada, you have come a long way, with several young ladies in the audience. Old enough to be a grandfather to some, I remember days when scouting and the ambulance business was an all-male crowd. Those days are long gone. My next visit to see the Med Vents has to be at one of their response events, where they provide medical coverage to the public.
A special shout out to Austin and all of the dedicated leaders of 1st Delaware Medical Venturers & Rovers. Thanks for the invitation. Passing by your meetings from an arm’s length years ago at ambulance headquarters in London, I wished there had been a chance to follow that path back in the day. Meeting leaders this week that were once front-line Med Vents is a testament to the values instilled in your training and practice. I suggest that Robert Baden-Powell would be impressed today seeing the transformation of his original scouting vision to the inclusive levels offered now through Scouts Canada. Congrats!
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