Dear Editor,

The 1st Walnut Grove Scout Group would like to express our thanks to the residents of Walnut Grove for their support at our annual tree-chipping and bottle drive fundraiser on Jan. 5 and 12 at the Walnut Grove Secondary School parking lot.

Our tree pick-up service for Walnut Grove residents was well utilized, with 98 trees collected.

Over the two weekends, we chipped a total of 703 trees, keeping them out of the landfill.

The generous donations allow us to provide an exciting and dynamic program for youth aged five to 26, to help them discover the best in themselves and others.

At each level, the program challenges youth to discover new things and experiences they wouldn't have elsewhere.

The Scouting program teaches skills that will last a life-time. Beaver Scouts learn that "Sharing, Sharing, Sharing" is the foundation of living and working with others, Cub Scouts learn that one must always "Do Your Best" at whatever you are working on, Scouts learn that it is always best to "Be Prepared" for the good and bad that may happen, Venturer Scouts learn that to "Challenge" themselves helps them grow, and Rover Scouts learn that "Service" is a great way to give back to the community that helped shape you into the person you are today.

Tony Yip, Group Commissioner, 1st Walnut Grove Scout Group