The hard way and the highway for Kennedy

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Michael J Brethour

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EMC News -Belleville - Joe Kennedy watched his son disappearing into the horizon last Friday morning with more than a touch of pride.

Anyone in the older Kennedy's shoes would have felt the same, for knowing that his son is not only going for an achievement on national recognition, but he is doing it the hard way to "feel like he earned it."

It is indeed a rare occurrence for this day and age, but again a testament to the old world values taught by Scouts Canada.

You see, Joel Kennedy took the day off school last Friday to fulfill the requirements of the Voyageur exploration award, which then goes into the Voyageur award then to the Queen's Venture Award.

"I hope to get that last award by the end of this year," said Kennedy last Friday morning.

Specifically the 16-year-old Nicholson Catholic College student and member of the 2nd Sidney Scouting Troop hiked 24 kilometres to the Vanderwater Conservation Area where he camped out within an improvised tepee until Sunday.

"I have to say this is the longest hike I have ever done," he said. "I think this will give me an experience I will remember the rest of my life."

Keeping in mind the Scout motto of being prepared, he packed for the journey.

Kennedy made his trek equipped with a red utility wagon, he packed extra cloths, a map, emergency supplies, a tool kit, first aid kit, Scouting books and a lunch and supper.

"Any emergency at all, I am prepared for, except for a thunderstorm," noted Kennedy.

Kennedy was joined by roughly a score of other Scouts and Venturers at the campsite itself at about 6 p.m. that evening. Kennedy also expected to walk the 24 kilometres out of the campsite as well.

The trek and camping requirement for Kennedy's

awards could be done at any time of year, but he elected to do it within the winter months.

Joe Kennedy noted that his son wanted have a challenge and feel like he truly earned the award.

"He has a very strong will and a strong character, he didn't want the award that he is seeking to be just handed to him, he wanted to earn it," he said.

The senior Kennedy said the determination displayed by his son was perhaps learned behaviour, noting that the family appreciates hard work and just rewards.

"Through his Scouting he has learned even more about family, with his expe-

rience with the other Scouts he overlooks being a senior Scout," he said.

Asking what emotions as a father he was experiencing, he commented with a wistful smile.

"Well 16 years goes really, really fast. I remember rocking him in my arms, so to see him do this and go off and do this in life, this journey ... I'm very proud of him," he said.

Nick Fry, spokesman for the Algonquinte Area of Scouts Canada, said that in the past 15 years only about three or four Scouts have done the travelling and camping test.

"This is a pretty rare occurrence. A lot of kids do it, but they usually do it in the summer months, so he has to account for the weather and

the camp at the end," commented Fry.

"Kudos to him."







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