There were 24 Scouts and five leaders from St Michaels, joining 32 Scouts and eight Scouters from Montreal West. The trip
is the second part of the exchange, as St. Michael's had hosted Montreal West last year here in Moncton and SJ 05. Both trips
were sponsored by Canadian Sports Friendly Exchange Program (CSFEP).
The highlights of the trip was the War Museum in Ottawa, blowing the Kudo Horn in the Scout museum in Ottawa, the Halliburton
Scout Reserve experience, especially the regatta Thursday afternoon, the camp fire Friday night, and jet boating on
the Lachine Rapids in Montreal.
The exchange finished up Monday evening in Montreal West with a chicken BBQ and slide show in the Town Hall. Garth Holder,
Troop Scouter, spoke to the crowd of 140 scouts, parents, scouting dignitaries, and sponsors. He reminded the exchange participants
of their goals as part of the exchange; to see new places, and meet new people and experience new cultures. It was also
a chance to share "Scouting" with our new friends.
It was expressed emphatically by participants that the exchange was an overwhelming success. St Michael's showed Montreal
West eastern hospitability, our two wonderful National Parks and Cap Breton Island. Montreal West treated St. Michaels to
downtown Montreal experience, jet boating, and a trip to the wilds of Ontario.
It was felt that as much as the two Scout troops from two distinct areas of Canada are different, they are the same, which
could explain why the two groups were so well matched. It was suggested that youth work to retain their contacts and
friendships by writing or emailing each other.
The promise to see one another again was put in motion that evening when Garth announce St. Michael's participation
at CJ07, and in return, Montreal West invited St. Michael's back for a couple of days before the Jamboree.
Zachery tells us this about the trip!
"This summer we went to Montreal as part of a Canadian Sports Friendship Exchange Program. Last year, Montreal West
scouts came here. Although last year I was not in Scouts (I was in Cubs), I did not participate but from this year I could
tell that the Montreal West Scouts were really friendly and I was glad to have been given the time of a lifetime. We were
in in Montreal, Ottawa and Haliburton throughout a period of twelve days. My host family was awesome to me in every possible
way and if I could do it again I would, just like that. That is why I can't wait until the CJ'07 next year (Canadian Jamboree
2007 because we will be visiting them again!"
