A Nelson scout leader says two locals deserve their own badges.
In early January, a break-in at the Nelson Boy Scout and Girl Guide Hall on 310 Cedar St. led to approximately $1,250 in camping gear stolen from the property, according to 1st Nelson Scouting leader Jim Garth.
Garth said he thought the stolen equipment, which included three tents, a stove, lantern, pop-up shelter and other gear, would be a loss after the organization’s insurance company warned claiming it would raise their rates.
“We just thought, well, we’ll just have to bite this one and pay for it,” said Garth. “And all of a sudden he was here with that [donation].”
The person Garth is referring to is Nelson Police Department officer Const. Rob Armstrong, who told Garth he felt bad the hall had been broken into. Armstrong then arranged a donation from Tyler Pankhurst of $1,750.
“They’re like, ‘Oh, just consider it a donation then and we want to give it,’” said Garth. “That’s super generous.”
The donation comes at a time of need for Nelson’s scouts.
Garth says the organization had 42 scouts before the pandemic shut them down, and they haven’t been able to function for the last year. He’s concerned about rebuilding 1st Nelson Scouts, but for now is just relieved he won’t also have to worry about buying new equipment as well.
@tyler_harper | tyler.harper@nelsonstar.com
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