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Ponoka Scouts, Guides to get gardening education

Generating new experiences is part of the reason behind a newly launched project for the Ponoka Scouts and Guides.
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(L-R) Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett stands with Ponoka Scout troop members Lucas

Generating new experiences is part of the reason behind a newly launched project.

The 1st Ponoka Scouts, with some help from Mayor Rick Bonnett, turned the first shovel May 5 on a garden space at the rear of their riverside facility.

“This project brings people back to their roots, back to nature and I’m glad to be part of this, where the kids will learn and experience how to grow food,” Bonnett said.

Leader Maurice Mazurat explained the idea was presented a few months ago as a teaching opportunity for the young scouts, cubs and beavers in the troop.

“The idea is to teach the children how to grow their own food and learn where it comes from,” Mazurat said.

“Most of them think they go to the grocery store and pick it up. This will demonstrate to them the whole process.”

The project will also be a joint venture with the Ponoka Girl Guides, instead of using the community garden this year. The garden will be completely organic and will use rain water that is captured running off the Scout Hall.

“Besides growing, the project will provide the kids with some environmental awareness about food issues that the world faces today,” added Mazurat.

“It will also hopefully teach responsible use of resources by trying to grow as much as we can in a small space.”

Mazurat is hoping that in a few years the project will grow to include a greenhouse.