Group photo taken in the 1960s, when Charles Johnson was group scout master.Group photo taken in the 1960s, when Charles Johnson was group scout master.

The Stella Maris College Scouts are marking their 60th anniversary.

Since its formation in 1956, the Stella Maris College Scout Group has provided countless children, youths and adults with experiences which are still fondly remembered and cherished throughout their life.

At 60 years, the group is stronger than ever before, thanks to the dedication and passion shown by its current 100 members.

In 1956, Bro. James Calleja (college director), Capt. Henry Callaby (district commissioner, Oak District) and Edward Tortell (assistant district commissioner, Oak District) held a meeting and agreed that a college scout group should be formed. On their invitation, Cecil Crockford (an Old Boy of the college who had a good scouting background) accepted to assist in this by taking on the post of group scoutmaster.

The scarf colours chosen at the time were blue with a white stripe on the back, reminiscent of the traditional college colours. Shortly after, the first Troop members were officially invested as scouts.

A year later, the Cub section was introduced for the younger members and later on in the group’s history, the Venture section was established for older scouts.

Brother James presenting the new colours to the group scoutmaster in 1957 during a flag presentation.Brother James presenting the new colours to the group scoutmaster in 1957 during a flag presentation.

In March 1984, the group was rekindled under the leadership of GSL Major Frederick Cauchi Inglott, who together with a team of seven leaders, a group council and chaplain, offered scouting for the three sections – the Pack, Troop and Unit.

In the 1990s, with the approval of the college director, the group also opened its doors to female members. The latest addition was the Band section, which was established in 2009 to complement the group’s offering.

Thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of both current and past members, the Stella Maris College Scout Group is nowadays a highly active group forming part of the Scout Association of Malta.

Throughout its history, it has always provided its members with a fun, challenging, adventurous and jam-packed programme of meetings and activities, locally and abroad.

Through a wide variety of activities (such as camping, pioneering, mapping, first aid, cooking, hiking, abseiling, target shooting and community service), the group helps build its members’ character by challenging them in the social, physical, intellectual, creative, emotional and spiritual aspects and give them the social skills needed to succeed in life in a fun and adventurous way.

The group has always strived to provide its members with the best scouting experience possible, and aims to continue to do so for many more yearsto come.

As part of its anniversary celebrations, the Stella Maris College Scout Group will be holding a get-together and reunion for all current and past members on Friday. All former members are urged to join the SMC Scouts – Ex Members’ Facebook group or get in touch via e-mail at mail@smcscouts.com for more details.

Stella Maris College Scouts taking part in a raft-building exercise in 2013, with scouts from the Keswick Scout Group with whom the group is currently twinned.Stella Maris College Scouts taking part in a raft-building exercise in 2013, with scouts from the Keswick Scout Group with whom the group is currently twinned.

Obstacle course during a recent Easter camp.Obstacle course during a recent Easter camp.

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