Jumping Pound Camp Volunteer of the Year - Scott Baker

submitted by Brian McBride

Kelly’s comments during the JP Camp Award for Scott Baker
at the CJFWS Tree Lot Presentation – Dec.1, 2018

Kelly Hunt is our long time Poet and Scribe for many JFW events in the Calgary District.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognise this year’s Volunteer of the Year for Man-up
Camp/Jumping Pound...Scott Baker. Mr. Baker has earned this award for his tireless efforts, steadfastness and willingness to forsake other enticements....to always go above and beyond and to constantly give of your time far beyond common sense. Or, as Brian McBride would put it, “Yeah, he does his share”.

Upon looking at the award itself, you will realise that you join a growing list of noted volunteers who answered the phone when they knew better. As the saying goes, “That which does not kill us can only make us stronger”. I’m not sure who said that but I’ll bet he’s dead!

Keeping Man-up going, sorry but it’s always gonna be Man-up. To keep it going requires endless toil and as you no doubt know, we amateur frontiersmen can only accomplish so much. And yet we have accomplished so much. Look at what the place has become! I know that my children will never forget their times there, the things they got to do, the friends that they made, skills they learned, adventures of being able to freely move around camp without having parents hovering over them.... safe in this place that so many of our people created. I can still recall the time when we were moving the cabins into place and my daughter turned to my wife and said, “I didn’t know that Dad knew words like that!” I was proud to say that many of them I learned for the first time on these projects. And we have learned, often the hard way. Bear in mind, while the great ship Titanic was designed and built by professionals,
Noah’s Arc was built entirely by amateurs. I think we all know which tale has the happier ending.

While this hand carved statue comes with great prestige and honour and deserves a special place in your home, it does also come with a degree of responsibility and respect for those who come before you. To that end, instructions for care and polishing are included. Or, you may wish to sign up for the Kelly’s Statue Care Excel Maintenance Program. For only $49.95 you get..........No? not the right time? Inappropriate? Okay.......

What IS important is that you be recognised for your substantial contributions to this important endeavour and realise that every bit moves us forward, no matter how small.
If you are someone who believes small things do not have an impact, then you have never had a mosquito in your tent!

While many people freely volunteer their opinion, you have gone far beyond volunteering your time and skills, and I think that I speak for all J.F.W. in that we look forward to exploiting you at every opportunity in the future. THANK YOU.

History of the Award

This carving was first presented for Best Camper of the Year  when JFW Summer Camps were at Jarvis Lake in what is now William Switzer Provincial Park, north of Hinton. 

Garry Nelson first in 1968.

The award was carved around 1967 by Paul Van Imshoot, a well-known artist originally from Belgium. He was with JFW in central Alberta in the 60s and 70s.

The award was used until about 1975 and then the history becomes unclear. The carving was found by Garry Nelson at Long Lake and returned to JFWs in 2009. It was restored and resurrected in 2010 for JFW’s 50th Anniversary, and is now our Volunteer Recognition Award for outstanding contributions to our Jumping Pound Camp.

The Baker family has shown very strong leadership and support within the Eagles Club since 2010. In addition, Scott Baker has provided strong ongoing support for our JP Camp. Over the last 8 years he has been involved with most of our camp projects, from building maintenance to firewood procurement. He has especially shone in tree removal. Taking down dead and dying trees is a tricky and dangerous task, at which he excels! Scott, you will be happy to know we have 5 more trees to take down in the near future.
(comments from other committee members) Kelly Hunt in particular!

It is with great pleasure that we, the previous recipients, welcome you into this rather exclusive club. Congrats and well done!