Scouts plant trees to help conserve Canada's future

National Observer

16 hours ago

These in-their-own-words pieces are told to Patricia Lane and co-edited with input from the interviewee for the purpose of brevity.
Kaelem Moniz is helping young people see the forest and plant trees. As special advisor to Scouts Canada's national leadership team, this 20-year-old University of Toronto student donates his time to growing the scouting movement in Canada, recently supporting conservation initiatives, like tree planting and care by local scout troops across the country.
Tell us about your project.
Scouts Canada has set a goal of planting and protecting one million trees by 2030. With the support of Canada's Forest Trust, Scoutrees youth join together to raise funds for planting and caring for trees, protecting Canadian ecological health, while sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. It's been amazing to see local groups like the First Milton really run with the ball, gathering hundreds of volunteers to plant trees.
A recent study from Lakehead University revealed that 76 per cent of young people aged 16 to 25 think people have failed to take care of our planet and 73 per cent think the future is frightening. Many say their mental health is negatively impacted. Most agree there is little we can do on our own. But 71 per cent believe that if we act together we can do something meaningful. Scoutrees allows young people to see they are part of an impactful collective while they each do a small part.
What got you into this work?
My dad was active in scouting in Barbados. It helped him in his own life to feel part of something bigger and to take care of himself, the environment and serve others, lessons he wanted instilled in his own children. When I was five years old, I became a 'beaver,' the youngest age group in scouting, and have been in scouting ever since. It enriches my life. Scouting encourages a holistic development of young people in Canada, ensuring that our participants see themselves as more than just individuals, but as community members, Canadians and Scouts, part of a broader world around us. This, of course, includes a dedication to natural stewardship, demonstrated in our reforestation efforts – but also other forms of community service, ranging from food bank volunteering to tutoring drives. Scouts Canada values youth leadership, and I have actively volunteered since I was 12 in local (Toronto) and national roles. So many Scouts from coast to coast to coast have enjoyed similar experiences — and have been fortunate to be part of a movement making a positive difference.
Kaelem Moniz is helping young people see the forest and plant trees. As special advisor to Scouts Canada's national leadership team, this 20-year-old University of Toronto student donates his time to growing the scouting movement in Canada.
What makes it hard?
We have 5,000 young people on our waitlist whom we cannot serve without more volunteers.
The climate and nature loss crisis sometimes feels overwhelming. Helping young people to see their seemingly small individual contributions matter can be challenging. But they do.
What keeps you awake at night?
Will it be too little too late? It's clear that the climate crisis is a priority for young people. It is less clear that it is for all Canadians.
What gives you hope?
We are equipping young people to build the future they want and need. While there are many wicked problems to solve, the climate crisis will only get worse with procrastination. We can choose to act later, much less effectively and with a lot more suffering, or we can act now. It feels hopeful to be part of the Scouts Canada community with 45,000 young people and 15,000 volunteers across the country and from all walks of life who choose to act now.
What would you like to say to other young people?
Everything you do and don't do counts. Every tree planted, and every tree left unplanted matters. You are more likely to believe the way you use your time and talents matter if you are part of a group. Scouting is a global movement, millions strong, dedicated to civic engagement and the advancement of a common good. It's fun – we promise – join us!
What about older readers?