by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Hollie Fletcher

Age: 19

Bio: This hearty yet sweet-as-all-get-out Pointe Claire pup has been involved with Scouts Canada for a little over nine years, the last two of 'em in the capacity of "scribe" for the West Island's 15- to 20-member-strong Tamaracouta Rovers "crew." Meeting once a month to either "do activities" or "plan future activities," Hollie, a Dawson student who also performs telemarketing services for Auto Hebdo magazine, says being a Rover is way hipper than people might imagine. "I've met so many interesting people through this it's unbelievable. A lot of people see Rovers as only for boys and just about tying knots and camping. But there's so much more to it. It's sad. You know, when I tell people I'm involved in scouting they go ‘Oh my God, really!?' But I just say ‘Yeah, I am, and I'm having a blast.' People automatically assume that scouting isn't cool, but I would never quit."

Is it true the organization was named after Lord Baden-Powell's mongrel dog? No.

The Rover promise: On my honour, I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to God and the Queen, to help other people at all times and to carry out the spirit of the Scout Law.

Does God generally come along on their camp-outs or is Rovers a secular organization? "Well, um, it's not a religious thing."

Is it safe to assume most Rovers were regularly beaten up in high school? "Not at all, but, like, I know everyone thinks this. I also was, like, ‘Oh my G.od, what am I getting myself into?' when I first joined up, but then you end up having so much fun it just makes you feel bad for other people who are missing out. You learn so much through scouting."

What you might learn: "Well, you learn about survival, friendship and relationships. Even all this camping stuff, like, say someday you were to go off and get stranded somewhere, well, you know, Rovers teaches you how to save yourself."

One excursion many Rovers will be taking soon: A three-week mission to Haiti "to help poor people build new houses. It's pretty good, you only have to pay for your [plane] ticket and everything else is covered."

While in Haiti, will Rovers be expected to learn the important Caribbean survival skill of how to correctly lodge an automobile tire around the neck of one's political adversary and set it on fire in such a way as to ensure they endure the maximum amount of suffering before finally succumbing to the smoke and flame? "Um… no."

Musical preferences: Great Big Sea, Faith Hill, Toby Keith.

Where you might find her boozin': Cheers on the West Island.

Last book read: 'Tis: A Memoir, by Frank McCourt.

Favourite author: V.C. Andrews. "I've been reading her since I was 12."

Her ideal goal: To someday build a camp for underprivileged children.

Words of wisdom: "Try and look at the positive things. And don't always dwell on the past, because then you live in the past."

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca