Andrew Kinsey, ex-mayor, celebrated 40 years as Scout Leader with Wilton’s 1st Scout Group. Festivities included fun activities and gifts.
The celebration included fun activities. Quizzes and crafts kept everyone busy. They enjoyed tea and delicious cake while viewing old photos of the group on display. People also presented Andrew with gifts.
Andrew started scouting at a young age, joining the 10th Salisbury Cubs group when he was eight. He moved up through Scouts and became a Venture Scout.
After finishing school, Andrew became an assistant leader, wanting to help. He worked with the Downton Scout troop starting in 1982.
In 1985, the 1st Wilton’s Scout Leader passed away at camp. Andrew, who lived in Wilton by then, was asked to help their troop. He agreed to transfer to Wilton.
Eventually, Andrew led the 1st Wilton Scouts. Later, his son, Ben, took over as Scout Leader, and Andrew became the group Scout leader. He let Ben run the Scout troop.
Andrew’s family is very involved in scouting. His son, Matthew, leads the Wilton Explorers, and Andrew’s wife, Alexandra, runs the Beaver colony with the assistance of their daughter, Elizabeth. Even their granddaughter, Sophie, helps as a young leader. Also, his daughter-in-law, Ann Marie, leads the Cub team.
The Beaver leaders are river-themed, and the Beavers named Andrew “Mr. Rivers.” This nickname originated when he visited their group one day, and now the whole group calls him that.
Mark Warner commented on the celebration, stating that it was a success. The large attendance demonstrated their appreciation for Andrew and valued his hard work.