The Portage Bear Clan has run into a bit of a snag when it comes to serving the community.

Coordinator Manon Timshel says, while the term "patrol captain" can be a little intimidating, it's not as time-consuming as it sounds. She explains the main responsibility is ensuring the Bear Clan is ready to go when it's time to patrol.

"They're the ones that make sure the backpacks are stocked, make sure there are locks on our first aid kits," notes Timshel. "Patrol captains are the ones that are responsible for first approaching someone who might be in need and asking them if they're alright."

She adds they loved running the Bear Cub Walk alongside Recreation Opportunities for Kids (ROK) Central, but they desperately need people to step into the role of patrol captain if they're going to run any walks like that in the future.

"Patrol captains are all trained in nonviolent crisis intervention training, we provide that training for free though," explains Timshel. "We usually expect our patrol captains to commit to doing four to five patrols a year and that like to maintain their familiarity with our practices and our policies."

She mentions it's nice to be able to get out and support the community and hopes some Portagers will be willing to join in for the future.

"We see a lot of Facebook posts saying, 'hey, where is Bear Clan and why isn't Bear Clan out more?'" Notes Timshel. "I just wanted to come out and say that we are ready to do that, we just need the people."