NEW GLASGOW — Cory Scott could have picked a better week to camp in a downtown New Glasgow park.
But enduring Saturday’s cold, wet drizzle — and occasional snowflake — helped demonstrate his commitment to stop bullying, the Trenton man said.
“I have lots of blankets in the tent,” he added with a grin.
Saturday was Scott’s second day camping in Murdock Park, a flowered green space with park benches located between two commercial buildings on Provost Street. His sleeping tent is pitched as far from the street as possible, while a shelter next to the sidewalk is filled with information about help for people who are being bullied.
The downtown development agency gave Scott permission to use the park, and supporters check on him. After a steady stream of visitors Friday, he spent a mostly sleepless night as the bars closed, spilling crowds into the streets, and overnight trains rumbled within metres of his tent. But Saturday morning was quiet.
Scott, who is chairman and founder of the five-month-old group Prevent Bullying: Break the Silence Society, decided to carry out the campaign after his daughter, then 12, was bullied.
The family was frustrated in its efforts to get help from her school, police and the health-care system. The agencies, while sympathetic and supportive, were limited in their ability to respond, he said.
“She was bullied for a year, until her bully moved away,” Scott said. “That’s how it stopped.”
The effects lingered: his daughter became withdrawn and depressed, and he struggled with stress-related symptoms. His decision to do something about it helped both him and his daughter, he said.
“It’s a healing thing,” Scott said.
The knowledge they gained from the experience can help other people, he said.
“I thought if I did something challenging like camping for seven days in the park, it would get across how determined we are to help,” he said.
The society has established a website, Facebook page and Twitter account to collect and share anti-bullying information. He has gathered pamphlets from police, Big Brothers Big Sisters, a women’s shelter and a support group for abusive men, the Help Line, seniors groups and others.
“It’s not just kids that get bullied,” Scott said.
He has also prepared folders containing copies of anti-bullying legislation, a list of tips and other information.
The group plans to help establish a youth mentoring program, with older students helping younger ones. The program will target not just victims but bullies as well, Scott said.
Members also hope to work with parents and schools by providing a calm, neutral voice when both sides get frustrated, he added.
“We’re not here to counsel,” he said. “We just want to provide information. Parents all have to educate themselves because the organizations all work within certain confines.”