Scouting life Summer 2013

Chief Scout. Camping. Scouters knife.

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03.13 18

SUMMER 2013 VOLUME 43 ISSUE 3

CONTENTS

2 Commissioner’s corner: a welcoming word from

20

the guy at the top.

Message du commissaire : mot de bienvenue du commissaire en chef.

16 Faith: teaching without preaching.

18 Beavers at Camp: Leaders answer a Facebook question.

20 Cub Camp: a song and a point of view.

22 Safety: our Executive Commissioner and CEO weighs in.

youth in our program.

La sécurité : mot de notre commissaire général et directeur général.

4 Adventure and achievement: engaging the interests of the 6

Program Revitalization: an update on the Canadian Path.

Revitalisation du programme : des nouvelles du sentier canadien.

10 The Scouters Knife: a camping tool that can make a big impression.

12 Our New Chief Scout: Terry Grant, television’s Original Mantracker takes up the mantle.

Notre nouveau Chef scout : Terry Grant, le tout premier Mantracker, prend la relève.

14 Youth Leadership: a word from our National Youth

Commissioner Le leadership chez les jeunes : mot de notre commissaire nationale à la jeunesse.

26

25 Engaging Youth: Michael Burdo talks about curing the homesick camper.

26 1812: the Scout Brigade of Fort George.

28 Peter Pan: a checklist for youth.

30 Fire: a matchless approach.

32 Volunteers: accounting for our hours of service.

Bénévoles : la réelle valeur de nos heures de bénévolat.

34 Planning: be ready for the fall means making good use of the summer.

Planification : profitez de l’été pour vous préparer pour l’automne.

37 STEM Activity: throwing eggs across the room.

Scouting Life Magazine is produced for Scouts Canada three times a year by Moongate Publishing Inc. 120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON M4P 1E2 416-930-1664 • www.moongate.ca Scouting Life Magazine addresses timely topics about leadership in Scouting.

Editorial contributions are made on a voluntary basis. Unsolicited submissions welcome.

Advertising policy: Advertisement of a product or service does not indicate endorsement by the publishers. The publishers do not assume any responsibility by warranty or otherwise with respect to products advertised.

SCOUTS CANADA EDITORIAL BOARD Andrew Price Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Governors Michael McKay Executive Commissioner and CEO Steve Kent Past Chief Commissioner, Contingent Leader 23rd World Scout Jamboree 2015 Doug Reid Deputy National Commissioner, Program Services Norm Williams Deputy National Commissioner, Organizational Development Megan Bingley Leader, 35/37 Toronto Scouting Group Alex Killby Council Youth Commissioner, Tri-Shores Council

Publisher Yolanda Thornton Editor James Morris Contributing Editor Ted Morris Advertising Sales Manager Madeleine Hague Graphic Design Egg Design Mailing house Poste Destination, St. Laurent, QC Publications mail agreement No. 40787580 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 1345 Baseline Road, Suite 100 Ottawa, ON K2C 0A7 Phone: 613-224-5131 Fax: 613-224-4571 E-mail: scoutinglife@scouts.ca Website Scouts.ca

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION: Registered members of Scouts Canada: $13.56 (includes HST) Non-members: $13.56 (includes HST) Outside Canada: $27 (U.S.); $37 (Other foreign) Single copy: $3.00

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Scouting Life is printed on recyclable paper.

ISSN 0711-5377

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

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COMMISSIONER’S CORNER • MESSAGE DU COMMISSAIRE ANDREW PRICE

Scouting – a yearround adventure

Le scoutisme, une aventure qui dure toute l’année!

I

C

Friends in Scouting: t is that time of year when the days are getting longer, and the warm weather makes it so appealing to venture outdoors. As I was meandering through a local Calgary park with my Cub the other night, I couldn’t help but think about the tremendous opportunities we have for outdoor adventures in Canada. From sea kayaking, sailing and caving on the coasts, to canoeing in lake country to hiking and climbing in the Rockies.

The outdoors has always been an integral part of the Scout

Chers amis du scoutisme, ’est le retour du temps de l’année où les journées rallongent et où le beau temps nous incite à sortir dehors. Alors que je flânais avec mes scouts louveteaux dans un parc de Calgary l’autre soir, je pensais à toutes les merveilleuses possibilités d’aventures de plein air qui s’offrent à nous au Canada : le kayak de mer, la voile et l’exploration de cavernes sur les côtes, les expéditions de canot sur les lacs, la randonnée pédestre et l’escalade dans les Rocheuses.

Le plein air a toujours fait partie intégrante de la méthode scoute.

method. Some of the most compelling memories and firsts we

Certaines des premières expériences et certains des souvenirs les plus

provide for youth in our programs occur at camps and in the

marquants de nos scouts proviennent des camps et des aventures de

great outdoors. Who isn’t excited the first time that they light a

plein air. Qui ne se souvient pas de la première fois où il a allumé un

fire with one match, or sleep outdoors under the stars? Leading a

feu avec une seule allumette ou de la première fois où il a dormi à la

skit at campfire, solo portaging a canoe, reaching the summit of a

belle étoile? Raconter sa première histoire autour d’un feu de camp,

mountain, or roasting the perfect golden-brown marshmallow – or

faire un portage de canot seul, atteindre le sommet d’une montagne et

one that is torched beyond all recognition. Harnessing the power

faire dorer une guimauve à la perfection, ou encore la faire cramer.

of the outdoors is critical to our ongoing relevance as an educa-

Nous devons absolument tirer avantage de la richesse du plein air si

tional movement: while the specific hard skills we may impart

nous souhaitons conserver notre pertinence comme mouvement

are important, the real value comes from the sense of accom-

éducatif. Bien que les compétences spécialisées que nous transmettons

plishment, self-confidence, and opportunity for continuous

soient importantes, la valeur réelle du scoutisme provient du sentiment

learning. Nature has a knack of teaching us something new on

d’accomplissement ressenti, de la confiance en soi acquise et de la

each encounter.

possibilité de formation continue. La nature a le don de nous enseigner

This all leads me to a call to action: let’s take advantage of those long, warm summer days to share the marvels of Canada with more youth! It’s so much more comfortable and safe to 2

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

quelque chose de nouveau à chaque nouvelle rencontre.

Ceci m’amène donc à lancer un appel à l’action : profitons de ces belles et longues journées d’été pour partager les merveilles du Canada

perform a canoe-over-canoe rescue when the sun is shining and

avec plus de jeunes! Il est tellement plus agréable et sécuritaire de

the water is a few degrees above freezing. Pausing to take in the

pratiquer un sauvetage en canot lorsque le soleil brille et que l’eau est

view from a mountaintop is more moving in the absence of sleet,

chaude. La vue au sommet d’une montagne est bien plus

fog and rain. I encourage you to brainstorm fun and challenging

époustouflante lorsqu’il n’y a pas de grésil, de brouillard ou de pluie. Je

activities to do with the youth in your Section, and to make

vous encourage à faire un remue-méninge avec votre section sur les

something happen this summer. It’s a simple way to ensure

activités amusantes et stimulantes que vous voulez faire cet été. C’est

Scouts return for another year in September – support them as

une façon simple de s’assurer que les scouts reviennent pour une autre

they create fun memories this summer, and they’ll be inspired to

année en septembre. S’ils ont de bons souvenirs de cet été, ils voudront

stay and make more memories in the fall.

revenir à l’automne pour continuer de s’amuser.

While putting your plans in place, I would also like to encour-

Lors de la planification de vos activités, je vous rappelle de ne pas

age you to consider safety. Do you have the right people with the

oublier de penser à la sécurité. Demandez-vous si vous avez « les

right skills and the right equipment? Scouts Canada has some

bonnes personnes avec les bonnes compétences et le bon équipement »?

great tools and guidelines to help you plan safe and exciting

Scouts Canada a de bons outils pour vous aider à planifier des activités

activities – the Outdoor Activity Guide, Safety Checklist, and Safety

amusantes et sécuritaires : le formulaire d’activités de plein air, la liste

Plan to name a few. These and other resources are available online

de vérification et le plan de sécurité pour ne nommer que ceux-là. Vous

at scouts.ca. Here are a few other simple tips to ensure that you get

trouverez ces ressources et bien d’autres en ligne au scouts.ca/fr. Voici

the most out of your adventures:

quelques simples conseils pour vous assurer de profiter au maximum

• Make sure that everyone knows your plans ahead of time,

de vos activités :

including parents and your Group Commissioner.

• Be aware of any food/insect allergies of group members and be ready to deal with them.

• Review fire restrictions in the area you will be visiting before you leave. Ensure that fires are only lit in appropriate areas and properly extinguished.

• Make use of the buddy system.

• Make plans for appropriate food storage so as to not attract wildlife.

• Take time to learn about any poisonous plants, insects, reptiles that may inhabit the area you are visiting.

• Remember sun safety: Slip on a shirt, Slap on a hat, and Slop on the sunscreen.

A large number of my greatest Scouting memories took place at summer camp, on the trail and in a canoe. Why not share the joys of these activities with more youth in Scouting? Let’s take

• Assurez-vous que tout le monde connait votre plan à l’avance, incluant les parents et votre commissaire de groupe.

• Soyez informé de toutes allergies alimentaires ou aux insectes des membres de votre groupe et sachez comment réagir.

• Vérifiez les restrictions en matière de feu dans la région où vous allez avant de partir. Assurez-vous de faire des feux dans les endroits désignés seulement et de bien les éteindre.

• Ayez recours au système d’amis (deux par deux).

• Planifiez un système de conservation des aliments adéquat pour ne pas attirer les animaux sauvages.

• Prenez le temps de vous informer sur les plantes vénéneuses et les reptiles et les insectes venimeux qui pourraient se trouver dans la région où vous allez.

• N’oubliez pas de vous protéger contre le soleil : mettez un gilet, un chapeau et de la crème solaire.

La majorité de mes meilleurs souvenirs scouts proviennent de

advantage and enjoy the best time of the year to be outside. Let’s

camps d’été, de randonnées pédestres et en canot. Pourquoi ne pas

show both our youth and their parents that summer adventure

partager ce plaisir avec un plus grand nombre de scouts? Profitons au

also starts with Scouts!

maximum du plus beau temps de l’année et allons jouer dehors.

Montrons aux jeunes et aux parents que les aventures d’été

Yours in Scouting:

commencent aussi avec les Scouts!

Salutations scoutes,

Andrew Price Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Governors

Andrew Price Commissaire en chef et président du conseil des gouverneurs ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

3

PROGRAM

By Marc Chamberland Director of Programming Development

Adventure and Achievement GOING FURTHER THAN THE BADGES As Scouters, we like to hold up the

build an activity weekend related to skiing?

trip will be on their mind. That sense of

possibility of a badge to motivate our Cub

Then he could propose the plan to the

accomplishment and true pursuit of what

Scouts and Scouts. We encourage them

troop, and see who would like to go. Then,

they love to do will echo for a much longer

to look through their book and seek new

even if only a handful attend, it would still

time than a badge.

rewards for their sleeves. Badges offer a

be an event that he had planned and led –

sense of accomplishment. The youth wear

outdoors, on a hill and having fun.

The new educational methods coming through our efforts in program

them with pride. For many they represent

Youth contribution is an important

a culmination of much hard work. Having

step that leaders often fail include in their

throughout the personal journey. The

completed a series of requirements, they

planning. But giving a sense of ownership

proposed SPICES aim to build strong

can feel like superstars.

to our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts will lead to

youth and help define and shape our

But is the giving of badges perhaps

revitalization will support many initiatives

better results. We simply have to guide the

programming. The goal as an overall

a short-term thrill – like a sugar rush?

process – help with planning and support.

program that places more emphasis on the

While our badges are simple to earn and

This can happen at each Section level.

development and memory of experiences

available in multiple flavours, should

Beaver Scouts, for instance, like to share their

than the collecting of badges to be paraded

earning them be what the Scouting

experience and what they know with others.

on uniformed sleeves.

program is about? Maybe there’s a way to

Encouraging them to do so is great validation,

take the program to the next level.

and important for their personal growth.

For a long time, we have been huge

Input and feedback are both important. Make

Badges will be part of the revitalized program – but not its driving force.

Instead, we need to leverage youths’

advocates of youth engagements. Because

sure after a trip or activity, that they have

ideas and bring them to the Section

capturing interest is important. It has

a chance to tell their tale, talk about what

to drive the program further. Let’s not

helped us to develop a program geared

worked and what they need to think about the

limit our activities to the badges or their

more to what youth are interested in. If a

next time they plan such a trip. And heck, if

requirements. Let’s push the experience

Scout, for example, told me that he skis

some badges were earned on the way, present

of Scouting to the full potential of what

every weekend and has leveled-up in his

them as part of the review.

the youth can do.

skills, would directing him to a badge be

The personal journey is a very

The Program Revitalization Team

the best way to tap his enthusiasm? Why

important part of our revitalized program.

has been working hard to make

not also challenge him to go beyond the

What will our youth talk about at the end

badges relevant, but to also make the

badge? Ask them to prepare a ski trip for

of ski trip in the schoolyard the next day,

requirements a result of conversation,

the troop, work with those interested to

The trip or the badge? We all know the

mentorship, and the planning of actions

4

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

that create individual challenges designed

clearly defined educational method – the

educational approach seeks to help a

by the youth.

Scout Method. Scouting is fully successful

young person develop responsibility for

Scouting’s educational approach

when our members enter adult life with

his or her own development, it also seeks

clearly is characterized by the following

an outlook that reflects the values of the

to help the young person develop the inner

1

intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual

3

resources – and desire – to continue to

identity is formed through interaction

spiritual development of young people

badges. Rather, the program we envision is

and relationships between him or her

than is made by school, family, friends,

about personal growth and the meeting of

self and others. Scouting addresses the

the media, religious institutions or other

individual potential.

development of the whole person through

influencers. For example, in the area of

So next time one of your youth steps

learning opportunities in all of these

intellectual development, many agents

up and tells you about a personal interest,

2

key elements: It adopts a holistic approach to a young person’s education.

Each young person is a complex individual whose physical,

dimensions.

Movement.

It plays a complementary role

realize his or her potential as an individual

to other educational agents.

and as an active and constructive

Scouting makes a different kind

stakeholder in the world after leaving the

of contribution to the physical,

Movement.

intellectual, emotional, social and

Notice we didn't talk about earning

focus on the acquisition of knowledge.

don't let the badge be the focus of the

It seeks to achieve its educational

Scouting – through the effective use of the

experience. Make it about the journey.

purpose on the basis of an

Scout Method – emphasizes creativity and

Engage him or her on the basis of the

educational proposal. Scouting

4

expressed interest and work together to

offers a specific educational

proposal: it contributes to the development of a young person’s full potential on the basis of a number of ideals or values, in accordance with a

resourcefulness.

It recognizes that it can only make

create an adventure to remember. Because

a contribution to the education of

while it’s good to have an end to

young people. Scouting is only

a journey, it’s the journey that counts in

one of many influences on a young

the end.

person’s life. Inasmuch as Scouting’s ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

5

PROGRAM

PROGRAM REVITALIZATION

by/par Doug Reid Deputy National Commissioner - Program Services Sous-commissaire national des services aux bénévoles

CANADIAN PATH UPDATE

DES NOUVELLES DU SENTIER CANADIEN Have you heard about the work of the Program Revitalization Team? For the past number of months a group of volunteers and youth have been reviewing our current Section programs to determine the need and desire to upgrade our program offerings. The following segments will hopefully give you an overview of some of the work that has been done.

Avez-vous entendu parler du travail effectué par l’équipe de revitalisation du programme? Depuis plusieurs mois, un groupe formé de bénévoles et de jeunes travaille à la révision de nos programmes de section pour déterminer les besoins concernant la mise à jour de nos programmes. Le présent article vous donnera un aperçu du travail accompli jusqu’à maintenant.

ONLINE

EN LIGNE!

Check out the progress of the project by visiting our website. This

Suivez la progression du projet en visitant notre site web. Ce site n’est

site is just the beginning of our efforts to share progress and

que le début de nos efforts pour partager le progrès réalisé et pour

collect feedback and ideas from all members of Scouting in

obtenir les commentaires et les idées de tous les membres scouts du

Canada. We wanted to create something that was easy to follow

Canada. Nous voulions créer quelque chose qui était facile à suivre pour

and gave a taste of what we do well. These few pages are only the

donner le ton de ce que nous faisons. Ces quelques pages ne sont que le

beginning! There is much more to come by this summer. Our

début, car grâce à nos équipes de section, nous aurons beaucoup de bon

Section teams have some great content to add, and these new

contenu à ajouter cet été. Ces nouvelles pages seront axées sur chacune

pages will focus on each of our sections – highlighting the

de nos sections et souligneront le parcours personnel que nos jeunes

personal journey that our youth will experience. We will also

emprunteront. De plus, nous mettrons régulièrement à jour l’échéancier

continue to update the timetable and schedule of roadshow

et les dates des présentations sur le site pour nous assurer que vous ayez

events to keep you all informed of local opportunities to review

la chance de venir rencontrer les responsables de ce projet et d’émettre

our progress and provide feedback to the leaders of this project.

vos commentaires.

Be sure to check it out at Scouts.ca/canadianpath.

Consultez-le au scouts.ca/sentiercanadien.

ADVENTURE SKILLS

BADGES D’AVENTURES

We now have gathered an amazing team of experienced, highly

Nous avons maintenant formé une équipe extraordinaire d’aventuriers

motivated adventurers who answered the call to help us develop

expérimentés et extrêmement motivés pour nous aider à élaborer ce

this new element of our youth program. The team has been

nouvel élément de notre programme jeunesse. L’équipe a été divisée en

divided into different categories of skill sets, and is working on the

différentes catégories selon les compétences des membres, et ces

knowledge skills needed to address a variety of levels within each

derniers travaillent à déterminer les connaissances et les compétences

adventure category. In weeks to come, more of the requirements

requises pour atteindre chaque niveau de chaque catégorie d’aventure.

will be posted online for you to review – and to see where you

Dans les semaines à venir, de plus en plus d’exigences seront affichées

stand in your adventure skills. You can get a sneak peek on our

en ligne pour que vous puissiez les consulter et déterminer votre niveau

Canadian Path website under the Journey sign.

dans les différentes catégories. Vous aurez un aperçu des badges

6

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

ACTIVE AND HEALTHY

d’aventures sur le site internet du sentier canadien sous le panneau

One of the important themes that we are imbedding in our

« L’aventure ».

program is healthy and active living practices. Don’t panic, bacon is still great to have with a meal. However, our goal is to strengthen

MODE DE VIE SAIN ET ACTIF

our programs and give the incentive and knowledge to do things

Un des nouveaux thèmes que nous intégrerons dans notre programme

with a more healthy and active conscience. A new subcommittee

porte sur les saines habitudes de vie. Pas de panique, le bacon ne sera

has been formed to create material to make sure we meet and

pas interdit pour autant. Cependant, notre objectif est de renforcer nos

fulfill the needs of our youth and Scouters of today. Great tools

programmes et d’inciter les jeunes à opter pour un mode de vie plus sain

for menu planning, creative activities, and how to prepare for

et actif. Un nouveau sous-comité a été formé pour créer de nouveaux

some of our amazing programs will be created to help our

outils et pour s’assurer que nous répondons aux besoins des jeunes et

members introduce these concepts as a regular element of our

des animateurs d’aujourd’hui. Nous créerons des outils pour vous donner

programs. Our goal is to make sure that we balance our fun and

un coup de main avec la planification des menus, l’élaboration d’activités

amazing program with a healthier overall outlook.

créatrices et la préparation de nos merveilleux programmes afin d’aider les membres à utiliser ces concepts de façon régulière dans nos

DEFINING LINKING AND TRANSITION

programmes. Notre objectif est de nous assurer que nos programmes

Looking to go further than just a Keeo and a Kim, Linking is an

sont bien équilibrés et encore plus sains.

ongoing process that will include meaningful activities in designed adventure cards and through Group, area and Council events. We

METTRE L’ACCENT SUR LES ACTIVITÉS DE LIAISON

will be encouraging Sections to ensure the task of linking with

ET LA TRANSITION

other Sections is a key element of the youth leadership role.

Vous voulez poursuivre votre route après avoir été un Keeo ou un Kim.

For example, Cub Scouts in their second year will act as

Les activités de liaison doivent s’effectuer régulièrement dans le cadre

mentors for the first year Cubs. This will be seen as a part of their

d’activités significatives que vous trouverez dans les cartes d’aventures

leadership development. They will also become ambassadors to

ou dans le cadre d’activités de groupe, de secteur ou de conseil. Nous

the Beaver Scouts. In this role, they will choose and create linking

encouragerons les sections à faire en sorte que les activités de liaison

activities which the Pack and Colony will take on together. They

avec les autres sections constituent un élément important des rôles de

will act as helpers to the Colony and work with the Beaver

leadership occupés par les jeunes.

scouters to participate in a useful way in the Beaver program.

The linking activities should not only be done with the

Par exemple : les scouts louveteaux qui en sont à leur deuxième année agiront comme mentor pour les louveteaux qui en sont à leur première

bookend Sections. Sections should link with even younger or

année. Cette responsabilité fera partie du développement de leur capacité

older sections. Beavers love it when Scouts and Venturers visit.

de leadership. Ils seront aussi les ambassadeurs des scouts castors. Dans

Our leadership programs like FLEX and FAST are amazing segues

leur rôle, ils choisiront et créeront des activités de liaison que les meutes

to getting our older sections to “play” with the other sections.

et les colonies feront ensemble. Ils agiront comme assistant pour les

Our new STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering and

colonies et travailleront avec les animateurs des scouts castors pour parti-

Math) will also feature some great opportunities to have our

ciper de façon utile au programme de ces derniers.

youth host some fun meetings.

Les activités de liaison ne doivent pas être seulement faites avec les sections connexes, mais avec les autres sections aussi. Les scouts castors

JOURNEY

adorent lorsque les scouts et les scouts aventuriers leur rendent visite.

Many sections will unlock a special place in their Section journey

Nos programmes de leadership comme FLEX et FAST sont excellents pour

map through scrolls, special invitations or chapters in their

encourager nos plus vieilles sections à « jouer » avec les autres sections.

books to understand the next step in their Scouting journey.

Notre nouveau programme STIM offrira de belles occasions à nos jeunes

This is part of their journey, and should be evident to the youth

d’organiser des rencontres très amusantes.

and the scouters.

AVENTURE SCHEDULING

Plusieurs sections accéderont à un endroit spécial sur la carte d’aventure

Planning is key for linking activities and moving up. Timing is

de leur section grâce à des parchemins, à des invitations spéciales ou à

everything. As a group you should schedule your events and work

des chapitres dans leurs livres qui les aideront à comprendre la prochaine

with your section youth to decide great key moments to help and

étape de leur parcours scout. Ces étapes font partie de leur aventure et

participate with other sections. We can create key moments to

les jeunes devraient être aussi impliqués que les animateurs dans le

share and support the transition for the sections. We will be

processus.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

SUITE À LA PAGE PAGE 8 ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

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DES NOUVELLES DU SENTIER CANADIEN SUITE DE LA PAGE 9 PLANIFICATION La planification est essentielle pour les activités de liaison et pour les cérémonies de passage, et vous devez absolument vous y prendre d’avance. Vous devriez faire votre calendrier avec les jeunes de votre section pour décider des moments où vous rencontrerez ou aiderez d’autres sections. Nous pouvons créer de précieux moments pour aider la transition vers d’autres sections. Nous encouragerons donc toutes les

CANADIAN PATH UPDATE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 encouraging everyone to present the future path of upcoming events and activities. For example: Fall (September–December) • Group linking (holiday baskets, Halloween party, hikes, pumpkin carving and carolling) Winter (January–March) • Activities in Sections (BP week, tobogganing party, skating night) Spring (April–June) • Earth Day events, park cleanups, Moving up ceremonies, older sections meetings. Presentation of future and upcoming events. Pre-registration.

Summer (July and August) • Pool parties, bike nights, BBQs, Jamborees and summer camps.

There is more to come! Our dedicated team of now over 100 youth and volunteers has been working on developing a truly amazing program. This will be something that we can all be proud of and we want to make it accessible to all Scouters and our youth.

Be sure to return to our Canadian path site because it will be updated regularly, as more exciting stuff comes in from our amazing teams.

sections à partager leur horaire avec les jeunes afin qu’ils soient aussi au courant des activités et des évènements à venir.

Automne (septembre-décembre) • Activités de liaison de groupe : paniers des fêtes, fête d’Halloween, randonnées pédestres, sculpture de citrouilles et chants de Noël.

Hiver (janvier-mars) • Activités de section : semaine de B-P., fête de glissade et soirée de patinage.

Printemps (avril-juin) • Activités du Jour de la Terre, nettoyage de parcs, cérémonies de passage, participation à des rencontres de sections plus âgées.

Présentation des événements à venir et préinscription. Été (juillet et août) • Fêtes de piscine, soirées de vélo, BBQ, Jamborees et camps d’été.

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ScoutingLife.ca Spring 2013

9

FEATURE

By James Morris

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A KNIFE MAKES

W

hen I was a Cub Scout, I remember

As I cast my memory back to those early

Haliburton Scout Reserve. I got in touch

being completely impressed with

impressions I realized that the confidence

with him and set up a meeting.

our Kaa’s belt knife. It was a big

and skills that we Leaders bring into the

Russell with an oblong blade that

woods can make a lasting impression on

and my memories of Kaa is that, while he

dropped down from the rosewood

the youth in our care.

simply wore and used his knife, I have a

Now the main difference between me

handle in a combination of shapes that just

Thus motivated, I set out to find the right

tendency to take it out and show it off. It

seemed so cool! But beyond the look of the

knife for my needs as a Troop Scouter – and

may wreck some of the mystique, but I just

thing, the Leader who owned it made good

boy did I luck out! Another Leader in my

can’t seem to help myself. Here are some

use of it too. That’s where I got my idea of a

Group had told me about a craftsman who

knives that have struck my fancy and come

camp knife as a vital camping tool.

made knives and worked leather up in

in handy over the years...

cottage country – not too far from the

Bush Knife

Scandinavian Knife

Handmade These three beautiful knives were handmade by Robin Simpson, a craftsman in Haliburton Ontario. Scandinavian Knife: Finnish steel blade, antique moose antler and hickory handle. Sailing Knife: Scottish steel blade, walnut handle. Bush Knife: Carbon steel blade, carved antler handle. songofthewoods@hotmail.com • songofthewoods.com Sailing Knife

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ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

Swedish FireKnife

Russell Belt Knife

The Swedish FireKnife is a collaboration between Light My Fire

Rudolph Grohmann and Deane H. Russell designed this award-

and Mora of Sweden. Mora has made top-notch knives for

winning Canadian Belt Knife in 1957. It is manufactured by

120 years.

Grohmann Knives Ltd. in Pictou, Nova Scotia.

Available through various retailers. lightmyfire.com

Available through the Scoutshop. grohmannknives.com

Asking on the Scouts Canada Facebook Page for other thoughts on Scouters’ knives, B. Jody Lotzkar, Group Commissioner and Scoutmaster with the 5th West Vancouver Scout Group, shared the following: “My dad was our Cubmaster and Scoutmaster. He was an imposing, athletic figure at 6'4" and wore his traditional campaign hat and uniform well. He always had a rather unique knife hanging on his belt. A simple all leather sheath with almost no adornment and a straight steel-bladed knife with a distinctive red wooden handle. The sheath dangled loosely from his belt and the knife was held in only by the precision of its fit to the sheath.

At the 1975 World Jamboree in Lillihammer, Norway, we got the chance to make our own knives. We were issued red wood handles, steel blanks, plastic sheaths and instructions to put them all together. Here was a smaller, cheaper version of my dad's special knife being given out at the Jamboree! What a shock. It was the first time that I had ever seen a knife at all similar to my dad's knife and they just handed it to me!

I was very pleased and used that knife for the rest of my youth Scout career. In the decades since it has unfortunately disappeared.

Upon returning to Scouting all these years later, I wanted to find a knife that would be for me as my dad's special knife was to him. I did a bit of research on the internet and discovered that my dad's knife was a famous Swedish knife made by a company called Mora.

A little more research led me to another Swedish company called Fallkniven. Not wanting to simply ape my dad's choice, I decided to buy a Fallkniven S1 knife with the classic Swedish style leather sheath (plus a second modern plastic sheath for use in wet environments). I wear this knife in its loose dangling plain leather sheath at all standing type camps.

When I bought my S1, I also received a small Fallkniven U2 locking blade pocket knife. As it turned out, that small pocket knife became the knife that goes everywhere with me. The regal S1 is now reserved for outings where weight is not a factor.

My dad has since passed away. Yet something so simple as the memory of his red wood handled knife hanging loosely from the belt around his lanky frame can still transport me back to a golden time in this Scout's youth.”

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

11

MEET TERRY

OUR NEW CHIEF SCOUT!

Tall in the saddle and leading by example.

A

s a Leader in Scouting, you’ve no doubt heard that Scouts Canada recently announced a major shift in who we will turn to as our Chief Scout.

Although the position has traditionally been held by the Governor General of Canada, things have now officially changed, with the GG now fulfilling the more ceremonial role of “Patron Scout” and the Chief Scout’s role will become more active.

And so, amid some fitting fanfare at a Victoria press event in April, Terry Grant was introduced as the uniformed head of Scouting in Canada.

Grant is best known as the star of the hit reality series, Mantracker, where he demonstrated the almost-lost art of tracking. A 25-year veteran of the Foothills Search and Rescue Team, he is an

VOICI TERRY

NOTRE NOUVEAU CHEF SCOUT! Bien en selle, il montre l’exemple.

C

omme membre scout, vous avez certainement entendu parler de l’importante annonce que Scouts Canada a récemment faite concernant le rôle de Chef scout. Bien que ce rôle ait été occupé traditionnellement par le gouverneur général du Canada, les choses ont maintenant officiellement changé, puisque le GG occupera désormais un rôle plus cérémonial, celui de Président d’honneur scout, et que le rôle de Chef scout deviendra un rôle plus actif. C’est ainsi que, lors d’une conférence de presse à Victoria en avril dernier, Terry Grant a été présenté en grande pompe comme porte-parole actif du scoutisme au Canada.

Grant est connu principalement comme étant la vedette de

expert in utilizing clues such as footprints, probable path and other

l’émission de téléréalité très populaire, Mantracker, dans laquelle il

signs of human presence. As Chief Scout, he will represent Scouts

mettait en pratique l’art presque perdu du trappage. Grant est un

Canada nationally and internationally, attend events and interact

vétéran qui possède plus de 25 ans d’expérience au sein de l’équipe

with youth, parents and leaders.

de recherche et de sauvetage Foothills. Il est aussi un expert dans

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ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

But who is Terry Grant, really? And what makes him so much the right guy to hold the title?

l’utilisation d’indices tels que les empreintes, les pistes et autres signes de la présence humaine. Comme Chef scout, il représentera Scouts

Well for starters, he espouses the spirit of the Scout method.

He believes in the power of Scouting to help young Canadians grow to become strong individuals and good citizens. He believes in the benefits of skills in adventure. He believes in the meaning of personal honour. And he lives according to his beliefs.

Talking with Grant, it quickly becomes apparent that his self-

Canada sur la scène nationale et internationale, assistera à des évènements et interagira avec les jeunes, les parents et les animateurs.

Mais qui est vraiment Terry Grant? Et pourquoi est-il le meilleur candidat pour occuper ce rôle?

Tout d’abord, il adhère à l’esprit de la méthode scoute. Il croit à la capacité du scoutisme d’aider les jeunes Canadiens à devenir des

confidence and broad range of personal skills found their roots in

personnes solides et de bons citoyens. Il croit aux avantages des

his childhood. And that he sees a direct relationship between

compétences dans le domaine du plein air. Et finalement, il croit

the experiences of youth, the learning that results from those

beaucoup en l’honneur personnel et vit selon ses croyances.

experiences and the depth of character that develops as a result.

He recounts his relationship with his grandfather as his

En parlant avec Grant, on constate rapidement qu’il a commencé à développer sa confiance en lui et ses nombreuses compétences

inspiration in his personal path. Grant spent much of his

personnelles durant son enfance. Il fait un lien direct avec les

childhood observing the relationship between him and the

expériences vécues par les jeunes, les apprentissages tirés de ces

community in which he lived. “People knew they could count

dernières et la force de caractère qui en découle.

on him,” he says. “And he was as good as his word.”

Now Grant’s personal code – which he says is true of all

Il parle de sa relation avec son grand père comme étant l’élément qui l’a inspiré dans son cheminement personnel. Grant a passé une grande

cowboys – is that your word is

partie de son enfance à observer la

your bond. “People need to

relation entre son grand-père et sa

WHAT DOES OUR CHIEF SCOUT TAKE WITH HIM WHEN HE HEADS OUT FOR THE BUSH?

know that they can count on you

communauté. « Les gens savaient

to do what you say you will do.”

qu’ils pouvaient compter sur lui »,

He sees Scouting as an excellent

affirme-t-il. « Il tenait toujours

way to pass this and other

parole. »

very much the “by example”

« qu’il n’a qu’une parole ». « Les

Terry Grant has a practical approach to woodcraft. “If you’re in the mountains,” he says, “you probably don’t need a canoe.” So he takes only what he is likely to need: • A fire starter • A tarp • An axe • A good knife • Proper clothing • A map and compass

approach – always with a

gens ont besoin de savoir qu’ils

thought towards what it is like to

peuvent compter sur toi et que

be learning something for the

tu tiendras parole ». Il voit le

first time. “You have to remem-

scoutisme comme étant une

ber what it is like to be in the

excellente façon de transmettre ce

other person’s position,” he says.

genre de messages aux jeunes dans

He also makes it clear that he

le cadre des divers programmes.

messages to youth through the

Aujourd’hui, le code d’honneur

various levels of the program.

personnel de Grant, qui selon lui e

His take on leadership is

st vrai pour tous les cowboys, est

appreciates the way Scouting

Il croit que le leadership

encourages youth to develop

s’enseigne par l’exemple, en se

on their own terms.

mettant toujours dans la peau

As Chief Scout he hopes

de la personne qui apprend quelque

people will learn from his

chose de nouveau. « On doit

“do-it-to-learn-it” approach, in

toujours se demander comment

balance with a strong emphasis

on se sentirait si on était dans les

on safety. For him, the key to

souliers de l’autre », confie-t-il. Il

learning is diligence, patience and a sustained interest in “getting it.”

How does he feel about the appointment? He’s honoured. And he’s looking forward to meeting youth and volunteers in Scouting and getting to know as many of us as possible.

QU’APPORTE NOTRE CHEF SCOUT LORSQU’IL PART À L’AVENTURE? Terry Grant adopte une approche pratique en ce qui concerne les techniques de plein air. « Si vous êtes en montagne, vous n’avez probablement pas besoin d’un canot », affirme-t-il. Il apporte donc le strict nécessaire : • Un allume-feu • Une bâche • Une hache • Un bon couteau • Des vêtements adéquats • Une carte et un compas

insiste aussi sur le fait qu’il apprécie la façon dont le scoutisme permet aux jeunes de s’épanouir selon leurs propres conditions.

Comme Chef scout, il espère que les gens s’inspireront de son approche « d’apprentissage par la pratique », sans négliger l’aspect de la sécurité. Pour lui, le secret pour apprendre c’est la discipline, la patience et une volonté soutenue de réussir.

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

13

Meaningful Youth Leadership: Your influence starts with your Section.

Le leadership chez les jeunes : tout commence avec votre section.

T

buy the groceries). Think about what you achieved. Did you have

A

youth who made big personal strides? Did you have youth

camp). Pensez à ce que vous avez accompli. Vos jeunes ont-ils évolué?

members who really stepped up to the plate when given respon-

Vos jeunes ont-ils été d’attaque lorsque vous leur avez confié des

oday, I’d like you to stop and reflect on your Scouting year that just passed. Take a moment to remember the good times (like that great canoe trip), and even the not-so-great ones (like that camp where you forgot to

sibility? Did you have some who needed a little support to be successful? Chances are, the answer to all of those questions is yes. I firmly believe that Scouting produces the young leaders of today, not tomorrow.

Our youth are the present, not the

ujourd’hui, j’aimerais que vous preniez un moment pour repenser à l’année de scoutisme qui vient de se terminer.

Prenez un instant pour vous rappeler les bons moments (votre inoubliable expédition de canot), et même les

moins bons moments (la fois où vous avez oublié l’épicerie pour le

responsabilités? Certains de vos jeunes ont-ils eu besoin de plus de soutien pour y arriver? Vous répondrez sûrement « oui » à toutes ces questions.

Je crois fermement que le scoutisme crée les jeunes leaders d’aujourd’hui et de demain. Nos jeunes sont le présent, et

future – and what you do as a Section

l’avenir, et ce que vous faites comme

Leader lays the firm foundation for

animateur jette les bases pour leur succès

their success on this path. In Scout-

dans le monde. Dans le mouvement scout,

ing we believe in learning by doing.

nous croyons qu’il n’y a rien de mieux que

It’s futile to teach young people the theories of leadership skills if we’re not going to let them put those skills into practice. So take that moment again and think back… did your Beaver Scouts help choose any of their yearly activities? Did your Cub Scouts have an active Sixer’s council? Was there a

l’apprentissage par la pratique. À quoi bon parler du leadership si nous ne les laissons pas mettre en pratique les compétences enseignées?

Réfléchissez à nouveau… vos scouts castors vous ont-ils aidé à choisir certaines de leurs activités pendant l’année? Le conseil sizenier de vos scouts louveteaux a-t-il été

regular Court of Honour in your Scout Section? Did your

actif? Y avait-il une cour d’honneur dans votre section scoute? Vos

Venturer Scout section have an executive?

scouts aventuriers avaient-ils un président?

Looking more broadly, what impact have you had on the

Quel impact avez-vous eu sur le mouvement cette année? Avez-

Movement over the past year? Have you helped our young

vous parlé à vos jeunes de l’importance d’une bonne planification et de

members understand the important role that careful planning

bonnes mesures de sécurité dans leurs activités scoutes, qu’il s’agisse

and safety play in all their Scouting activities – whether it’s a

d’une expédition de canot en eaux vives ou d’une rencontre

white water canoe trip or a weekly meeting? Have you had the

hebdomadaire? Avez-vous eu le temps de parler à vos scouts castors,

time to talk with your Beavers, Cubs and Scouts about the

vos scouts louveteaux et vos scouts au sujet des aventures stimulantes

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ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

exciting adventures their Scouting future has in store for them, and helped keep them motivated to challenge themselves to reach the next level?

Youth Leadership and our influence on Scouting in Canada start with meaningful youth involvement at the Section level.

Take some time this summer to reflect on how you can improve opportunities for meaningful youth involvement in your section next year. Need help or advice on making this happen? Area and Council Youth Commissioners are fantastic resources that are there to support you! (See my e-mail address below if you need help finding them!) As National Youth Commissioner, I’m excited to have the opportunity to help us work towards being an organization where every young person has meaningful input into their own program and has every opportunity we can possibly give them to grow and thrive as young leaders.

Please feel free to reach out to me! Send me an e-mail at kgalipeau@scouts.ca See you at CJ! Kaylee Galipeau National Youth Commissioner & Chair of the National Youth Network

“Youth Involvement is not part of the program, it is the program.”

Chief Commissioner Andrew Price addressing the Scouts Canada National Service Team in April 2013

que leur avenir scout leur réserve? Les avez-vous aidés à rester motivés afin de relever des défis et de passer à l’étape suivante de leur parcours?

Le leadership chez les jeunes et notre influence sur le scoutisme au Canada commencent par une importante participation des jeunes au sein de leurs sections. Prenez le temps cet été de réfléchir sur la façon dont vous pourriez favoriser davantage la participation active des jeunes dans votre section l’an prochain. Vous avez besoin d’aide ou de conseils pour ce faire? Les commissaires à la jeunesse de conseil et de secteurs sont de fantastiques conseillers qui sont là pour vous aider! (Vous trouverez mon adresse courriel ci-dessous si vous avez besoin d’aide pour les trouver!)

Comme commissaire à la jeunesse nationale, j’ai très hâte de continuer d’aider Scouts Canada à être une organisation où chaque

« La participation active des jeunes ne constitue pas un élément du programme, c’est l’essence du programme » Le commissaire en chef Andrew Price lors d’une réunion avec l’équipe nationale de services de Scouts Canada en avril 2013.

jeune membre peut contribuer de façon importante à son programme et où chaque jeune membre a toutes les occasions possibles de développer le leader en lui.

N’hésitez pas à communiquer avec moi! Envoyez-moi un courriel à kgalipeau@scouts.ca.

Au plaisir de vous voir au Jamboree!

Kaylee Galipeau Commissaire à la jeunesse nationale et présidente du réseau national des jeunes

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

15

FEATURE

By James Morris

TEACHING WITHOUT PREACHING The mission of Scouting – to build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society – includes an impetus to assist youth in establishing a value system based upon spiritual, social and personal principles as expressed in the Scouting Promise and Law. Our principles, the foundation of our fundamental beliefs, include a stated duty to God, to others and to self.

The program encourages its members to pursue knowledge of faith through the Religion in Life Emblem, the Spirituality

Throughout Scouting the importance of faith is clearly

Emblem and other badges, but it also encourages Leaders to

stated. But in a faith-based organization that places spiritual-

include spirituality within the active culture of their Groups.

ity above doctrine, talking with youth about God can be a

Ensuring a universal approach to spirituality, however, can be

challenge. And while some Groups are built on shared beliefs,

daunting to volunteers with varying levels of comfort or

others are made up of a mix of religiosity.

confidence in the area.

Here are two tools that can help.

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ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

1. THE GOLDERN RULE The Golden Rule, or ethic of reciprocity, is a maxim that essentially states that one

CONFUCIANISM Do not do to others what you would not like yourself.

should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself, or that one should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated. The history and philosophy of the rule is a rich playground for people who like to focus on such things,

CHRISTIANITY Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

but for the purposes of Scouting, knowing and understanding two things about it are very helpful. One is that it is probably the best and most complete behavioural guide in existence, and the second is that nearly every religion in the world has some expression of the rule as a central tenet.

Use the following chart as a teaching

TAOISM Regard your neighbor’s gain as your gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.

BUDDHISM Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.

THE GOLDEN RULE

HINDUISM This is the sum of duty; do naught unto others that you would not have them do unto you.

tool – it provides an excellent jumping off point for discussions about what people around the world believe, and it includes

JUDAISM What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellowman.

consideration of the group’s thoughts on self, others and God.

ISLAM No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.

2. A POEM

STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING

Robert Frost’s Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening is a perfect subject for a Scouts Own. It refers to the beauty and allure of a place unspoiled by human presence – the draw of the woods that inspires so many within the Scouting movement to head out into nature. A greater context for understanding the poem emerges when you consider that

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake.

the owner of the Wood referred to in the opening line is God, and His house in the village is a church. The statement “He will not see me stopping here” is ironic, considering God’s omnipotence.

The horse is a conveyance over which the speaker has control. How he directs it represents his choices. To stop the horse and regard the woods is to take a moment to contemplate God’s greatness, He being the Creator of the woods and all. But as Scouting teaches, we owe duties to God, self and others. Balancing them means we must recognize our obligations. The “miles to go” to which the speaker refers is the path of his life, the “promises” are his duties and the “sleep” is the sleep of death.

Now, a Scout’s Own does not need to become a sermon, or a lesson in poetics – but this piece can be an excellent jumping-off point for conversations about the benefits of considering that there may be more to camping than pitching a tent. You just have to stop and think about it.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

ROBERT FROST ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

17

COLONY

Too soon to camp?

Here’s a question we posted on Facebook and some of the responses we got. Overall, way to go, Beaver Leaders!

Hey Beaver Scout Leaders!

Any thoughts on Beavers and Camping? Too young for tents? Or bring on the adventure?

What are your thoughts and experiences?

PAULINE FENTON: I don’t see a problem

THOMAS MCKECHNIE: Our Colony used

parents will be the biggest challenge, NOT

with taking Beavers camping at all. But it

to require parents to come to camp but had

the youth.

depends on the kids in your Group. Our

to stop that once we hit near 40 kids and

brown and blue tails would not enjoy

didn’t have a building big enough to

JULIE BREWER DUNN: In our group,

staying alone in tents. When we have our

accommodate everyone. Now we tell parents

Beavers sleep in their own tents . As per

Beaver sleepovers we have at least 2-3 kids

that they are welcome but not required.

BP&P the parents must attend an outdoor

out of our 9 that get scared and want a

camp. We have all parents sleep in their

parent. Our whitetails on the other hand,

CARM GALATI: In my experience, it’s not

own tents. But it really boils down to, YES

we have 3, would be perfectly fine and will

the Beavers that are the concern, it’s many

to sleeping in tents

be staying overnight in tents at the end of

parents who don’t like to go.

SHERRIE SCHREIBER-GOSCHE: I

May with our Cub Pack.

MARK RUDDICK: Bring on the adventure.

remember a looong time ago we took the

RICK GRUCHY: Bring on the Adventure! I

(In warmer months) As a Cub Leader it is

Beavers to a couple of Jamboree type

am in full support of getting Beaver Scouts

great when Beavers swim up who have tent

events that were entirely in tents for the

out in tents. As we move forward with

camping experience. It makes my fall

weekend. With the regular ratio of adults/

Program Revitalization and the Adventure

camps go way better. We usually invite

youth. We had ZERO problems, and

Skills Program, I hope that there will be a

white tails to Cub camp in June.

amazing camp experiences. I also remem-

lot more Beavers “under canvas.”

ber more recently doing a “family” Beaver SCOUTER JASON: Too young for tents??!!

camp, where the parents stayed in tents

JACKIE VANDAELE: I take our Beavers

Not a chance! You need to be conscious of

with their own Beavers. I’ve never had

camping in tents at least 2 times a year.

the weather though of course seeing as

such a disastrous camp! I had one dad who

They love it! Have even slept in covered

their little bodies lose heat a lot faster than

came with a motorhome full of beer, I had

wagons.

ours do. My own children have been tent

another dad that decided he didn’t do

camping since they were babies. I agree

camp food, and was grilling steaks for

with others who have posted that the

himself and was giving his son pop and

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ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

other treats all weekend that the other kids

DENNIS AYLEN: 2nd Langley mavericks

unrelated adult alone. The reason for

didn’t get. After that camp, all family

Beaver Colony is going camping in tents

family camping is their parent is there with

camps became accommodations with the

this weekend!! Ponder park!!!! Hiking,

them to help with late night latrine trips

group and meals with the Group.

crafts, games.

and other things that they would experience in a tent camping experience that

BARB FARQUHAR: We start each year

NORMA THOMPSON: We take the

they wouldn’t in a sleepover event. Kids

with an indoor camp at our church

Beavers twice a year for a two night

can sleep together with their own parents.

complete with tents and campfire to get

sleepover (thank you BP&P definitions)

You wouldn’t want a Beaver wandering

the youth used to sleeping in tents with the

at the local scout camp. We sleep in cabins

around a dark campsite to find a latrine or

added security of being inside a familiar

so we don’t require parents to attend

the tent their parent was sleeping in to

building. Next we go to our local camp

anymore, though we typically will have

accompany them.

which the kids are also familiar with. At

brown tail parents come (especially for a

year end, we all go on a specially planned

first-time camp).

RON BOYD: Ours tent every year. per

camp which includes all family members,

BP&P family camping. they have a great

parents, siblings, grandparents, whichever

MARK RUDDICK: Beavers are some of the

time! Good way to initiate them, and this

the youth wants to bring to the camp.

most enthusiastic youth members we

year we got them without parents into a

We try to make it as family oriented as

have. We should take the time to encour-

cabin for a sleep-over camp step by step!

possible, and show our youth that Scouting

age them to get outdoors and kindle a

is an extension of their families. We

life-long passion. At this age it is easy to get

CASEY-FAYE M SWANSON: I was just part

include all our parents in the planning and

them excited! A good Beaver program is

of a FAST camp and Wood badge 1 that

choices of where to go, and have had no

the foundation of a good Group.

had a pair of Beavers present. One slept in

problems with getting them involved with

a tin tent with mom and brother for two

setting up/tearing down camps, food prep,

TRACY FORSYTH: Family tent camping

nights and the other was in a normal tent.

cooking, etc.

the children are allowed to sleep with their

The wee guys had a geocaching program

own parents they cant sleep with an

and were fine for the weekend.

TERRY KEINNA MCCLELLAND: I was a Scouter from 1987-2000 in Vancouver, our Beavers slept in tents right along with all the other sections and loved it. We had over 20 Beavers, 25 Cubs and 30 Scouts in our group, and it was all due to a great

Join in the conversation on the Scouts Canada Official Facebook Page, where Scouting enthusiasts from across the country share their thoughts and ideas, opinions, questions, resources and experience. Look for it on Facebook, and let your voice be heard.

program. Camping, you bet.

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

19

PACK

THE 12 HOURS OF CUB CAMP SUNG TO THE TUNE OF “THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS” LYRICS BY JAMES MORRIS When I first got to Cub Camp Akela said to me: “Put your stuff over by that tree.”

On the 2nd hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “This is your tent, and...”

On the 3rd hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “When did it get dark?”

On the 4th hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “Where did you come from?”

On the 5th hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “It’s time for bed.”

On the 6th hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “Please turn your lights out.”

On the 7th hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “What the heck’s so funny?”

On the 8th hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “Stop all your laughing.”

On the 9th hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “Be very quiet.”

On the 10th hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “Pretend you’re sleeping.”

On the 11th hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “If you want to live.”

On the 12th hour of Cub Camp Akela said to me: “Was that a bear?”

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ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

PACK

“For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf And the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”

- Rudyard Kipling

THE FIRST RULE OF CUB CAMP

W

By Lisa Murphy

When I first started as a Cub Scout Leader,

explain it to them on the basis of simple

the Akela of our Pack had a great tool that

math.

he pulled out at the start of every camp. It

“If everybody looks after only them-

wasn’t an axe or a knife or a special

selves, how many people at Camp are

fire-lighting doohickey. It was a simple rule

trying to make you happy?”

“Now what’s better?” he would ask.

“Twenty-one people making you happy, or just yourself?”

For the rest of camp, all he had to do to end an argument or correct a behaviour

that he shared with the Pack early and

The answer can only be “One.”

was ask two simple questions – “What’s the

repeated to them often. He called it “the

“Now, how many people are at this

First Rule of Cub Camp?” and “Are you

First Rule of Cub Camp.”

The rule states that the number one job

for every camper is to do his or her best to

particular camp?”

Let’s say the answer is “Twenty-two.”

“So if there are twenty-two people here,

following it?”

Now after some years as a Scouter I’ve joined our Area Service Team. Among my

make sure that every other camper has a

and everyone is looking out for everyone

advice to Leaders will be to learn it, to

good time.

else, how many people can you count on

teach it and to live it. Because isn’t it a

to try to make you happy?”

great summary of what the Scouting spirit

The Cubs would look perplexed the first

time they heard it, but then Akela would

“Twenty-one.”

is all about?

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

21

SAFETY

SAFE SCOUTING OUR COLLECTIVE GOAL, OUR COLLECTIVE DUTY

LE SCOUTISME EN TOUTE SÉCURITÉ NOTRE OBJECTIF COLLECTIF, NOTRE DEVOIR COLLECTIF

I

’ve had the pleasure to be with Scouts Canada for a year now and I must say it is a fascinating organization. I enjoy working with Scouters from across the country and I’m very proud to be associated with them. As a volunteer with the 17th Ottawa Troop, my own experience has benefitted tremendously form the skills and knowledge of the wonderful people I’ve met. They define the term “professional volunteer,” and are among the extraordinary men and women who have been screened, trained and are working as volunteers with Scouts Canada.

I have tremendous admiration for our volunteer Leaders, and I recognize the time and effort that is required to ensure that each and every Scouter is following all of our policies and procedures as they relate to child and youth safety screening and training.

That said, as we begin gearing up for a new Scouting year, I want to reinforce the need for each of us to remain vigilant towards ensuring that every volunteer who is on the floor and working with youth has met all of the mandatory requirements.

As a volunteer Leader myself, I’ve had first-hand exposure to the challenges that my fellow Scouters might encounter as they work through their screening and training: uncertainty around the requirements, difficulty of accessing the training and delays in the PRC/VSS process - something that many of our volunteers have experienced. Regardless of the reason, people who have not completed every mandatory requirement cannot be active with the youth. Period. It is inconsistent with the values of Scouting, and each of us need to take responsibility for making sure this is observed.

Compliance with Scouts Canada policies and procedures is critical for a number of reasons: 1. We have learned through our history that bad things and accidents happen when we least expect it. Youth are harmed, and so are volunteers. We must be fully prepared for these incidents and be able to show that we took all the necessary steps to mitigate the risks including our own screening and training requirements.

2. Our policies and procedures, designed to project our youth, are only effective if they are all used together. We can’t prevent every incident but we can enhance our screening and training, which dramatically reduces the risk of bad things happening.

3. Volunteers need to support each other, check and validate that the policies are being followed and need to be ever mindful of the 2-leader rule.

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ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

J

’ai le privilège de travailler pour Scouts Canada depuis maintenant un an, et je dois dire que c’est une organisation fascinante. J’aime travailler avec les membres de partout au Canada et je suis très fier

de pouvoir m’associer à eux. Comme bénévole de la 17e troupe d’Ottawa, j’ai personnellement beaucoup appris des connaissances et des compétences des personnes que j’ai rencontrées. Ces dernières donnent un sens aux termes « bénévoles professionnels », et elles font partie des 18 000 femmes et hommes remarquables qui ont effectué toutes les étapes de la présélection et de la formation, et qui travaillent comme bénévoles chez Scouts Canada.

J’ai beaucoup d’admiration pour nos animateurs bénévoles, et je suis conscient du temps qu’ils consacrent et des efforts qu’ils déploient pour s’assurer que chaque membre respecte nos politiques et procédures relativement à la formation et à la présélection en matière de sécurité des enfants et des jeunes. Ceci dit, alors que nous nous préparons pour une nouvelle année de scoutisme, je tiens à réaffirmer la nécessité pour chacun d’entre nous de rester vigilant afin de nous assurer que chaque bénévole sur le terrain qui travaille avec les jeunes satisfait aux exigences obligatoires. Étant moi même animateur bénévole, j’ai pu observer directement les défis auxquels ont fait face mes compagnons scouts pour suivre leur formation et effectuer la présélection : l’ignorance des exigences, la difficulté à accéder à la formation et les délais dans le processus de VDP/VAPV ont causé des soucis à bon nombre de nos bénévoles. Peu importe les raisons, les personnes qui ne répondent pas à chacune des exigences obligatoires en matière de présélection et de formation ne peuvent pas côtoyer les jeunes. Point à la ligne. Cette façon de faire ne correspond pas aux valeurs du scoutisme et nous sommes tous responsables de nous assurer que ces mesures sont respectées.

Le respect des politiques et des procédures de Scouts Canada est essentiel pour plusieurs raisons : 1. Nous avons appris par notre histoire que des situations malheureuses et des accidents surviennent quand nous nous y attendons le moins, et que des jeunes et des bénévoles sont touchés par ces évènements. Nous devons être bien préparés pour ces incidents et être en mesure de démontrer que nous avons pris toutes les mesures possibles pour atténuer les risques incluant votre propre présélection et votre formation.

2. Nos politiques et procédures conçues pour protéger nos jeunes sont efficaces seulement si elles sont toutes conjointement mises en œuvre.

Nous ne pouvons pas prévenir tous les incidents, mais nous pouvons améliorer notre processus de présélection et notre formation pour diminuer grandement les risques que de telles situations se reproduisent.

3. Les bénévoles doivent se soutenir les uns les autres et s’assurer que les politiques sont respectées et que la règle des deux animateurs est suivie en tout temps.

We must ensure that child and youth safety is our first priority.

We also have to ensure we run quality programs. Our selection and training programs, our policies and procedures, are designed to ensure we have the high-quality volunteer Leaders we need.

Our Volunteer Support Strategy is aimed at helping these wonderful people do great things with the youth.

There is no doubt that enforcing the screening and training requirements takes effort. Scouts Canada relies on the dedication and professionalism of all our volunteers and staff in this regard.

In this I seek your help.

In your Sections, verify that you and all the Scouters working with you are properly screened, trained and are listed in myscouts.ca as fully compliant ahead of the new Scouting year.

Take any courses you are missing and contact the Help Centre if you have technical difficulties. Help each other and be aware.

Group Commissioners pay particular attention to your applicants and assist them with any compliance issues. Ensure the people who are not accepted as volunteers and are not active in myscouts.ca and are not working with youth.

We are finishing our first year after the policy changes in 2012.

Continued focus on implementing those changes is required. I again call on all of you to work toward full compliance across the organization. Tens of thousands of fully-screened and trained volunteers show that it’s achievable. In the next Scouting Year, we can continue to ensure that the safety of the youth in our care is our top priority and show it by ensuring that only screened and trained people are accepted as volunteers and are working with our youth. This needs to be our commitment and your efforts are deeply appreciated – they will prepare us for another wonderful year of Scouting adventures.

Yours in Scouting, Michael McKay Executive Commissioner & CEO

Nous devons nous assurer que la sécurité des enfants et des jeunes demeure notre priorité. Nous devons aussi nous assurer de mettre en œuvre des programmes de qualité. Nos politiques et nos procédures, notre présélection et nos formations sont conçues pour nous permettre d’avoir les bénévoles hautement compétents dont nous avons besoin.

Notre stratégie de soutien aux bénévoles a été créée pour aider nos merveilleux bénévoles à accomplir de grandes choses avec les jeunes.

Il ne fait aucun doute que le renforcement des exigences en matière de présélection et de formation exige davantage d’efforts. Scouts Canada se fie sur le dévouement et le professionnalisme de ses bénévoles et de ses employés à cet égard, et c’est pourquoi je vous demande de nous aider.

Dans vos sections, assurez-vous que les bénévoles qui travaillent avec les enfants répondent aux exigences en matière de présélection et de formation et que leur statut de membre est « actif » dans myscouts avant le début de l’année de scoutisme. Suivez les formations qu’il vous manque et communiquez avec le centre d’assistance si vous avez des problèmes techniques. Aidez-vous les uns les autres et soyez vigilants.

Les commissaires de groupe doivent porter une attention particulière à leurs candidats et les aider avec tous problèmes relatifs aux exigences. Assurez-vous que les personnes qui ne sont pas acceptées comme bénévoles, ne sont pas « actives » dans myscouts.ca et ne côtoient pas les jeunes.

Nous terminons notre première année depuis les changements apportés à la politique en 2012, et nous devons nous concentrer sur la mise en œuvre de ces changements. Je vous demande une fois de plus de nous aider à travailler pour atteindre une conformité complète. Nous avons des dizaines de milliers de bénévoles qui nous ont prouvé qu’il est possible d’être conforme aux exigences en matière de présélection et de formation. Pour la prochaine année de scoutisme, nous pouvons tous démontrer que la sécurité des enfants des jeunes qui nous sont confiés est notre principale priorité en nous assurant que seules les personnes qui suivent les étapes liées à la présélection et à la formation peuvent être bénévoles et travailler avec nos jeunes. Nous devons tous prendre part à ce processus et vos efforts sont grandement appréciés pour nous préparer à une autre belle année de scoutisme.

Salutations scoutes, Michael McKay Commissaire général et directeur général

ARE YOU USING Badge and award information management made easy!

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More effective program planning, badge box inventory management and cost tracking, automated calculation of requirements completion and dynamic information sharing with leaders, youth and parents are just a few of the valuable features.

To find out more about this exciting new web app, visit www.scoutstracker.ca.

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

23

COLUMN

ENGAGING YOUTH

by Michael Burdo B.A., B.S.W. – Youth and Family Counsellor

CURING THE HOMESICK CAMPER For most youth in Scouting, the great

Here are some steps to follow in the

outdoors and camping with friends is a

preparation process:

though that for many of our members, any

1

camp could also be their inaugural

bag, packing for the outing and others.

departure from home – his or her first night

Having a degree of control over the process

without parents. The experience may then

will help provide the child with a feeling of

be filled not only with a mixture of excite-

empowerment.

highlight. It's an exciting aspect of our program that begins with their first overnight trip. We should remember

ment and enthusiasm, but also significant apprehension, anxiety and fear of the unknown.

A Leader may well ask how the event

Encourage parents to include their children in all the tasks required to

prepare for camp. These could

include going to the store to buy a sleeping

2

concerns. Such worries as bedtime, swimming in a lake where creatures

live, animals in the woods and the dark at

outdoors before.

enthusiastic and confident attitude

8 9

about the youth's ability to achieve

usually be quickly diverted. Look for a

natural and, with the help of the youth,

buddy, take part in a fun activity, bring a

Several helpful techniques may be used to

stuffed animal as a “bed buddy”, bring a

facilitate such a positive goal. However, be

picture of a pet or find some other coping

aware that many children experience some

mechanism.

adventure.

their children’s bag.

Talk beforehand about common

youth who have never camped in the big

cope. The youth can pair up with a good

easing the child's challenge with the

a couple of short, upbeat notes in

away from home. Explain that it is

minimizing potential homesickness.

and that our endeavours should involve

Parents can be encouraged to include

feeling homesick on the first time

support and encouragement while

concern is to recognize that this is natural,

run.

night are all natural preoccupations for the

come up with an action plan to deal and

their first overnight camp. The critical

can be suggested as a practice

Openly discuss the possibility of

can be handled in a manner that offers

level of homesickness when they attend

5 6 7

A sleepover at a friend's house

3 4

As a Leader be sure to project an

success at this first stab at independence.

Parents should be advised not to declare that the child will be missed or that they will feel sad to not have

them at home.

Discourage parents from ending a camp early for their children. Rather, encourage them to have faith that

their children will learn and grow form the experience.

Avoid over-reacting to negative comments. Very often the “I hate camp” comment is made at a

downtime or a moment of sadness that can pleasurable activity and keep a high energy pace in the camp routine.

10

At all times, all youth should feel invited to talk with their leader about their feelings.

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

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26

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

FEATURE

THE WORLD’S LARGEST CAP-GUN FIGHT. With events across the country marking the bicentennial of the War of 1812, the Scout Brigade of Fort George is building to celebrate the anniversary of its conclusion, marking the start of 200 years of peace between Canada and the United States in 2014.

T

he Scout Brigade of Fort

relocated it to Fort George in1984 with less

selling period items. The Cub Scout

George is a true example

than 250 participants. Running every year

program has many of the same elements,

of a great idea that’s

since on the third full weekend of Septem-

but also a themed set of smaller group

gotten even better over

ber, the organizers are expecting approxi-

activities. Cubs don’t participate in the

time. It offers a truly

mately 3200 attendees this year – with over

mock battles, giving them something to

amazing experience for

700 coming from the Boy Scouts of

look forward to when they get into Scouts.

all who participate – and many who do,

America. National Commissioner Andrew

Groups can start small and build their

come back year after year.

Price will be in attendance as the honorary

uniforms over a number of years. It makes

camp chief.

a great addition to a Group’s annual

What is it? An annual historic military re-enactment on the grounds of historic

Participating Groups will be assigned to

program.

Fort George in the Town of Niagara-on-

a company and regiment. They will make

the-Lake. It includes thousands of Scouts

replica uniforms of the Royal Newfound-

for those that would like to support site

from Canada and the US, programming for

land Regiment, the 49th Regiment of Foot,

services, first aid and security functions.

Cub Scouts and a ton of fun for everyone

the 8th Kings Regiment, the Royal Artillery

who wants to step into the boots of a

Regiment, the 6th US Regiment, or the

British or US soldier from the years

Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry –

CONTACT INFORMATION

between 1812 and 1814.

all of whom participated in the War of 1812

Registration for 2013 opens June 1 and runs until August 15.

There’s history. There’s adventure.

There’s an opportunity to learn, while having a blast.

The event was started by a group of

on the Niagara Frontier.

There is also an offer of service program

The Scout and Venture Program includes drill and training programs, tours of Ft. George, a parade and free time in the

Scouters from the Greater Toronto Council

town, a number of mock battles, an

who had been involved in a similar event

evening rock concert, badge trading,

at Fort York in downtown Toronto. They

outdoor movies, as well as on-site shops

Visit us online at: sbfg.ca Facebook: facebook.com/thesbfg Twitter: @ScoutBrigade Youtube: ScoutBrigade ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

27

FEATURE

By Bill Mahaffy 11th Courtney, Silver Falls

My Peter Pan List Have you seen The Bucket List? In it two men create a list of things they want to do before they “kick the bucket.” Their lists include exciting adventures, altruistic acts and hilarious hijinks.

When it came out a lot of people started creating their own bucket lists. For members of the Scouting Movement, I think there is an even more important list – the Peter Pan List.

Peter Pan declared that he would never grow up – but real children do just that and all too quickly! As Leaders, we recognize the need for kids to do kids’ things.

Think about the kinds of activities that you took part in as a child. How did they shape your life and help you to develop your self-image? Those activities taught us to be independent. They taught us how the world around us works. They taught us things about ourselves. How often do children today get to experience those activities?

Play in the mud Feed the ducks Find the North Star Fish off the end of

a dock

Ride in a small boat

with an outboard motor See a firefly See a fireworks display Roast marshmallows

Go camping

Skip a stone

Learn to ride a bike

Swim in a lake

Enjoy a campfire story

Build a snow-fort

Paddle a canoe

Build a snowman

Ride a bicycle

Go skating

Ride a horse

Go sliding

My Peter Pan list includes what I see as activities that teach independence and bring youth closer to nature. What would you put on your list? And how can you help your Scouting youth to tick as many boxes as possible?

28

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

Make snow angels

See a parade

Build something out

of lumber

Cook a simple meal

Go to a museum Have a sleep-over Play fetch with a dog Ride a bus Ride a train

See a star-filled sky away from city lights Talk to a grandparent or

other older person to learn a little bit about life when they were young.

Watch a meteor shower

COOL STUFF HERE’S A TERRIFIC IDEA FROM A SCOUTING MOTHER WHO SAW A NEED AT THE GROUP LEVEL. Be honest – as a Leader, do you not get tired of Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts who come to the meetings without the things they’re supposed to have with them? Like shoes? Or their Section book? And when you get to the part of the meeting where the neckers come off, do they get left in a confusing pile?

Well, here’s a set of good quality, Section-specific tote bags that look to us to be just what Akela, Hawkeye or Scouter Bob called for.

Available to Groups in sets of 20 at $12 each, they are the kind of thing that Sections can ask their parents to cover at the first meetings in September and have their kids be sure to remember every week.

Check them out at smartgoodlooking.com

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

29

FEATURE

FIRE, WITHOUT MATCH Stoking the primal desire that comes from going old-school.

The recipe for fire has three ingredients – fuel, heat and oxygen. Building a fire is all about putting the ingredients together in a way that meets your needs.

It is the introduction of heat to fuel and oxygen in the right combination.

Most fires start small – like with a spark applied to delicate fuel, not too tightly wadded up. Small fires create enough sustained heat to light larger bits of fuel, which light more fuel as it is added. Controlling the fire then becomes a matter of choosing how much you add to it, and how often.

30

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

PREPARE YOUR FUELS.

START WITH TINDER.

Collect kindling and the wood you will be

Tinder is is made from materials that catch

burning before you try to light anything. At

a spark readily, or to which a coal can be

camp, challenge the youth not just to collect

added and blown into a flame. It can be

firewood, but to assemble the right

found readily in the woods, but it is always

combination of fuels to get the fire lit and to

handy to have a supply on hand as part of

keep it going. They can divide themselves

a standard fire lighting kit. A variety of

into sub-groups dedicated to tinder, kindling

materials work well, a common favourite

and larger pieces for longer burning.

being dryer lint. A one to two inch length of jute twine works great for several reasons – first and foremost is that it lights readily, but it also travels well. As twine it’s compact and easy to keep at hand. When unwound, it creates an amazing nest of highly combustible tinder.

5 3

6

1 2

4

APPLY HEAT.

THE FIRE KIT 1 Fire stick 2 Fire stick striker 3 Jute pieces 4 Unwound jute, wrapped around a fatwood splinter 5 Fatwood splinters 6 Cedar, cut into various sizes

Probably the most reliable fire-starting heat

ADD SOME SMALL, RESIN-RICH FUEL.

ADD KINDLING AND LARGER FUEL.

source is a Swedish fire stick. The Scout Shop

Tinder burns pretty quickly, so if you don’t

Not every fire needs to be built up to a blazing

sells “The Magic Striker Fire Starter” but the

add some more substantial fuel, you will

inferno. You should plan out how much fuel

most trusted brand, talked about by

lose your fire. Two good choices here are

you will need based on how big you want the

bushcraft experts and survivalists on the

fatwood and cedar. Fatwood is impregnated

fire to be and how long you will want it to last.

Internet, is made by a Swedish company

with resin, very hard and rot-resistant. You

Cooking a quick meal for one or two campers

called “Light My Fire.” You can count on a fire

can cull it from the stumps or taproots of

can be done with just scraps of wood, but if

stick to throw a spark in pretty much any

cut or fallen pine trees. It is also available

you’re looking for a blazing centrepiece for a

conditions. Successfully starting a fire is then

commercially through Canadian Tire and

Troop or Pack campfire, you will need to have

all about prepping your fuel.

other sources. For those who prep-ahead,

plenty of logs for stoking the flames over an

a six-inch piece of cedar lumber will split

evening. Remember though, it’s always nice to

easily with an axe or hatchet, or even a

watch a fire die down – and to plan the singing

good camp knife.

and sketches to go with the glow.

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

31

FEATURE By /ParAndrew Wallwork

THE REAL VALUE OF VOLUNTEERS. LA RÉELLE VALEUR DES BÉNÉVOLES. Recently, a friend posted a link to a job opportunity for a hiking instructor at a local municipality at between $21-25 per hour, plus benefits. The posting got me thinking – how would we put a dollar figure on the amount of work Leaders in Scouting contribute, on an annual basis, at a comparable market rate?

Récemment, un ami a affiché un lien vers une offre d’emploi de guide de randonnées pédestres dont le salaire était de 21 à 25 $ de l’heure, plus les avantages sociaux. Je me suis alors demandé quel genre de salaire les bénévoles recevraient pour leur travail chaque année à un taux horaire comparable.

The actual requirements in the job description were not too far off

Les exigences dans la description d’emploi étaient assez semblables à ce

what most Scout leaders contribute, the only differences being a

que la plupart des animateurs font, la seule différence étant un permis

small bus driver’s licence and an advanced wilderness first aid

de conduire pour les petits autobus et une certification avancée en

certification. Now with MedVents kicking into high gear, a lot of

secourisme en milieu sauvage. Dans le cadre du programme des scouts

our Volunteers will have this soon. Otherwise, the ability to purify

aventuriers médicaux, plusieurs de nos bénévoles obtiendront bientôt

water, navigate on trails and generally ensure group cohesion are

ces certifications. De plus, nos bénévoles sont capables de purifier de

skills our volunteers engage in with youth on a weekly basis. We

l’eau et de guider leur groupe lors de randonnées, et effectuent ces

can add to that all the admin work our Scouters take on – like

activités régulièrement avec leurs jeunes. Nous devons aussi ajouter tout

registration and extensive program planning – which I assume is

le travail administratif accompli par les bénévoles, les inscriptions et la

not a requirement of the job as posted.

planification en détails du programme, qui je suppose, ne fait pas partie

Taking a look at my Scout Troop’s calendar, we’re doing a lot

des exigences dans cette offre d’emploi.

of the same things that the job posting was for. We take our Youth

En regardant le calendrier de ma troupe scoute, je me suis rendu

on hikes, we teach them to cook, we take them camping in a wide

compte que nous faisons beaucoup d’activités en lien avec cette offre

range of environments and we provide them with a lot of

d’emploi. Nous faisons des randonnées pédestres avec nos jeunes, nous

opportunities they don’t get anywhere else. I don’t know of too

leur apprenons à cuisiner, nous les amenons camper dans différents

many other groups that go lightweight backpacking, kayaking

milieux et nous leur faisons vivre des expériences uniques. Je ne connais

and geocaching on a regular basis.

pas beaucoup d’autres groupes qui vont régulièrement faire des

So, to quantify it: based on some fairly broad assumptions, I

excursions, du kayak et de la géocachette.

wouldn’t be surprised if the total time our volunteers put in is

Voici un aperçu des heures de bénévolat effectuées chaque année. Je ne

higher than the numbers I have worked out:

serai pas surpris que nos bénévoles donnent plus d’heures de leur temps

• An average of 2 hours a week in regular meetings, plus half an

que les chiffres que j’avance :

hour or so of prep for a weekly meeting = 80 hrs/year 32

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

• Moyenne de deux heures par semaine pour les rencontres et d’une

• An average of 1 camp every 2 months and 24 hours/weekend of working time, minimum, per camp = 144 hours/year • Program preparation, training and other activities, based on an estimate = 40 hours/year The total comes out to 264 hours per year.

If we work to put a dollar figure on these hours, at the rate the

heure et demie pour la préparation de ces dernières = 80 heures par année

• Moyenne d’un camp chaque deux mois et d’un minimum de 24 heures par camp = 144 heures par année

• réparation du programme, formation et autres activités = 40 heures par année

city is paying for a comparable position, of $21/hour, we would

Le total d’élève à 264 heures par année.

be looking at $5500+ per year per volunteer.

Si nous essayions de mettre un prix sur ce nombre d’heures en utilisant

Multiply that by the 5 very active volunteers I have in my Troop Section, we get over $27,000.

Across my Group, including all leaders it would add up to $97,000.

Across the country, it would add up to millions of dollars of volunteer labour – each and every year.

And let’s remember that, while our volunteers work for the love of Scouting, many actually take money from their own pockets. Gear needed to safely deliver the program comes at a

le taux horaire que la ville donne pour un poste semblable, soit 21 $ de l’heure, le montant s’élèverait à environ 5,500 $ par année par bénévole.

Multipliez ce chiffre par cinq pour les cinq bénévoles dynamiques de ma section, et nous recevrions plus de 27,000 $.

Dans mon groupe, incluant tous les animateurs, cette somme s’élèverait à 97,000 $.

Dans tout le pays, cette somme équivaudrait à des millions de dollars en travail bénévole, chaque année.

Et n’oublions pas que bien que nos bénévoles donnent de leur temps

price. The personal gear you need to deliver program certainly

pour leur amour du scoutisme, beaucoup d’entre eux sortent aussi de

costs a fair chunk of change. Jamboree and camp fees ($400+ per

l’argent de leurs poches. L’équipement nécessaire pour assurer des

week for volunteers) are also there.

programmes sécuritaires a un prix, et l’équipement personnel nécessaire

Most importantly, our volunteers simply donate their most precious asset – their time.

The point here is to put things into perspective – the numbers are eye-opening, and point to just how valuable our volunteers are. Without them, Scouting simply would not happen.

There’s a reason there is a huge “Thanks” button on Scouts.ca

pour mettre en œuvre un programme coûte une somme considérable.

N’oublions pas non plus les frais de Jamboree et de camp pour les bénévoles (400 $ par semaine pour les bénévoles).

Mais n’oublions surtout pas que nos bénévoles nous donnent ce qu’ils ont de plus précieux, leur temps.

Mon objectif est de mettre les choses en perspective. Ces chiffres sont

at the moment. With what our volunteers do, it needs to be

révélateurs et nous montrent à quel point nos bénévoles sont précieux.

pressed – frequently!

Sans eux, le scoutisme ne serait tout simplement pas possible.

C’est pour cette raison qu’il existe un bouton « Merci » sur le site scouts.ca.

Nous devons cliquer aussi souvent que possible sur ce bouton pour souligner le merveilleux travail de nos bénévoles!

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PLANNING FOR THE FALL ONE BIG ADVANTAGE SPRING REGISTRATION IS THAT IT OPENS THE SUMMER UP AS A TIME FOR PLANNING FOR ANOTHER GREAT SCOUTING YEAR. WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE CROSS-SECTION OF YOUTH WHO WILL BE IN EACH SECTION, AND (JUST AS IMPORTANTLY) WHICH LEADERS WILL BE IN PLACE FOR THOSE SECTIONS, SUMMER DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SEEN AS IDLE TIME.

very year of Scouting brings

That’s where training comes in. And

the Leadership team is structured. We

with it a balance of things

again, the summer offers an excellent

know that the meetings will be starting in

that will be as they were

opportunity for new Leaders to take on

September. So how about taking a bit of

before – as every Group has

training. Of course we all know that Scouts

time with the team, after the scheduled

its ways of approaching its

Canada has strict expectations in this

Section meetings have ended, to plan for

yearly program – and those

regard. Scouters should not be on the floor

the coming year?

which will be new and

with the youth until they have undertaken

different. This includes

the required training. On the bright side,

meet over the Internet. The important thing

innovations in addressing

the modules are highly accessible, not

is to take the time to start the discussion

the programming – like new

Some groups meet over coffee. Some

overly time-consuming and pretty

and make the plans. Certainly the rare quiet

ideas for activities and outings. But it also

manageable in general. Training might be

times at camp can offer an opportunity for

includes the inevitable new mix of Leaders

seen by some as kind of a pain in the neck,

the Leaders to share ideas about the coming

in some Sections. As some of the youth

but really, it offers the benefit of a solid

year. But it is easy to lose track of the

progress through the Sections, some parent

grounding for all Leaders in Scouting.

insights and decisions arrived at under the

Leaders will progress with them. So each

As well, the summer is a good time to

stars or by the fire. There should be a

Section will have its share of new Balloos

ensure the police record checks are in

conscious decision to look at the year

and Bagheeras, Ringtails and Rusties and

place and that the Leadership team is

ahead. To get things on the calendar. To

Scouters Bob, Judy or Jim.

properly screened, as well as trained.

look at the program and decide which

In each case, the new Leaders will be

But these are the well-understood

activities might most appeal to the youth.

faced with the need to learn the culture of

requirements that Scouts Canada regularly

the Section with which they may not be

communicates to all Leaders. So the point

ages Leaders to include the youth in

familiar. For those coming into Beaver

here is really just one of timing. We’ve all

planning. So the first step may be to come

Scouts for the first time, or who may be

had the experience of a Scouting year that

up with a list of questions or suggestions

coming into one of the other Sections

starts in the fall in a state of disarray. New

for the section, and a plan to start this

without having volunteered before, the first

Leaders looking a little perplexed, the

Scouting year with a youth-inclusive

requirement is to make sure that they feel

youth excited to be back but perhaps

planning session. The Leadership team

comfortable in their uniforms, as a repre-

lacking a bit of direction, parents wander-

can plan out the broad strokes and have a

sentative of the Scouting way. Which is not

ing in with forms and cheques and overall

good idea what the section should aim to

always easy – on one hand Scouting culture

a sense that the program will get underway

achieve. This will give the youth a frame-

has a lot of specific touch points, and on the

properly in the coming weeks.

work for contribution, and will ensure the

other, the whole notion of “Leadership” carries some daunting expectations.

So the other opportunity to recognize as we head into the summer, is that now is the time for program planning. We know how

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ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

Again, Scouts Canada strongly encour-

alignment of planned activities with overall goals.

L’IMPORTANCE DE LA PLANIFICATION UN DES GRANDS AVANTAGES DE L’INSCRIPTION DU PRINTEMPS EST QU’ELLE NOUS DONNE TOUT L’ÉTÉ POUR PLANIFIER UNE AUTRE FORMIDABLE ANNÉE DE SCOUTISME. SI NOUS CONNAISSONS D’AVANCE LE NOMBRE DE JEUNES ET D’ANIMATEURS DANS CHAQUE SECTION, NOUS POUVONS DÉJÀ COMMENCER À PLANIFIER ET L’ÉTÉ N’A PAS À ÊTRE CONSIDÉRÉ COMME UN TEMPS MORT.

haque nouvelle année

C’est là où la formation entre en compte.

L’été est donc le moment idéal pour

apporte son lot de

Une fois de plus, l’été est la saison idéale pour

entreprendre la planification du programme.

surprises, certaines

que les nouveaux animateurs suivent leur

Nous savons à quoi ressemble l’équipe

choses demeurent,

formation, et nous savons tous que Scouts

d’animateurs. Nous savons que les rencontres

chaque groupe a sa

Canada a des attentes très élevées en la

commencent en septembre. Alors, pourquoi ne

propre façon de

matière. Les membres ne peuvent pas côtoyer

pas passer du temps avec l’équipe

planifier son pro-

les jeunes avant d’avoir effectué la formation

d’animateurs après que les rencontres de

gramme annuel, et

requise. Mais rassurez-vous, les modules de

l’année aient pris fin pour planifier l’année

d’autres changent, par

formation sont très accessibles, assez courts et

suivante?

exemple de nouvelles

ils se font bien. Certains voient peut-être la

Certains groupes vont prendre un café, et

idées d’activités et de sorties sont intégrées au

formation comme un désagrément, mais cette

d’autres vont se rencontrer par Internet.

programme. Il y aura inévitablement des

dernière offre réellement une base solide à

L’important c’est de prendre le temps de

animateurs qui changeront de sections pour

tous les animateurs.

commencer à discuter et à planifier. Les rares

suivre leurs enfants, et chaque section aura son

L’été c’est aussi un bon moment pour

temps morts au camp peuvent certainement

lot de Baloos, de Bagheeras, d’Akela, de Pierre,

s’assurer que toutes les vérifications des

servir de moment pour partager des idées pour

Jean et Jacques.

dossiers de police sont à jour, que tous les

l’année suivante, mais il est facile d’oublier les

bénévoles de l’équipe répondent aux exigences

décisions prises autour d’un feu de camp sous

en matière de sélection et qu’ils sont formés.

les étoiles. Vous devriez tous vous mettre

Dans tous les cas, les animateurs devront en apprendre davantage sur la culture de la section qu’ils ne connaissent peut être pas

Mais vous connaissez bien ces exigences

d’accord pour entamer la planification de

beaucoup. Pour ceux qui se joignent aux scouts

puisque vous recevez régulièrement des

l’année suivante. Vous devriez ensuite inscrire

castors pour la première fois, ou pour les

messages de Scouts Canada à ce sujet.

les activités dans un calendrier et regarder le

nouveaux bénévoles, la première étape consiste

L’objectif de cet article est de vous rappeler

programme pour déterminer les activités les

à s’assurer qu’ils se sentent à l’aise dans leurs

qu’un bon emploi du temps est essentiel. Nous

plus attrayantes pour les jeunes.

uniformes comme représentants du

avons tous déjà vécu un début d’année de

mouvement scout. Ce n’est pas toujours

scoutisme un peu chaotique. Les nouveaux

participer activement à la planification. La

évident, puisque d’un côté la culture du

animateurs qui sont un peu perplexes, les

première étape consiste donc à faire une liste de

scoutisme comporte de nombreux éléments

jeunes qui sont tout excités d’être de retour,

questions et de suggestions pour votre section

concrets et de l’autre, le leadership est une

mais qui manquent d’encadrement, les parents

et à faire un plan pour l’année de scoutisme

notion plutôt abstraite et parfois effrayante.

qui arrivent avec des formulaires et des

avec une session de planification auquel les

chèques, et le sentiment que le programme

jeunes prendront part. Cette façon de faire

commencera réellement dans quelques

permet aux jeunes de prendre part au processus

semaines.

tout en assurant la pertinence des activités

N’oubliez pas d’encourager vos jeunes à

prévues avec les objectifs généraux.

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

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ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

PROGRAM

A STEM ACTIVITY:

The Existential Egg-Chucking Challenge THE CHALLENGE

THE CRITERIA

TO WIN

Teams will throw an egg the distance of the

This is a contest. Points are scored on the

Teams will have to:

length of their meeting room. The task is to

following criteria:

• Think. Taking the time to really

devise a way to protect it, and to keep it

• Whether or not the egg survives.

from breaking.

Each Six or Patrol has to research and consider various ways to package the egg to survive impact. They must then implement the design and have it ready for testing at an assigned Pack or Troop meeting.

Although this is the first point, it is not

consider as many solutions as possible.

• Research. They can’t expect to come up

necessarily the most important. It is

with the best solution on the basis of

possible for a team to win with a broken

one person’s work.

egg. Keep reading!

• Research and scientific consideration.

• Share ideas. Everyone in the team is expected to contribute ideas. Only one

What ideas were considered and

will be selected. Team members will

rejected, and on what basis?

need to listen to each other to decide

• The elegance of the solution.

In engineering, how nice something

which is the best solution.

• Make the actual egg protection

looks is of close secondary importance

system. Ideas are not enough. Teams

to how well it works. Points are awarded

are expected to collect the materials

on the basis of how attractive, simple or

and implement the chosen solution.

ingenious the solution is.

• Group participation.

Each team is also evaluated on the role that each team member played in arriving at the solution. This is not about anyone working on their own – it is about working together as a team.

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

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COMPANY

CANADIANS IN CROATIA In July of 2012, six Venturer Scouts and two Advisors from the 11th Toronto Venturer Scout Company traveled to Croatia to be hosted for two weeks by The Poseidon Scout Group from the city of Split. Together they joined 4 other Scout Groups from other parts of Croatia for a 14 day camp at the beautiful Plitvice National Park.

Over the stay, the Canadian Venturers participated fully into the local program – eating and cooking Croatian meals, sleeping in traditional Croatian military tents, attempting to

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learn basic Croatian, and most of all, experiencing Croatian culture. In addition to the national park, their host was also kind enough to bring them on two sightseeing tours to the cities of Zagreb and Split.

It was very sad for them to leave, as friendships had been struck up, and life-long memories were beingmade. But plans are in place for the Poseidon Group to visit Toronto in the summer of 2014.

ScoutingLife.ca Summer 2013

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