Scouting Life Spring 2014

Baden-Powell. Food + Crafts. A Class Act.

SCOUTING LIFE SOU A RE

RCE FOR SCOUTE

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SPRING 2014

PM 40064684

VOLUME 44, ISSUE 2 Scouting Life Spring 2014

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"No purchase necessary. Closes May 31, 2014 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. Open only to age of majority residents of Canada who are the parent or legal guardian of a child who is a registered participant of the Beaver Scout or Cub Scout Program. Full rules at: www.scouts.ca/hotwheels 2 Grand Prizes ($1250 donation to Child’s RESP and a Hot Wheels® Prize Pack; ARV: $150 each) and 3 Secondary Prizes (Hot Wheels® Prize Pack; ARV: $150 each) available to be won. Odds depend on number of eligible entries. Skill-testing question required." © 2014 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved

SPRING 2014

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3 Editor’s Note: left hand extended.

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 2

CONTENTS

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19 Pack to Camp: a pull-out tool for teaching Youth a

Mot du rédacteur en chef : tendre la main gauche

foundational lesson.

4 Commissioner’s Corner: building our numbers.

23 National Scouter Profile: Doug Reid loves his CJ Creole

Mot du commissaire en chef : faire croître nos effectifs

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27

Sausages

Schooled in Scouting: donning the necker in the lunchroom.

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24 Pizza Ovens: a handy how-to that really delivers.

27 Nostalgia: Arctic Scouting, circa ’66.

Scout-Guide Week: BP on observation and deduction.

La Semaine scoute : un mot de BP sur l’observation et la déduction

31 Engaging Youth: Michael Burdo on learning disabilities

12 Fire Fanatic: a Scouter lets his inner kid out to play.

33 Fundraising: Group, Section or individual account?

14 Adventure and Risk: creating the former by mitigating

34 Sharpie Shirts: a Colony craft to dye for.

the latter.

Aventure et risque : encourager l’un en prévenant l’autre

16 MedVents MedRovers: ready, willing and capable.

36 Scouter’s Album: We asked, you submitted.

Now send us more!

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 Kaylee Galipeau, National Youth Commissioner and Chair of the National Youth Network Steve Kent, Past Chief Commissioner, Contingent Leader 23rd World Scout Jamboree 2015 Doug Reid, Deputy National Commissioner, Program Services Clément Belanger, Group Commissioner & Akela, 1st Hull John Petitti, Executive Director, Marketing & Communications

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

Scouting Life Spring 2014

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Thank ThankYou You to to everyone who who participated participated in the 2013 2013Scout ScoutPopcorn Popcorn Program!

We Welook lookforward forward to to making 2014 2014our ourbest best year year ever!

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

scoutpopcorn.ca scoutpopcorn.ca

EDITOR’S NOTE

LEFT HAND EXTENDED! TENDRE LA MAIN GAUCHE I had a funny experience last fall – actually, several times.

Une histoire cocasse m’est arrivée (à plusieurs reprises) cet automne!

After meeting so many Scouts and Scouters at CJ I found myself greeting people with my

Après avoir rencontré une multitude

left hand out at business

de scouts et d’animateurs au JC, j’ai

meetings and social gatherings.

commencé à saluer les gens avec

It was a twist on that oh-so-

ma main gauche lors de réunions

common hand dance that we

d’affaires et d’événements sociaux.

perform when meeting friends in Scouting and remembering

Il s’agit en quelque sorte d’une variante de cette danse que nos mains

our special handshake halfway into the regular one.

font si souvent lorsqu’on rencontre un ami scout et qu’on se souvient

It always gets a laugh, though. And to my mind we get more out of the hand-shake when we focus more attention on it.

Heading into Scout-Guide Week this year had me thinking about the deeper meaning and values of the movement, so I turned to

de notre poignée de main particulière juste avant le contact des paumes. Ça fait toujours sourire. Je crois qu’une poignée de main peut nous amener à un autre niveau lorsqu’on lui accorde toute notre attention.

Cette année, à l’approche de la Semaine des scouts-guides, j’ai

some of Baden-Powell’s original writings. It was more out of

commencé à songer au sens profond et aux valeurs du mouvement.

curiosity than anything else, but resulted in some good reading and

Par pure curiosité, j’ai consulté certains écrits originaux de Baden-

some thoughts (which you’ll find recorded on page 10.)

Powell et j’ai découvert des passages forts intéressants qui m’ont

I’d like to thank all for the compliments and criticism of the last issue. Knowing what appeals to and bugs the community of Scouters to which you belong helps us to focus the content of

amené à pondre quelques réflexions (que vous pouvez consulter à la page10).

Je tiens à remercier tous ceux qui nous ont fait parvenir leurs

upcoming issues. Please keep in mind though, that we sometimes

commentaires, positifs ou négatifs, au sujet du dernier numéro. Le

find out that what’s terrific to one reader is intolerable to another.

fait de savoir ce qui vous plaît, et ce qui vous déplaît, nous aidera à

We see it as a balancing act.

améliorer le contenu des numéros à venir. Il importe toutefois de

Keep the submissions coming! We’re looking for stories about leadership issues and best practices in Scouting at all levels.

Favourite crafts and games are always appreciated. Questions are welcome too!

rappeler qu’un sujet peut être intéressant pour certains lecteurs et scabreux pour d’autres. Tout est une question d’équilibre.

Continuez de nous écrire! Faites nous parvenir vos histoires de leadership et vos suggestions de pratiques exemplaires, d’activités de bricolage et de jeux. Vos questions sont toujours les bienvenues!

James Morris Editor in Chief, Scouting Life Magazine

James Morris Rédacteur en chef du magazine Scouting Life Scouting Life Spring 2014

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COMMISSIONER’S CORNER • MESSAGE DU COMMISSAIRE ANDREW PRICE

Growing Scouting – one new member at a time

Tout commence avec un nouveau membre

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À

commitment to make it a reality.

sa concrétisation.

Friends in Scouting: fter completing my first year of service as your Chief Commissioner, I have spent some time reflecting on our accomplishments as well as the path ahead. In my holiday greeting to Members, I shared my sincere wish that we continue to work together to share Scouting with more

Canadian families than ever before. While this may seem an audacious goal, I know that we have the collective passion and I am truly excited by the prospect of a bigger and more vibrant

Chers amis du scoutisme, la fin de ma première année de service à titre de commissaire en chef, j’ai pris le temps de réfléchir à nos réalisations ainsi qu’au chemin qu’il nous restait à parcourir. En adressant mes vœux des fêtes aux membres, j’ai exprimé mon désir sincère de continuer à travailler avec eux pour faire découvrir le scoutisme à plus de

familles canadiennes. Bien que cet objectif puisse sembler audacieux, je sais que nous avons la passion et le dévouement collectifs nécessaires à Je suis vraiment enchanté par l’avenir prometteur de Scouts Canada.

Scouts Canada. And, I am keenly awaiting the upcoming

J’attends impatiemment le prochain Sommet national sur le leadership

National Leadership Summit where I will have the opportunity to

où j’aurai la chance de présenter le nouveau plan stratégique de Scouts

share Scouts Canada’s new strategic plan with hundreds of

Canada à des centaines de bénévoles et professionnels des quatre coins

volunteer and professional Scouters from coast to coast.

du pays.

The strategic plan has been developed with input from youth,

Le plan stratégique s’est inspiré directement des idées des jeunes,

parents, and Scouters from each and every Council across

des parents et des bénévoles de chacun des conseils du Canada. Il a été

Canada. It has been designed to help Scouters share great, safe

conçu pour aider les bénévoles à faire vivre des aventures mémorables

Scouting adventures with more Canadian youth. We have drawn

et sécuritaires à plus de jeunes Canadiens. Nous nous sommes

attention to the need to better support our Scouters and to keep

concentré les besoins d'offrir un meilleur soutien à nos bénévoles et de

youth engaged by creating opportunities for them to choose

stimuler l’intérêt des jeunes en leur proposant de choisir eux mêmes

their desired path. Our plan also includes sharing the value of

leur parcours. Notre plan prévoit également de partager les valeurs du

Scouting with parents and encouraging them to get involved

scoutisme avec les parents et de les encourager à être présents dans

in their child’s Scouting experience. I look forward to the

l’expérience de leur enfant. Il me tarde de participer au Sommet

Summit because it will be a great opportunity to share this

puisqu’il s’agira d’une chance en or de présenter ce plan important, de

important plan, meet other Scouters, and build a shared

rencontrer d’autres fervents du scoutisme et de se construire une vision

vision for the future.

commune pour le futur.

National Summits are important events, but building our

Les sommets nationaux sont des évènements importants, mais ce

Movement happens at the local level where our seven thousand

qui donne un souffle à notre mouvement, c’est ce qui se passe à

Sections recruit youth and engage them in great Scouting

l’échelle locale, lorsque nos sept mille sections recrutent et entraînent

programs every week. You can be sure that there are plans to

des jeunes dans des activités passionnantes chaque semaine. Soyez

share the tools, approaches, and discussions from the Summit

assurés que nous partagerons tous les outils, approches et discussions

with all Scouters across Canada – keep an eye on scouts.ca, in

issus de ce Sommet avec nos membres de partout au Canada. Surveillez notre site web scouts.ca, notre magazine Scouting Life ou notre bulletin

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

Scouting Life, and ScoutScene and be sure to ask your Group,

Scène scoute et n’oubliez pas de demander à vos commissaires de

Area, or Council Commissioner for the latest.

groupe, de secteur ou de conseil les plus récents détails.

That said, we certainly don’t have to wait for new tools from

Cela étant dit, pas besoin d’attendre les nouveaux outils pour

the Summit to kick-start growth in our local sections. For me, the

donner amorcer la croissance de nos sections locales. Je pense que la

new year provides a tremendous opportunity to think of the

nouvelle année nous donne l’occasion de réfléchir au futur et de décider

future and commit to trying new things – what better time to be

d’essayer de nouvelles activités. Quel bon moment pour s’assurer que

sure we are using the “plan, do, review” approach in our regular

nous employons l’approche « planification, action, révision » dans nos

programs?

programmes réguliers!

Our Cub Leadership team recently sat down to consider how

Récemment, l’équipe d’animation de nos scouts louveteaux s’est

the year has been going so far. What the Cubs have loved and

arrêtée pour faire le point sur l’année en cours. Elle s’est penchée sur ce

what could have gone better. As we focus on identifying adven-

qui avait plu aux scouts louveteaux, et sur ce qui aurait pu mieux se

tures that the Cubs will find engaging, we know the best way to

dérouler. Nous savons que la meilleure façon de sélectionner les

achieve this is to involve them directly in the planning. Taking

activités les plus stimulantes pour les scouts louveteaux est de leur

the time to plan together as a Pack ensures that everyone

donner un rôle actif dans la planification du programme. En prenant le

understands what we’re doing, is clear about their role, and

temps de planifier nos activités ensemble, dans un esprit de meute, on

comes prepared to have the best possible experience. As we

clarifie les rôles de chacun, on s’assure que chaque membre comprend

reflected on our fire lighting last week, not only did we ask the

bien ce dont il s’agit et se prépare à vivre la meilleure expérience

Cubs if they had fun, but we asked them one simple question:

possible. En effectuant un retour sur notre activité d’allumage de feu de

“what do you know now that you didn’t know before?”

la semaine dernière, nous avons demandé aux scouts louveteaux s’ils

I love all of the seasonal activities that Scouts can participate

avaient eu du plaisir, et leur avons aussi posé cette question toute

in this time of year: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating,

simple : « qu’est-ce que vous savez maintenant que vous ne saviez pas

and building quinzhees all rely on snow and cooler weather.

avant? »

Shorter days allow us to include night hikes, astronomy and wide

J’adore les activités saisonnières qui s’offrent aux scouts à cette

games in our regular weekly programs. In our Group, we’re also

période de l’année : ski de fond, raquette, patinage et construction de

taking some time to visit the local food bank and learn about

quinzy – toutes des activités qui dépendent de la neige et des froides

services provided in our community to those in need. Winter is

températures! Les journées plus courtes sont propices aux randonnées

also the time of BP Banquets, Bring-a-Friend nights, and Kub Kar

nocturnes, à l’astronomie et aux jeux, question de pimenter nos

Rallies.

programmes hebdomadaires! Notre groupe a aussi pris le temps de

With all of these great options available, I remain convinced

visiter notre banque alimentaire locale pour en apprendre davantage sur

that Scouts truly is the start of something great. We empower

les services communautaires offerts aux personnes dans le besoin. Avec

youth to experience things that they wouldn’t think of trying

l’hiver viennent aussi les banquets de Baden Powell, les soirées « Invite

elsewhere. Now is a great time to offer these adventures to even

un ami » et des rallyes louvauto.

more youth: why not invite another youth member to join your

Devant toutes ces formidables possibilités, je demeure convaincu

Colony, Pack, Troop, Company, or Crew? If every Section

que l’aventure scoute est le commencement de quelque chose de

enrolled one new member, seven thousand more young

grand! Nous donnons la chance aux jeunes de vivre des expériences

Canadians would benefit from some of the best Scouting has

uniques. C’est le moment de mettre ces aventures à la portée de tous :

to offer. With your support, we will be One Scouts Canada –

pourquoi ne pas inviter un jeune à se joindre à votre colonie, meute,

Growing Together.

troupe, compagnie ou clan? Si chaque section accueille un nouveau membre, ce sont sept mille jeunes Canadiens qui profiteront du

Yours in Scouting:

meilleur de l’aventure scoute. C’est grâce à votre appui que Scouts Canada est une organisation unie, et nous continuerons à grandir ensemble.

Andrew Price

Salutations scoutes,

Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Governors aprice@scouts.ca Andrew Price Commissaire en chef et président du conseil des gouverneurs aprice@scouts.ca Scouting Life Spring 2014

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TROOP

SCHOOLED IN SCOUTING MY SCOUT TROOP IS A CLASS ACT

By Beth Bow

WHEN BADEN-POWELL RETURNED HOME FROM HIS MILITARY CAREER IN 1907, HE FOUND THE YOUTH OF INDUSTRIALIZED ENGLAND USING HIS “SCOUTING FOR BOYS” TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE WOODS. THAT BECAME THE START OF THE SCOUTING MOVEMENT. 6

Scouting Life Spring 2014

I HAVE TAUGHT IN TORONTO FOR 22 YEARS, MOST OF THEM IN INNER CITY SCHOOLS, AND I BELIEVE THAT MY STUDENTS AND OTHERS LIKE THEM HAVE A NEED FOR SCOUTING THAT IS CLOSELY ALIGNED WITH BP’S VISION FOR THE MOVEMENT.

AT THE TROOP’S FIRST SUMMER CAMP I QUICKLY LEARNED THAT THE KIDS TRULY DO APPRECIATE GETTING OUT OF THE CITY – JUST LIKE THE SUBURBAN KIDS I GREW UP WITH.

I

n 2009, at a Scouting Town Hall

By the end of February, we had made

first, I thought the kids’ tendency to trickle

meeting I listened to a presentation

our own neckers, invested 24 kids and

in after they’ve eaten would be a problem,

proposing the need to get Scouting

attended Scout Truck Races at a local mall.

but it's actually led us to use the Scouting

to inner city neighbourhoods. That’s

At the Troop’s first summer camp I quickly

Method more than at Troop meetings I’ve

when I realized I wasn’t alone in my

learned that the kids truly do appreciate

experienced elsewhere. We teach/instruct/

opinion.

getting out of the city – just like the

model for those who are there and ready to

suburban kids I grew up with. We cooked

start, and as others trickle in, they tell/

age from 11 to 14) had seen my laptop

on Coleman stoves, had campfires and

teach/model for the rest.

screen-saver shots of Scouting camps. On

went for walks.

My students (like Scouts, ranging in

many occasions they had asked me how

What we’ve been doing at Oakdale is

We start each year with investment programs – learning about the promise

they could join. So we spoke to classes and

running a regular core program, in a

and law and what it means to be a Scout.

handed out registration forms. At that

school setting. Because many of the

We make our own neckers, which has

time, I had thought we would meet once a

students cannot stay after school – many

given the Scouts a greater sense of

week, but by the end of the first week I had

get bussed to school or have to look after

belonging. We have designed a crest based

given in to the pleas to let them “come

siblings and can’t stay (also, in our ’hood

on our school mascot, which was pro-

again tomorrow.” Soon the school

it’s dangerous to be on the streets after 4)

duced through a generous donation from

secretary, an EA, and I were spending

– evening programs just don’t work.

someone who understood and shared our

every lunch hour in Portable 2 – our makeshift Scout House.

At just 55 minutes, lunchtime is a bit

vision. We are aiming to get green hoodies

short – so we decided to meet every day. At

as a uniform. We need something that can

Scouting Life Spring 2014

7

be donned quickly at lunch. The idea is to

Haliburton Scout reServe CAnAdA’S LARGeSt WILdeRneSS CAMP Immerse your group in adventure, fun, and excitement at Canada’s Largest Scout Camp with thousands of acres to explore and experience.

• Challenging and Fun Instructorled Programming like: Kayaking, Rappelling, Mountain Biking, Survival, and Sailing.

• All Campsites are lakefront.

• On Site Grocery Store and Medical Facilities • Available to Scouts and Venturers.

• Lose yourself in the starry skies of the Haliburton Lake Area.

sew their challenge and interest badges on the sleeves, and put the ones they get from camps on the back. But money has been an issue for that too.

I had originally thought that traditional Scouting activities wouldn’t be very popular, but boy was I wrong. In particular, none of them can get enough badges. They will do just about anything to earn another one. And knots? I couldn’t get them to stop. We have set up all sorts of tents in the portable. Orienteering and trail making have been big hits too – some made the directions, others followed them. A big favourite with parents is the Scout Trucks each winter. As most schools no longer have “shops,” learning how to use a hammer and saw were skills both the parents and the kids were enthusiastic about.

And then there’s camping. My Oakdale kids can’t get enough of it – although equipment is a challenge. Those who own

Book now for the 2014 camping season. toll free 1 800 263 0930 or 416 690 6364 ext. 236 email: cosc.camps@scouts.ca

sleeping bags are rare, and what they have is usually better suited for a sleepover than a camp in Canadian spring. But we have gotten donations that have helped a lot.

My home Group has a surplus of tents and patrol boxes, so we borrow those, and other Groups have said we can use their equipment.

Sharing my love of the outdoors and getting to know my students outside the school have been a huge thrill for me. If my kids ever complain, it’s usually about not wanting to go home from camp on Sunday because they are having too much fun. The sparkle when they have gone for a hike by themselves, or crossed a creek on stepping stones for the first time is what makes it so worthwhile for me.

Since starting the program, there have been very few days I haven’t been stopped in the halls and asked “when is the next camp?” Every time I hear that, I think of other leaders I’ve spoken to who have had to cancel camps because they didn’t have enough kids signed up. That’s when I think again how BP had it right – it’s my inner city kids who need Scouting the most.

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

I HAD ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THAT TRADITIONAL SCOUTING ACTIVITIES WOULDN’T BE VERY POPULAR, BUT BOY WAS I WRONG. IN PARTICULAR, NONE OF THEM CAN GET ENOUGH BADGES.

Scouting Life Spring 2014

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FEATURE

By James Morris

BADEN-POWELL FOUNDED SCOUTING ON A SET OF IDEAS THAT WAS BASED PARTLY ON WHAT HE KNEW OF HIMSELF AND PARTLY ON WHAT HE SAW IN OTHERS.

A

s the Scouting Movement in Canada moves towards a revitalized program, Scouters across the country are going to be challenged to embrace some new ideas. On the other hand, it’s often been said that there are no new ideas. This is largely the

case with the Canadian Path, of which you must have heard much by now. Read up on your BP and you’ll see what I mean.

How many of us (I wonder) have taken the time to delve into a deeper reading of our Founder’s thoughts, intentions and

BADEN-POWELL A FONDÉ LE MOUVEMENT SCOUT À PARTIR D’UN ENSEMBLE D’IDÉES ET DE PRINCIPES ISSUS DE CE QU’IL A DÉCOUVERT DE LUI MÊME ET DES AUTRES.

D

ans le cadre de la revitalisation des programmes du mouvement scout canadien, les membres de partout au pays se verront présenter de nouvelles idées et des projets novateurs. En fait, on dit souvent qu’il n’y a pas de nouvelles idées, qu’il s’agit seulement de la

progression normale des choses. C’est le cas notamment du Sentier canadien, dont vous avez certainement beaucoup entendu parler. Lisez un peu les écrits de BP et vous verrez ce que je veux dire par là.

Je me demande combien d’entre nous avons pris le temps de lire en

background? Certainly I hadn’t until recently, but I was surprised

profondeur les pensées de notre fondateur, ses intentions et son

by what I found.

histoire? Je ne l’avais pas fait avant tout récemment et j’ai été surpris

BP was in many ways a product of his age, but throughout his life the quirks of his personality made him stand out. At school he

par ce que j’ai découvert.

BP était certainement de son temps, mais tout au long de sa vie, il

learned his best lessons pursuing sole adventures in a forest that

s’est démarqué par sa personnalité nuancée. À l’école, il a fait son

was supposed to be off-limits. What lessons? He sums them up

apprentissage le plus important en partant seul à l’aventure dans la

as observation and deduction. The ability to notice what was

forêt qui était supposément interdite. Quel genre d’apprentissages?

happening around him and to understand its significance.

Il les décrit comme des aventures d’observation et de déduction.

La capacité d’apercevoir ce qui se passait autour de lui et d’en comprendre l’importance.

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

As a Scouter and as a parent, the hardest yet most important

Comme membre et comme parent, la leçon la plus importante et la

lesson I try to instil is the practice of looking beyond the immedi-

plus difficile que j’essaie d’inculquer est celle de regarder au-delà des

ate and towards the bigger picture – which really comes down to

apparences et de regarder la situation dans son ensemble, c’est donc

observation and deduction.

une question d’observation et de déduction.

BP seemed to have that ability in his bones. He had faith in the

BP avait l’air d’avoir cette capacité dans le sang. Il croyait aux

capabilities of youth because that’s when he developed his own.

capacités des jeunes parce que c’est à cet âge qu’il a lui-même

Then he went on to prove the value of observation and deduction

développé les siennes. Il a ensuite prouvé la valeur de ses capacités à

throughout his military career and in founding the Scouting

observer et à déduire tout au long de sa carrière militaire et lors de la

movement.

fondation du mouvement scout.

One great early example he tells of in his writing is how he

Un des exemples impressionnants de ses débuts, dont il fait part

answered a seemingly unanswerable question from his com-

dans ses écrits, est la façon dont il avait répondu à son commandant à

manding officer. “Who is that man and what is he doing?” The

une question à laquelle il n’y avait apparemment pas de réponse. « Qui

man was across a field and so obscured by a rise in the land that

est cet homme et que fait-il? » L’homme était à l’autre bout d’un

all they could see of him was his head and shoulders. BP named

champ et on ne voyait que sa tête et ses épaules en raison de la

the man and suggested that he was returning to camp with some

dénivellation du terrain. BP nomma l’homme et suggéra qu’il retournait

vegetables for the cooks. The commander assumed that BP was

au camp avec des légumes pour les cuisiniers. Le commandant en

faking the knowledge and sent a runner to verify the man’s

déduit que BP avait tout inventé et envoya un coureur vérifier l’identité

identity and purpose. Returning, the runner verified the report.

de l’homme et la raison de sa présence. À son retour, le coureur

How had BP known? He’d recognized the soldier’s distinctive

confirma l’hypothèse de BP. Comment BP avait-il su? Il avait reconnu la

walk (which he had observed earlier) and deduced his purpose

marche distincte du soldat (qu’il avait observé plus tôt) et avait déduit

by time of day and the direction from which he’d come (close

ce qu’il faisait selon l’heure du jour et la direction d’où il arrivait (près

to dinner and along a road in the direction of several farms.)

de l’heure du souper et près d’une route où se trouvaient plusieurs

Observation and deduction. The Officer took note, and later

fermes). Observation et déduction. Le commandant en prit note et

pressed BP into service as a Scout – as it turned out, a

demanda plus tard à BP d’agir comme éclaireur, ce qui fut

fortuitous decision.

apparemment une décision bien heureuse.

At Mafeking, BP observed that the youth in his territory were

À Mafeking, BP observa que les jeunes sur son territoire étaient à la

both dedicated and capable. Giving them tasks meant freeing

fois dévoués et en pleine possession de leurs moyens. En leur donnant

older hands for the actual fighting. He observed the true nature

des tâches, on libérait les plus vieux pour aller au combat. Il observa la

of young people (boys, back then – but we’ve since expanded the

réelle nature des jeunes (des garçons seulement dans ce temps-là, mais

idea) and deduced a greater good that far outlasted the war.

les temps ont changés depuis) et en fit ressortir le meilleur pour le bien

He had discovered a human truth. Something that can be counted on, whatever the circumstances – that bringing out the

commun bien après la guerre.

Il avait découvert une vérité humaine, quelque chose sur quoi on

best in a person means fostering their capabilities through

peut compter, peu importe les circonstances. Quelque chose qui fait

repeated opportunity to experience the pride of achievement in

ressortir le meilleur d’une personne et encourage le développement de

the face of challenge.

ses capacités dans le cadre d’expériences qui donnent un sentiment de

It is that sense of best of self that is at the core of the Scouting movement. Here in Canada, it is the central tenet of the Scout Promise.

It’s easy to get so caught up in Scouting activities that you lose

travail accompli.

C’est ce sens, le meilleur de soi-même, qui est au cœur du mouvement scout. Ici au Canada, c’est l’élément central de la promesse scoute.

sight of Scouting ideals. But BP started with a set of truly powerful

Il est facile de se laisser absorber par nos activités scoutes et de

observations and concepts. Program Revitalization is really about

perdre de vue nos idéaux scouts. Mais n’oublions pas que BP a fondé le

focusing our attention on our true purpose. In this way, all of our

mouvement à partir d’un ensemble d’observations et de concepts très

activities that we engage in can be learning opportunities to

solides. La revitalisation des programmes consiste réellement à nous

accomplish this goal. Just as BP envisioned.

concentrer sur notre véritable mission. Ainsi, nous devons garder en tête notre objectif premier dans toutes les activités que nous faisons, tout

BP’s Scouting for Boys is available through the Scout Shop.

comme BP l’avait imaginé.

There are a myriad of resources available online.

Le livre BP’s Scouting for Boys est en vente au magasin scout.

Vous trouverez aussi d’innombrables ressources en ligne à ce sujet.

Scouting Life Spring 2014

11

FEATURE

FIRE FANATIC CAMPFIRE THOUGHTS

BY JARED GUDNASEN

JARED GUDNASEN WILL BE THE FIRST TO TELL YOU THAT HE CAN’T CARRY A TUNE TO SAVE HIS LIFE. BUT THAT DOESN’T STOP HIM FROM BELTING OUT CAMPFIRE TUNES WITH IRREPRESSIBLE GUSTO. hat is the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the word Campfire? Camping.

Night time. Fun. Smores. In the Scouting community, there are a few more to think about – like Songs.

Skits. Cheers.

songs required getting up and acting silly. Then they wanted us to get up and do skits, which put me right out of my comfort zone.

But I was looking at the silliness from an adult perspective. I couldn't let go and embrace the kid in me. I was OK at the prospect of watching others make fools of themselves, but was way too serious to jump in and do that myself.

All that changed during my first family Woodbadge camp at

While some Scouters (like me) are campfire fanatics, and

Camp Impeesa in southern Alberta. Nestled in the foothills of the

others aren’t so keen on them, most I’ve met fall into the middle

Rocky Mountains, Impeesa is a wonderfully picturesque camp. It

somewhere. When they start thinking about campfire, they think

was the perfect backdrop to some of the best campfires I have ever

words like Embarrassing and Work.

experienced. Gathered with my family and other Scouting families

I like to think of campfire culture as one of the most important

on the hill above the campfire pit around 200 people strong, I had

experiences we give youth in Scouting. Those of you who get

a transformative experience. As the fire was lit and we sang the

campfires will agree with me. For the rest, I'll try to explain why

first couple songs, I found myself feeling a strong sense of togeth-

they’re so important as a tool to help youth grow.

erness. With everyone sharing and enjoying the experience, I

For my first couple years as a Scouter, campfires left me cold.

They involved singing, something I could enjoy, but the action 12

Scouting Life Spring 2014

started to realize that this was our Spirituality, our sense of community, all rolled into one.

Then came the dreaded action songs. All around me, grown

Another point that’s often overlooked is that campfires give us

adults were standing up and flailing about. I would have been the

adults a chance to let loose and be kids again. It might take some

odd man out if I stayed sitting, so up I stood and flailed along.

coaxing and prodding to get some of those Scouters to sing and

I felt incredibly silly. But a minute or two in, I realized something.

act silly, but eventually they get drawn into the fun. And this

I was having fun. A lot of fun. My kids were enthusiastically

builds a connection between Scouters and youth. When the youth

following along, big grins on their faces. Everyone on the hill was

can look at an unself-conscious grown-up, they feel a sense of

being silly, and having a good time. Something in my head clicked. I got it.

At the end of the first evening, I couldn't wait to return to the next night's fire and do it all again. I still wasn't overly fond of the skits, but I dutifully got up with my group and did my bit. Putting my self-consciousness aside, I slowly learned to enjoy those goofy moments as well. By the end of the week, I made a promise to myself to become a campfire

connection. If all the leaders are being silly, the youth has a chance to stop trying to act cool and older and just

Done properly, campfires also provide the youth some of the strongest memories of their camping experience.

A good campfire will burn itself into the memories of the youth.

advocate. My intended Scouting legacy is to promote and share the joy of campfires, and to teach others how to do it right and make it fun.

be a kid. Society tells all of our kids to grow up faster. Campfires are an opportunity to turn that off for a while and just have some silly fun.

Done properly, campfires also provide the youth some of the strongest memories of their camping experience. My family sings campfire songs while driving. A good campfire will burn itself into the memories

of the youth.The excitement, enjoyment and the songs will be there for them for the rest of their lives.

I started keeping a book with campfire songs, skits and cheers – and as I learned new songs I would add them to my book. It

Here are some pointers:

serves as a quick memory jogger for the songs I know, and as a

• Have a loose plan, with a start, middle and end. The end is

quick go-to resource for some skits.

Now, as an advocate, the question comes up… WHY? Why do

probably the most important to close out, with a couple slower group songs to quiet everyone down. Put the exciting action

we do campfires, what makes them so important? Plenty of

songs early or mid where people have the energy. It's OK to

Scouting groups run camps without a campfire program. The

improvise. Ask anyone if they have a song they want to share,

camps are successful – so what is so important about campfires?

invite suggestions and ideas, and work with your other leaders

Are they just a silly Scouting tradition that should be relaxed or retired as we move on into the future? I've met plenty of Scouters

and their strengths. And remember to have FUN. • There are many traditions out there, ranging from the

who don’t place much stock in campfires, or only plan one

friendship log and structured programs to silence at certain

campfire for a two night camp.

times and not clapping etc. An Internet search for campfire

To them I ask the return question: what is Scouting about?

traditions would tell you more than I am aware of. Some

Put the “out” in Scouting. Campfires get you outside (although

Groups follow their own specific traditions, and some don’t

I have had campfires indoors as well), they get us sitting around

hold to any at all. Having been with numerous groups and

Mother Nature's TV. For the older Scout-age youth, the fire itself

experienced campfires with them, I've learned that everyone

helps teach skills like fire building, axe and knife work.

does does them a little differently. Just remember, there are no

Scouting is about community and connection. Campfires get all the youth together, as one, singing together, laughing and having fun.

Scouting helps build self-esteem in our youth. Performing

right or wrong traditions.

• Try not to let the traditions become the campfire. Campfires at their heart are about community, expression and FUN. If the expressionism and fun are stifled by traditions, the campfire

skits, leading songs and cheers, laughing and having fun – all help

experience becomes another footnote to the camp, rather than

the youth build confidence and skills. This is a chance for them to

a defining moment. I have experienced a few “formal”

make up skits, to let their creative ideas flow and to have fun with

campfires which were structured to the point of telling the

their peers.

youth to “sit down and be quiet,” as they were disturbing the

Scouting is about having fun. Campfires are about having fun.

The campfire is also one of Scouting's longest held traditions. We

flow. If we aren't having fun, what's the point?

• When I ask the youth what their favourite part of camp was, I

gather at night, light a fire to chase the darkness away, sing and

expect some of those answers to be “campfire.” I want the kids

play to raise our spirits and enjoy each other’s friendship

singing to each other the next morning, and that spirit to live

and kinship.

through the camp weekend. The campfire should be an event the kids remember and look forward to.

Scouting Life Spring 2014

13

ADVENTURE AND RISK AVENTURE ET RISQUE By/par Andrew Wallwork

It’s no secret that between Sections we have some retention challenges. Of 10 Beaver Scouts, 8 may progress to Cub Scouts, 4 to Scouts, 2 to Venturer Scouts and only 1 to Rover Scouts.

Les difficultés de conservation de l’effectif que nous rencontrons d’une section à l’autre sont bien connues. Sur dix scouts castors, huit vont poursuivre aux scouts louveteaux, quatre aux scouts, deux aux scouts aventuriers et un seul aux scouts routiers.

As Scouters, we might be guilty of wrongly assuming that the youth we serve are too young to face meaningful challenges. In

En tant qu’animateur, il nous arrive peut-être de penser à tort que nos

doing so, we rob them of adventures that they are actually quite

scouts sont trop jeunes pour affronter de véritables défis. Ce faisant,

capable of handling. And so they leave.

nous les privons d’aventures qui leur sont parfaitement accessibles. Et

Taking a look at some of the most talked-about and popular trips I’ve heard described by Scouts and Venturer Scouts, most

ils décrochent.

Lorsque je pense aux excursions les plus mémorables que j’ai

often they were pulled off in the face of great challenge. Scouts of

entendu raconter par les scouts et scouts aventuriers, je me rends

every age love recounting the stories of winter camps where the

compte qu’elles sont souvent le fruit de grands accomplissements. Les

temperature dropped to -30 C, mountains that had seemed too

scouts de tout âge aiment raconter encore et encore leurs histoires de

high, canoe expeditions where their arms were surely going to fall

camps d’hiver où la température frôlait les -30oC, d’expéditions en

off on the second day, scuba certification that had them overcome

canoë où ils ont bien failli perdre leurs deux bras à force de pagayer, de

their fears of breathing under water and the like.

certification de plongée sous-marine où ils sont parvenus à surmonter

Motivating a Troop or Company to embrace adventure can start with a general “what do you want to do?” and a little coach-

leur peur de respirer sous l’eau et autres aventures de ce genre.

Pour donner le goût de l’aventure à une troupe ou une compagnie, il

ing to think big. When they get it – that many things are possible

peut suffire de leur demander « qu’est-ce qu’on fait? » et de les

– a host of activities will end up on their list.

encourager à voir grand. Une fois qu’ils comprennent l’ampleur des

There’s been a lot of talk about the culture of safety within Scouts Canada. Some Scouters may have interpreted this as a

possibilités qui s’offrent à eux, les idées pleuvent!

On parle beaucoup de l’importance de la sécurité chez Scouts

push to avoid adventures. To “dumb down” their programming in

Canada ces jours-ci. Cette question a peut-être freiné certains

the name of safety. In fact, the opposite approach is in keeping

animateurs dans leurs projets d’excursions et les a peut-être incités à

with the ideals of Scouting. Our job is not to avoid all risk, but to

simplifier à outrance leur programme par souci de sécurité. En vérité,

mitigate it. Our members want to think they're doing something

cette attitude entre en contradiction avec la philosophie scoute. Notre

with an element of risk, lessened by the skills and knowledge they

travail n’est pas d’éliminer les risques, mais plutôt de bien les gérer. Nos

have built through their Scouting experience.

membres veulent penser que ce qu’ils accomplissent comporte un

The solution is to encourage and support challenging activities.

Be a coach. Take the adventures to the Court of Honour or 14

Scouting Life Spring 2014

élément de risque qu’ils arrivent à minimiser grâce aux connaissances qu’ils ont acquises.

Executive. Listen to your activity leaders (some of the best input I

La solution est d’encourager et de soutenir les activités stimulantes.

have had has come from them). Work with them to make it

Montrez la voie. Allez défendre vos idées jusqu’en Cour d’honneur.

happen. Plan it, do it and review what happened to see what can

Écoutez vos animateurs d’activité (ils m’ont donné certaines des

be improved next time.

meilleures suggestions que j’ai reçues). Collaborez avec eux. Planifiez,

If we create serious challenges, youth will not only rise to the challenge, but will ultimately be safer as the perceived risk is respected. Furthermore, you will be helping to show that Scouting

passez à l’action puis faites un retour sur les évènements afin de cibler les points à améliorer pour la prochaine fois.

Si nous lançons de véritables défis aux jeunes, ils se montreront à la

is indeed for all ages, and is not something only for “younger kids.”

hauteur et auront une meilleure connaissance et donc un plus grand

An added bonus (through linking activities) is to get the youth in

respect des risques. De plus, vous démontrerez que le scoutisme s’adresse

younger sections looking forward to the adventure inherent in the

aux jeunes de tous âges, et pas seulement aux enfants. En plus de tout ça,

programs they are moving towards.

grâce aux activités de liaison, les plus jeunes, qui entendront parler de ces

To pull this off we need to create a culture of sharing of how to plan adventurous trips safely. Get to know more experienced

aventures, auront hâte de joindre les programmes plus avancés.

Pour réussir notre coup, nous devons créer une communauté de

Scouters in the area (area forums are a great way to do this),

partage pour discuter de la planification de séjours d’aventure sécuritaires.

spend some time researching the trip you are planning (park

Apprendre à connaître les animateurs les plus expérimentés de notre

rangers are a wonderful resource) and take the opportunity to

région (les forums régionaux sont une bonne façon d’y arriver), faire un

become familiar with the site. Often parents want a taste of the

peu de recherche pour bien planifier notre séjour (les garde-forestiers sont

adventure, why not scout the site as a fundraiser by running the

une mine d’or d’informations) et en profiter pour se familiariser avec les

trip at close to professional outfitter rates?

lieux. Comme les parents aiment avoir un avant-goût de l’aventure,

Gear challenges can often be resolved by borrowing more specialized gear (kayaks come to mind) from other Scouting Groups. Of course, it’s important to know that the gear is well

pourquoi ne pas organiser une sortie en éclaireur à un prix comparable à celui d’un séjour guidé professionnel pour amasser des fonds?

Les questions matérielles peuvent souvent être réglées en

cared for, you wouldn’t want to be left hanging on a rope that was

empruntant de l’équipement spécialisé (des kayaks, par exemple) à

worn, for example. In the event you cannot borrow from other

d’autres groupes scouts. Bien sûr, il est important de s’assurer que

groups, many shops will offer a considerable discount on rental

l’équipement est bien entretenu, car vous ne voudriez pas vous

gear to Scouting Groups.

retrouver suspendu au bout d’une corde usée, par exemple. Emprunter

For some activities, specialized training courses are a must.

In order to scuba dive safely, one needs to complete a course and become certified. I have found that being resourceful, and renting

n’est pas une option? Plusieurs magasins offrent aux scouts des rabais substantiels sur la location d’équipement.

Pour certaines activités, une formation spécialisée est indispensable.

swimming pools necessary as a Scout Group at nonprofit rates

Pour pratiquer la plongée de façon sécuritaire, il faut suivre un cours et

can save a considerable expense. Further to that, many dive shops

obtenir une certification. Faire preuve de créativité et profiter des tarifs

are massive supporters of Scouting and will offer their services at

d’organismes à but non lucratif peut permettre d’importantes

a discount.

économies. De plus, de nombreuses boutiques de plongée sont prêtes à

Finally, document your adventures. With the dramatically dropping prices of lightweight cameras and sports cameras such

offrir leurs services à prix réduit aux scouts.

Finalement, n’oubliez pas de documenter vos aventures. Avec la

as the GoPro or Contour, it is possible to produce a video of your

chute drastique des prix des caméras portables et sportives telles que la

journey that can be shared on Group websites to further promote

GoPro ou la Contour, vous pouvez facilement produire une vidéo de

the Group or show families what you are up to. The Scouts Canada

votre séjour à partager sur les pages web de votre groupe en vue d’en

Facebook page is a great place to share your adventures and

faire la promotion ou pour montrer aux familles ce que vous faites. La

connect with other Scouters. Then we can all find out what’s

page Facebook de Scouts Canada est un bon endroit pour partager vos

possible and what’s involved.

aventures et entrer en contact avec d’autres animateurs. De cette façon,

It starts with you becoming aware of what is possible. Use the resources out there to make incredible adventures exciting and safe.

nous serons tous à l’affût des différentes possibilités.

Il suffit de prendre conscience des options qui s’offrent à vous.

Exploitez les ressources disponibles et faites de vos sorties des aventures excitantes et sécuritaires.

Andrew Wallwork is a member of Scouts Canada’s social media team, an advisor with the Fraser Valley ScubaVents, a Rover with

Andrew Wallwork est membre de l’équipe des médias sociaux de

the 180th Pacific Coast Rovers and a troop Scouter with the 21st

Scouts Canada. Il est également conseiller pour la compagnie

South Surrey group.

ScubaVents de la vallée du Fraser. Il fait partie du groupe de scouts routiers 180th Pacific Coast Rovers et anime le 21st South Surrey group.

Scouting Life Spring 2014

15

COMPANY

Ready, willing and capable.

By Tristan Wellings Youth Medical Advisor, Peel Medical Venturers & Rovers

16

Scouting Life Spring 2014

MEDVENTS AND MEDROVERS

Sometimes “being prepared” means being on hand to take care of the unforeseen. Across the country, MedVents and MedRovers look out for youth in Scouting with a dedication that’s just plain admirable.

M

edical Venturer Scouts

assured that your youth are receiving the

the groups to help them pay for uniforms,

and Rover Scouts, or

best training directly from those who

medical equipment and training fees.

MedVents and

provide it in a professional capacity.

MedRovers for short, is

MedVents was originally designed to

Even if the medical profession isn’t for you, but you like helping out, or camping

a vocational form of Venturers and

provide Medical Response and First Aid at

(usually at discounted prices or for free) or

Scouting in Canada. The focus in Med-

CJ’07, the success of the program at the

you’re looking to boost that resumé for a

Vents is to foster the learning and educa-

camp as being a self-contained medical

job with some volunteering, MedVents has

tion of youth to help them develop key

unit was overwhelmingly noted and the

a little something for everyone.

assessment and First Aid/Response skills

interest in pursuing the program as a

which can be applied in a variety of

long-term continual program was

are that they follow the typical Venturer

scenarios and situations. The aims for the

launched.

and Rover program models, the same as a

program are to help encourage youth to

MedVents and Rovers provide First Aid

The main unique factors of MedVents

normal Group. They have presidents,

join the medical field in some aspect,

and Medical First Response services at a

vice-presidents, treasurers etc. to help run

whether that be nursing, paramedicine,

variety of Scouting events, including CJ,

the company effectively.

medical school or many others. Though

World Jamborees and non-Scouting events

designed as a specific and specialized

all together, such as parades, celebrations

their First Aid training to get their chal-

program, MedVents often draws youth and

and much more.

lenge awards or badges? Well then

Advisors alike who are not interested in

As a not-for-profit program, MedVents

Are you a Scouter? Do your youth need

approach a MedVent Company or

joining the medical field, yet love first aid,

often has difficulties in funding its own

MedRover Crew. Here in Peel Region and

love Scouting, or just love helping out.

programs, running as stand-alone pro-

Toronto, we offer First Aid training courses

grams. This is where the community plays

in the GTA. These courses are also typically

medically trained as well; most are

a crucial part in the program’s success.

discounted and designed to suit the

paramedics, nurses, doctors, providers etc.

Companies, corporations, local EMS

unique needs Scouting can have. The

as well as dedicated parent volunteers and

services and many others are often the

programs are typically team oriented,

of course other Scouters. So you can rest

primary sources of funding and income for

whereas a typical First Aid course may not

Our advisors are often professionally

Scouting Life Spring 2014

17

be. Not in the GTA? If you go to www.medvents.ca, you can browse all of the registered MedVent Groups across Canada!

You’ll find that other companies in other locations also offer courses.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS…

After speaking with several first year paramedic students, who have come from MedVents and Rovers, the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. Most of these students say that MedVents and Rovers helped prepare them for the challenges of school, ranging from assessment skills to education surrounding the human anatomy.

Do you need First Aid coverage for your program or event?

Try asking a MedVent Company or MedRover Crew before

Robert Colwell

looking to outside organizations. Get the professionals you want,

4-year MedRover, Kingston Centre

and the Scouting methods you trust all in one. By going to

The MedVent program has taught me many leadership and

www.Medvents.ca you can find all of the Groups’ contact

citizenship skills. It has made me a more aware citizen and

information. Please note that some MedVent Companies charge

taught me how to best respond to any situations aside

for their services or set a “minimum donation” in order to attend.

from emergencies. It has helped me find a rewarding career

This, however, is not required of all Groups, many Groups are

path and has helped me to gain worthwhile experience in

happy with a place to camp and people to treat (or, hopefully,

emergency medicine.

not to treat.)

Have a question? Feel free to contact any of the

Hannah Meldrum

MedVents Companies or Peel Region MedVents at

21st SurDel Medical Venturer/Rover Company

peelmedventsandrovers@gmail.com

What wasn't covered in my Standard First Aid course, I learned from MedVents. The program is helping me to realize that I do

NIGHT

~ An Exciting Camping Adventure ~

SAFARI

at JUNGLE CAT WORLD

Madeline Peccary One experience that stands out from the rest is that on Canada Day 2012, when we were providing first aid service on Parliament Hill, I took care of a lost child whose parents weren't found for a couple of hours. He was in shock, had both knees scraped, and wouldn't talk at all. When the parents were found, I had him talking and stabilized enough for the mother to tell me that her son never talked to anyone before except for just

Night Time Guided Tour through Cat World Zoo

6-year MedVent/MedRover

Evening Meal & Snacks

Heated Bunkhouse Accommodations

45 minutes east of Toronto

Meets Requirements for World Scout Environment Award

Scouting Life Spring 2014

pretty good place to start.

Fun and educational Wildlife Show - meet some amazing Creatures

Www.junglecatworld.com

18

indeed want to work in medicine when I grow up, and it's a

3667 Concession Rd. 6 Orono, Ont. 905-983-5016 info@junglecatworld.com

his parents.

Austin Pitman I started off with no First Aid training. I am now an Emergency Medical Responder HCP AED CPR, and a Standard First Aid Instructor. I was awarded the Medal of Meritorious Conduct for saving a man’s life. As well, I was awarded the Medal of Maple. I have created bonds with friends and enhanced my skills. My end goal is Critical Care Flight Paramedic. MedVents will help me get there.

by James Morris

Ideally, youth in Scouting will be with us for quite a few years. Encouraging parents to properly equip their kids for the adventure ahead is just a good idea.

M

y first camp in Scouts was a

know that my comfort in the woods started

backpacking hike in Algon-

when I won a fire-lighting contest in

considerations – the inherent value in

quin Park. New to the Troop,

Cub Scouts. But to me, one of the most

having the right equipment for the

I was equipped by my parents

important lessons started with that yellow

adventure at hand, and the degree to

with a yellow, nylon backpack with an

World Famous Backpack. I used it for every

which costs may be prohibitive for the

aluminum frame, two compartments and

single Scout camp I ever attended (includ-

parents.

a spot to tie my sleeping bag at the bottom.

ing national and international jamborees

Packing with my older brothers (one was a Scout, the other a Venturer) here’s

and backwoods expeditions).

Knowing how to pack teaches vital

On the second point there are two

Where money is a problem, a little effort and imagination can overcome – Groups can always coordinate to find

what I remember:

thinking-ahead skills. It demands of the

deals and used equipment. On the other

• The heaviest stuff goes closest to

youth that they imagine the expected and

hand, the opportunity to teach the benefits

the unexpected in terms of weather, the

of thinking and planning – not to mention

• Stuff in plastic stays dry.

number of days they will be away, how far

the concept of personal responsibility –

• It makes no sense to bring anything

they will need to transport their gear and

are clearly vital.

your body.

you won’t need.

• Planning ensures you won’t forget anything you will need.

I remember that stuff 40 years later

other considerations.

To my mind, the two most important

Camping requires a set of skills.

Learning to pack is a basic first step

factors for properly teaching the skill of

towards acquiring those skills. What

packing are to encourage parents to let the

follows is a pull-out that can help you to

youth take responsibility for packing their

teach them.

because those were the days that I started

own bags and to think seriously about

learning the skills of camping. To this day I

getting a proper backpack.

Scouting Life Spring 2014

19

20

Scouting Life Spring 2014

Not everything will fit inside

EXTRA STUFF

The compartment at the top of your backpack is ideal for the stuff you’ll want to reach quickly – like a compass, knife, flashlight, sunscreen, etc.

HANDY STUFF

Backpacks often have pouches on the side or on the waist belt. The side

MORE HANDY STUFF

You want anything that feels heavy as near to your back as possible.

This will help a lot with your balance and make you feel less “pulled back.”

HEAVY STUFF

Scouting Life Spring 2014

21

LOOK FOR IT AT THE SCOUT SHOP

Fold and roll your clothes neatly and pack them right above your sleeping bag.

CLOTHES

You don’t want anything hard or pointy sticking through the pack and into your back. Be sure put a jacket or towel along the inside of the pack, where it will connect with your back.

SOFT STUFF

The waist belt is a good place for money, identification and important papers. It is always a good idea to attach a whistle to your shoulder strap.

IMPORTANT STUFF

pouches are ideal for a first aid kit, snacks, etc.

Item#: 083825991753

scoutshop.ca

The Eureka Getaway 63L backpack featured here has two compartments with an internal divider that can be opened to create one large storage area. It features a fully adjustable Velcro ladderlock harness and external accessory pockets that are ideal for small items and easy access. It is perfect for backpacking, canoe tripping or tent camping and ideal for the camping needs of Cub Scouts and older.

Most hiking packs have a bottom compartment. It is the ideal place for your sleeping bag. Put it in a plastic bag to make doubly sure it does not get wet. A small camping pillow and your pyjamas go down there as well. If your pack does not have separate compartments, put your sleeping stuff at the bottom anyway.

SLEEPING STUFF

your pack. You can keep stuff like a sleeping pad (which should be light and compact), a mug or an axe strapped to the outside.

Use your body to create your packing list! Start with your head and go down to your toes.

Think about the likely weather and the planned number of camp days, then figure out what you’ll need for each part of your body.

HEAD

Hat? Sun Screen?

Sun Glasses? Toque?

Balaclava? Shampoo?

MOUTH

Toothbrush? Toothpaste?

Floss? Retainer?

NECK

Scarf? Necker?

CRE ATE YOUR PACKING LIST BODY

Coat? Windbreaker?

Sweater? Fleece?

Long-sleeved Shirts?

T-shirts? Pyjama Top? Swim Shirt?

Soap? Towel?

HANDS

Mittens?

Gloves?

LEGS

Pants? Shorts?

Pyjama Bottoms?

Bathing Suit?

Zzzzz...

SLEEPING

Sleeping Bag? Pillow?

Mattress?

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

FEET

Shoes? Boots?

Swim Shoes?

Sandals? Socks?

NATIONAL SCOUTER PROFILE

DOUG REID

Just like you, the folks whose names you see on Scouts Canada communications and policies are Scouters too. They have Colonies, Packs, Troops, Companies and Crews of their own. We thought you might like to know a little more about them…

Doug’s favourite camp recipe is Creole Sausages, which was featured on the menu at CJ’07 and CJ’13. He likes it at camp so much that he also cooks it at home! His kids call it “Daddy’s famous sausage supper.”

Name: Doug Reid Volunteer position at National: Deputy National Commissioner – Program Services Hometown: Gander, Newfoundland Currently living in: Windsor Junction, NS

Creole Sausages This dish is best served with plain white steamed rice. Time the cooking so that the rice and sausages are ready to serve at the same time.

Ingredients: 1 sweet pepper for every 2-4 campers 1 stalk of celery per camper 1 onion for every 2 campers Garlic to taste Oil 1-2 mild Italian sausages per camper 1 tin of stewed tomatoes for every 4 campers 1 teaspoon sugar Salt and pepper Directions: 1. Wash peppers and celery in clean water, dice them and save in a bowl.

2. Peel and mince the onions and garlic and add to diced vegetables.

3. Grease a frying pan with enough oil to just cover the bottom. Wait for the oil to get hot, then cook the vegetables/onion mix for 2 to 5 minutes, or until soft.

4. Take the cooked veggies out of the frying pan and put them back in the bowl.

5. Re-grease the frying pan if necessary, then slice the sausages into half-inch pieces and fry until they are browned and cooked to the centre.

6. Add the stewed tomatoes and vegetable mixture to the sausages.

7. Add sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.

8. Cook until bubbling.

Languages spoken: English and Newfinese Scouting History: I registered as a Cub Scout with First St. Martin’s Scout Group in 1971.

From there I continued up through the Scouting Sections, earning my Chief Scout’s Award and becoming a volunteer in 1981.

I stayed with the First St. Martin’s Scout Group for 26 years, before moving to the Halifax area in 1997. For the past nine years I have been a member of the First Riverlake Scout Group in Fall River, N.S., first in the Scout Troop, followed by the Venturer Scouts, Cub Scouts and this year, back to Troop.

While in Gander I served in various District roles including acting as a Trainer, Assistant District Commissioner and three years as District Commissioner.

In February 2010 I was appointed as the Deputy Council Commissioner for Program with the Nova Scotia Council. In July of that year, I was appointed the Deputy National Commissioner – Program Services, and I serve as a member of the National Leadership Team.

In June 2013 I marked my 25th year as a Scouts Canada volunteer.

Favourite Camp Song: “Found a Peanut” Another Interesting Fact: I have attended, as a youth or as a volunteer, 17 Provincial, National and World Jamborees since 1977. My Scouting friends say I’m a Jamboreeaholic.

Scouting Life Spring 2014

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L A I C E SP IVERY L E D

YOUR CHOICE Pizza 1 pita bread

s avie D A TH ung I o W Y A P? aul AM AND AW S to P C G s T k N L n HE NNI ZA A Tha PIZ LE PL A N IN T CS, I T SO AM LIT K LES N Y IC OD QU RM E H T O F B ET! YOU

WHAT YOU NEED

PACK

7 pepperoni slices Green and red pepper (by choice) Grated cheese

Calzone 1. 1 pita bread cut into two parts and opened up 2. Pizza sauce spread inside each half of pita bread 3. 3 pepperoni slices placed in each half of pita bread 4. Green and red pepper placed inside each half of pita bread 5. Grated cheese placed inside each half of pita bread 6. Pita bread halves wrapped in tinfoil

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

NOTES

Pizza sauce spread across one side of pita bread

MATERIALS

TOOLS

• Photocopy paper cardboard box (this style of box is best as the lid fits and no cutting is required) or any box with a replaceable lid.

• 1 large roll of aluminum foil (to line the box).

• 3 metal coat hangers (uncoated and unpainted).

• Wire cutters – to cut the coat hangers.

• An awl – to punch holes in the sides of the box.

• A stapler – to attach the foil to the box (some kids struggle to make the foil lay flat)

HEAT SOURCES Use either commercial charcoal briquettes or hardwood coals from your campfire.

TIMING The boxes should be completed well in advance. The youth can prepare their pizza/calzone for cooking around 10 minutes before the heat source is ready.

Your campfire needs to have burned down to glowing coals, or your charcoal briquettes heated until they are coloured grey.

COOKING Cooking time will be around 20-30 minutes. You can check every 10 minutes, but do not leave the lid open for more than a few seconds as the oven will cool down.

SAFETY • Youth should be kept well back from the hot coals or charcoal when it is being transferred to the ovens.

• Allow a leader to lift the pizzas or calzones from the oven so that kids’ fingers do not get burned.

• Remember to use pot holders or oven mitts.

• Allow the food to cool before serving – it will be hot out of the oven.

HOW-TO 1

Cover every inch of the inside of the box and lid with tinfoil, shiny side up. (Exposed cardboard may burn, so be thorough. Ensure that the tinfoil is tucked tight against the inside of the box and that the foil is applied without tearing.)

2

Place two hardwood blocks in the bottom of the box to raise the heating tray from the bottom of the box.

3

Place heating tray on the wooden blocks (there must be at least 1� space around the edges to allow for heat circulation) and place the lid of the box firmly on the body.

4

8

7

6

5

Put the lid back on to start the cooking process.

Being careful of the heat, place your food on the cooking tray and set it on the wire rods.

Remove the lid and (using a shovel) place hot coals on the heating tray (see Heat Source).

Punch 3 holes through each side of the box, high enough to support the cooking tray above the heating tray, and with enough separation to hold it well. Be sure not to tear the tin foil.

Cut the base from 3 metal shirt hangers (without plastic coating) and push them through the holes. Bend the ends to secure them in place.

Scouting Life Spring 2014

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SCOUTING LIFE

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

SEND US YOUR STORIES AND PHOTOS! Stories about your leadership ideas and experiences. Pictures of youth in action.

Contact the Editor directly at scoutinglife@scouts.ca

FEATURE

By Ted Morris

A FOND LOOK BACK In the Arctic in 1966, the name Iqaluit was yet to be revived – I had the pleasure and the challenge of practicing Scouting on the pioneer fringe with the 1st Frobisher Bay Scout Troop.

Back then when a Scoutmaster headed south after a two- or three-year stint on Baffin Island (as was the norm), Scouting lapsed until new volunteers could be found. The Troop thrived, hibernated and revived with the available leadership – and so it was ready and waiting for me when I arrived. My qualifications?

Queen’s Scout, Bushman’s Thong and leadership experience in Packs, Troops and Crews – and I was present and enthused. But I

THE COMPASS WAS A MARGINAL NAVIGATIONAL TOOL. IN THE NORTH, THE CLOSER YOU GET TO THE MAGNETIC NORTH POLE, THE MORE THE NEEDLE DOES WILD DANCES.

quickly learned that Scouting in Frobisher Bay meant adapting mainstream Scouting to the differences in the Canadian Arctic. It meant being innovative.

Camping wasn’t a problem. In the Arctic it’s a way of life – winter or summer. Outdoor cooking? Coleman is a well known name. However, in the Arctic cold naphtha fuel does not

Bannock as Scout food? Every Inuk packs a bag for the men when they go hunting. Instant energy with no fuss, and it is bulk for an empty belly.

The Scouts really took to map reading. But the compass was a

evaporate – and therefore doesn’t burn. The trick we learned was

marginal navigational tool. In the North, the closer you get to the

to light a small can of Sterno under the generator to bring the fuel

magnetic north pole, the more the needle does wild dances.

up to ignition temperature. Then, once it started burning, we

One of my favourite memories relates to a challenge we had

removed the sterno and saved it for later when the Coleman

meeting the requirements the Scouts faced in earning their First

needed another jump-start.

Class designation. Second Class was attainable and my Scouts Scouting Life Spring 2014

27

TAMARACOUTA SCOUT RESERVE RÉSERVE SCOUTE TAMARACOUTA 100 years of experience / cents ans d’expérience Co-ed / garçons et filles Special needs accommodated / adaptation aux besoins spéciaux Located in the heart  of the Laurentians / Situé dans le  des Laurentides Ages 8-16 / 8 à 16 ans Theme-based outdoor fun / divertissements thématiques en plein air Four season camp with high adventure programs / camp quatre saisons et grandes aventures Reserve as a group or individually / réservation individuelle ou en groupe Leader-in-Training Program Ages 15-16 / Programme Animateur en formation 15 à 16 ans

Spring Break Camp March 3-7 Camp de la relâche scolaire 3 mars au 7 mars

1-866-438-4096 reservations@tamaracouta.com www.tamaracouta.com

It starts with Scouts.

Tout commence avec les Scouts.

is April 27–MAy 4 Mark the fifth annual Good Turn Week with bigger and bolder good turns.

Scouts Canada is looking to fund 10-15 Good Turn Week Projects, up to $2,000 per project!

For More inForMaTion viSiT SCouTS.Ca/GoodTurn 28

Scouting Life Spring 2014

could earn every badge necessary to qualify as a Queen’s Scout.

Then inspiration struck. Why not cut down a hydro pole?

But for the First Class they met a barrier that would prevent them

In mid March the temperature had warmed up to minus 23

from earning the highest award in Scouting. The requirement?

degrees and daylight was now 12 hours a day. So armed with one

They had to fell a tree.

axe and official permission, the eight members and two leaders

Cut one down? The majority of kids in town had never even

of our Troop made for a pole declared surplus by the NCPC. It

seen a tree – except in their school books. The closest upright tree

stood between the Territorial Liquor Store and the base Hudson’s

was hundreds of miles to the south, at the tree line.

Bay store. The electrical wire had long gone and it served no purpose.

THE MAJORITY OF KIDS IN TOWN HAD NEVER EVEN SEEN A TREE – EXCEPT IN THEIR SCHOOL BOOKS. THE CLOSEST UPRIGHT TREE WAS HUNDREDS OF MILES TO THE SOUTH, AT THE TREE LINE.

An axe north of the tree line? Where did it come from? Inuit households used them for hacking pieces of frozen seal stored in their outdoor game caches. We went through the rituals of sharpening the axe and planning where to notch the “tree” in order to have it fall in the right direction.

As Scoutmaster, I was accorded the honour of the first swing.

(By this time a considerable crowd of parents and townsfolk had gathered.) I suspect that alternate freezing and thawing tempers wood. When the axe hit, the handle vibrated like a buzzer and a

I stress “upright” because we did have trees. The arctic willow can grow 25 feet in length, but it doesn’t look like a tree. The

small dent was the start of the notch.

For the next hour all eight Scouts took turns worrying the pole

permafrost limits root penetration to six inches, so the plant

so as to have their part in chopping down the “tree”. The crowd

crawls along the ground – sometimes attaining the lofty height of

applauded when a larger than usual chunk flew out. The poor

six inches. It lies buried under the snow all winter and in the

old pole was suffering the death of a thousand cuts and it looked

spring sprouts pussy willows. Felling an arctic willow would have

as though it had been attacked by a mad beaver.

required not an axe but a pocket knife. And considering the effort

The final swing set the pole to tottering and the Troop (and

they take to grow, cutting it would have been an act of vandalism

spectators) withdrew to the designated safety area. It wobbled

– even in the pre-“leave no trace” days of Scouting.

slightly then, ignoring our calculations, landed neither fore nor

Looking around the tundra, the closest thing we had to what most people think of as a tree were the utility poles planted by the

aft, but twisted to the side and hit the liquor store.

The crowd applauded.

Northern Canada Power Commission, our purveyor of electricity.

Scouting Life Spring 2014

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

COLUMN

ENGAGING YOUTH

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

HELPING YOUTH WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

E

ncountering youth with learning

• May have dyslexia with the verbal form

• Build in an emotional support system

disabilities can be challenging at first.

of a learning disability resulting in

such as an understanding and

The disability has no correlation to

challenges with processing and

empathetic counsellor/leader who

his or her intelligence. Alexander

recognizing letters and sounds affiliated

listens well and avoids judging the

Graham Bell, Walt Disney and Winston Churchill were all influential

people with learning disabilities. Learning disabilities present issues that affect the brain’s capability to store information, analyze, process and receive the data. The

with them • May read well but have difficulty with comprehension • Difficulty with writing, forming words and sentences • Nonverbal learning disabled youth have

youth • Have in place an adult who is able to advocate for the youth and who the youth can seek assistance from to formulate basic goals, learn solving problem techniques and develop a

inability to concentrate, to focus and to

visual processing challenges, e.g.,

knowledge of what learning methods

distract or wonder with one’s thoughts are

confusing math signs, challenges with

work best for the youth

specific features of one facet of a type of learning disability. Another form of the

abstract thinking/processing • Difficult impulse control and over

disability sees the youth experiencing

activity better known as Attention

challenges with solving mathematical

Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is

problems, with writing, spelling or reading.

frequently characteristic of youth with

Approximately four million youth and

learning disabilities

teens of school age experience learning

• Leaders need to be supportive and understanding in helping the child feel accepted and appreciated • The youth will require encouragement and empathy to experience successes • Partner with the parents to discover what works best for the learning

disabilities. 20 per cent of them are coping

COPING STRATEGIES:

with issues regarding the challenge to focus

• Focus on the youth’s strengths

in a manageable manner.

• Be cognizant of weakness and search

SIGNS OF LEARNING DISABILITIES:

• Build up the youth’s self-esteem

can assist them in gaining set out dreams

• Hard time communicating effectively

• Develop his or her sense of

and goals acclimatizing to their different

for strategies that overcome challenges

with parents and Scouters

independence

disabled youth Through our caring and diligent support for learning disabled youth in Scouting, we

learning strategies. Learning disabilities are

• Difficulty with focusing in activities

• Acknowledge strengths

not outgrown and there is not a cure for

• Difficulty with comprehending the

• Encourage successes

them. However, we can play a significant

• Formulate emotional coping strategies

role in ensuring the happiness and welfare

rules for a game • Challenges with carrying out

for stress, anger management,

of all our Scouting youth inclusive of those

assignments that are deemed easy to

relaxation methods such as exercise,

with a learning disability.

complete

deep breathing, running etc.

Scouting Life Spring 2014

31

17th Annual

JAMBOREE ON THE TRAIL JOTT MAY 10

2014

Join with members of the World Scouting Movement as we hike together – all around the world.

It’s a great linking activity for your group, area or council. For details check jamboreeonthetrail.org or contact Dave Wiebe at sctdave@niagara.com or phone 289-439-1024.

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

encourages participation as a fundamental aspect of the program. This both encourages and relies on esprit de corps and requires dedication from parents that goes

FUNDRAISING BUY-IN

beyond their weekly drop-offs and pick-ups.

I like the idea of communicating to the Beaver Scouts, in the spirit of linking, that their efforts will help the Scouts on the road to an adventure. The message then becomes a part of an ongoing understanding that when they become Scouts they will get to participate in exciting adventures too.

It’s worth addressing the other benefits of fundraising, which are born out in the

What’s the best way to make sure you get results – for your Group, for your Sections and for your youth?

experience gained by participating youth, and in an increased awareness of Scouting in the community.

T

By James Morris

to “apple central” rather than making a

From the youth’s point of view, the

he purpose of this article is not to

direct pitch themselves. The advantage is

processes of selling something or asking for

suggest that there is a “best way” to

two-fold in that senior Cubs aspire to the

sponsorship – whether door-to-door or at

fundraise. But as Scouting runs largely

change in role. Conversely, Scouts are

some kind of a booth or event – may be

on volunteerism and donations, it is

better set to do the door-to-door work

onerous, but they provide a sense of getting

required by popcorn sales.

out what they have put in. For me it was

an important subject. So what we’re trying to do is to start a few conversations and maybe address some challenges.

When I was a Scout I was regularly sent

But whether we’re talking Apple Day or Popcorn or Car Washes or manure sales (see the Spring 2012 Issue of Scouting Life),

light bulbs. For them it will be whatever you set it up to be.

And from the point of view of commu-

into the neighbourhood to hawk stuff. I

real success depends on maximized

nity awareness, nothing puts a face on

donned my uniform, grabbed a sack of

participation. And the shared experience of

Scouting in the neighbourhood like the

whatever I was selling and hit the streets –

many a weary Scouter is that all too often

upturned face of an earnest youth in

finger extended at doorbell level. One of

parental support of fundraising efforts is

uniform, dedicated to the movement. As

our Scouters had had the idea that we

lacking. The reality is that garnering

my son went door to door selling popcorn

should sell something that everybody

financial support should be a Group effort.

this year, his stated goal of raising money

needed, so he got a bulk deal on light bulbs,

The organizers are invariably volunteers

for the World Jamboree in Japan in two

repackaged them with a “thank you for

who regularly give of themselves in a

years became a successful part of his pitch.

supporting Scouts” sticker and pushed us

number of other ways. The key to success is

The neighbours were impressed with him

out the door.

parental support.

and learned a little about Scouting.

Now we have Scout Popcorn as a

My Group addresses this by running on

One final note addresses the idea of

national program, Scout Trees, Apple Day

an individual account system. We track the

competition. On one hand, a challenge to

and other activities that Groups across the

amount that each youth raises and put it

be the best can be a real motivation for

country engage in to up the balance in their

back towards the costs of their Scouting

many youth. The Scout who does less than

coffers and to support Scouting in general.

activities. So a Beaver selling popcorn today

his or her best one year can feel inspired to

And for all of us, the challenge is to engage

could be starting towards paying for a

do better the next when another kid takes

the interest and support of our youth and

Jamboree in 2018. And any time the parents

the prize. But if you have no controls in

their families.

ask, we can give them an accounting of

place to allow for such factors as parental

Its well known (I think) that the ratio of

where their child stands in terms of funds

participation, the competition can become

donations per apple declines as the youth

raised. We’ve found that participation has

skewed. One solution is to ask parents to

get older. I know of one Troop that assigns

gone up significantly since we implement-

keep track of sales that are a result of their

its Scouts as supply chain managers,

ed this approach.

efforts, as opposed to those of their

keeping the Beaver and Cub Scouts’ baskets full through many back-and-forths

Other Groups prefer to work on an “all for one and one for all” approach that

children, and to only include the Youth’s achievements in any competition.

Scouting Life Spring 2014

33

COLONY

For a terrific tie-dye effect, use coloured Sharpies on a t-shirt, then bleed the ink with a drop of isopropyl alcohol. It’s a new approach to a triedand-true craft – but takes less time to set up and clean up, is easier for younger hands to manage and can be completed within a single meeting.

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

DIRECTIONS

REQUIRED: Coloured Sharpie pens Rubbing alcohol (70% or 90% isopropyl alcohol) Plastic serving trays White or light-coloured cotton t-shirts Card stock Eye droppers

1

Smooth a section of the shirt over a plastic serving tray and place card stock behind the area you intend to work on.You can place a printed design inside the shirt as a guide.

3

Use the eye dropper to drip rubbing alcohol on the ink. Add more drops to control the colour spread.

TIPS

2

Use the Sharpies (you can use more than one colour) to draw a dotted or line-based design on the shirt.

4

When the shirts are dry, set the colours by tumbling them in a hot clothes dryer for 15 minutes.

Suggest shapes that align with themes (hearts for Valentine’s Day, etc.).

Do one big design or a number of smaller ones.

Allow the alcohol to evaporate before adding more colours to the design.

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35

SCOUTER'S ALBUM We asked you for pictures and you responded with images that show off Scouting at its best. These terrific shots were submitted by Scouters like you!

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Scouting Life Spring 2014

SHARE YOUR SHOTS!

GOT SOME GREAT SHOTS OF YOUR OWN TO SHARE? GET IN TOUCH WITH US AT SCOUTING LIFE@SCOUTS.CA!

Scouting Life Spring 2014

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