As we enter a new season of meetings, hikes, camps, and
adventures, let's take a moment to give thanks for the opportunity to have new
beginnings. We are thankful for the youth with their boundless energy and
curiosity. We are thankful for the their families who choose Scouting as
an activity they value and for their assistance with our program. We are
thankful to have dedicated adult volunteers to share their precious time with
the youth of our communities. We are thankful for experienced staff
members who listen and coach with respect. As we move into this Scouting
year, I offer you this challenge which came to me from a service at our
church: "Let us learn from the youth. Let us learn how to live each
day as an adventure in new understanding. Let us be learners for
life." Marilyn Johnson, Your Council Commissioner
ATTENTION YOUTH MEMBERS!!!!!! Dear section leaders and Group Committee
members, as this newsletter is addressed to you, I kindly request you share this
information with your youth members. You may even want to consider
extending the challenge to create a "Group" cheer. Thank you, Marilyn
Johnson, your Council Commissioner.
"We got spirit, yes we do!
We got
spirit, how about you?"
Take these words, imagine them
being chanted at the top of one's voice capacity by 200 campers and you get the
idea. This is Scouting spirit in action at Camp Opemikon. My
challenge, to our youth members, is to spread this spirit across all of Voyageur
Council, throughout all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec! How, you
ask? Simple, let's begin the challenge with the creation of a "Voyageur
Cheer". So here is a contest for you. We are looking for a cheer, 4
to 6 lines in length, that will identify us as members of Voyageur
Council. The cheer may be used at opening and closing ceremonies for
events, meetings both here within our region and at provincial or national or
international events. This contest is open to all youth members registered
in Voyageur Council for the 2002-03 Scouting year. Deadline for entry is
31 October 2002. Winner will be announced in the November Vision and the
cheer will be demonstrated at the Annual General Meeting on December 7.
2002. Winning entry will receive prizes from a selection of Scouting wear
and gadgets. Entries should include the youth's name, Group's name, Area,
and home phone number. Send entries to dcc-program@voyageur.scouts.ca.
Good luck everyone.
WHAT'S NEW?
As we begin a new year, it is a good time
to remind all of a few changes to Scouting procedures and policies.
POLICE RECORDS CHECKS:
1. It is
the responsibility of each individual to obtain their own police records
check. You do so by visiting a local police services office and request
the check. Advise that you are a volunteer for Scouts Canada. A
small fee may apply. You will be provided a Canadian Police
Certificate. Make a copy of the certificate. Provide both the
original and copy to your Council Field Executive who will verify the copy and
it will be placed on your Scouting file. You may then use the original for
other youth associations for which you volunteer, as a PRC is becoming the norm
for most youth oriented associations these days.
2. Effective 1 September 2002, ALL adult volunteers and staff members of Scouts Canada MUST have a clean PRC. If you have a criminal record of any nature, you must obtain a pardon before becoming a member of Scouts Canada.
3. PRCs are to be renewed every three years.
NOTE: Breaking news on Ottawa Police Records Checks. If you walk into the Ottawa Police Station at 474 Elgin requesting a PRC you will be charged $10. If you designate one person in your group to collect, check, send and receive the documentation and follow Ottawa Police procedures, as listed on the form, you will NOT be charged. This is for the Elgin Street location only. The correct form has two pages including a 'Form 1' and 'Consent and Authorization for Police Record Check' , revised December 15, 2002. The procedures are printed on the back of the first page. Correct forms can be picked up from Voyageur Council office.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY GUIDE
This guide has
been updated. It now includes activity related policies and procedures
that were previously in BP&P. Thus, you have all the info in one
package now, the Outdoor Activity Guide. It may be found on the Scouts
Canada web site.
We draw your attention to Appendix "K". Adults attending events or assisting in the delivery of programs are placed in three categories. Each category requires a varying level of screening and supervision. Under Category II, "volunteer helpers" at an overnight activity require a clean PRC. DON'T PANIC - the reality of the matter is that many of our volunteer helpers are parents; and many parents already have a check done and have the Canadian Police Certificate as a result of volunteering with other youth agencies or in our schools.
Clarification was requested specifically around Colony camps, but also in the broader sense of when is an adult considered a "parent" as in category I and or a "volunteer helper" as in category II. A parent or guardian who accompanies their son or daughter to an event or overnight camp, is doing so in the role as a parent, as in category I, and is NOT required to complete a PRC. If a parent takes on the responsibility of another child, other than their own, at the request of the other child's parent, they are still in a parent role and do not require a PRC. If the parent, has been recruited by a leader or has volunteered to oversee a specific activity while at camp, and thus will have a specific leadership role in that activity, they are now categorized as a "volunteer helper", Category II and do require a PRC. On the other hand, if a section leader is overseeing an activity and at the camp recruits some assistance from parents; that is a temporary, non planned, non leadership role and a PRC is not required. Remember, all of these procedures are in place to ensure, to the best of our ability, the safety and well being of our youth and adult members.
The process for verifying the police check remains the responsibility of Council Field Executives. A copy of the original Canadian Police Certificate is to be made, verified by the Field Executive and placed in the Group's file at the Council office. Remember this is required only for those parents taking a leadership role as a volunteer helper. Contact your Council Field Executive to arrange for completion of this verification process. PLEASE provide ample time to set appropriate scheduling of this matter. Also remember that once completed, this check is in effect for three years.
TWO DEEP LEADERSHIP
Scouts Canada has
strengthened the regulations regarding Two-Deep leadership. Effective
immediately, no less than two adults (18 years or older), one of whom must be a
registered member, must be present at any Colony, Pack or Troop section meeting,
activity or event. For the most part, this is already the practice in
Scouting. This protects both the youth and the adult members.
With regards to transportation of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, any adult who is acting on behalf of Scouts Canada, must never be alone in a car with youth members who are not their own children. We need to differentiate between the two roles an adult may have as both a parent and an adult volunteer member. If their role is as an adult volunteer member, there must be two adults present in the vehicle. If the role is that of a parent, then they will have to make the decision as to what is appropriate as a parent. For example: let's look at the case of two neighbouring parents of Cubs who share driving of their children to and from Pack meetings. One of the parents is a Cub leader and the other is not. Can the Cub leader still drive the other youth to the meeting when it is his/her turn in the carpool without having another adult in the vehicle. The answer is "yes", as a parent this is your decision. In this situation, you are not acting on behalf of Scouts Canada, but as a parent acting on behalf of the other parent. Please note the insurance coverage for volunteers transporting youth is one of personal coverage. You should have a minimum of one million dollars liability. We suggest you contact your personal insurance agent to advise that you do transport youth as a volunteer and seek their counsel. Also, it is worth repeating, NEVER be alone with a youth in a vehicle unless that child is your own.
Transportation of youth to and from activities is the
responsibility of the parent or guardian. This applies in all other
activities such as soccer, hockey and gymnastics. We as leaders, should
NOT be arranging transportation. Once we do so, we are
acting on behalf of Scouts Canada and the policy of Two-deep then
applies.
Marilyn Johnson - Council Commissioner
HONOURS and AWARDS - "The best thing to do behind a person's back is to pat it."
- Franklin P. Jones
Voyageur Council is pleased to
announce and congratulate Scouter Marilyn Johnson, our Council
Commissioner who was presented the Medal of Merit at the Commissioners Forum
this past weekend. Congratulations Marilyn!!
Stan
Lasenba, Voyageur Council Honours & Awards Chair, awards@voyageur.scouts.ca
CONGRATULATIONS to Mike (OPE Camp Chief, Summer 2002) and Beth Turtle on the
birth of their daughter Erin Cassidy Allison Turtle on September 14, 2002.
Erin tipped the scales at 9 lb., 10.5 oz.
STAFF CHANGES - Voyageur Council is pleased to announce the recent appointment
of Jon Wiersma to the position of Quebec Council Executive Director.
For those of you unfamiliar with Jon's Scouting background, he was a Cub leader
and Venturer advisor in West Montreal before joining staff as a Quebec Council
Field Executive in 1990. In 1997, Jon broadened his council management
experience by transferring to a Council Field Executive position in Voyager
Council, where he has been actively supporting membership growth to the
present. Jon assumes his new responsibilities effective November 1,
2002. Congratulations Jon we will miss you!
SCOUTS CANADA'S NEW MEMBERSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (MMS) -The process of annually
registering with Scouts Canada, as you know, is changing. The Scouts Canada
Membership Management System is an Internet based database that enables a
prospective member or a returning member to enter (or update) their own
data. Starting shortly an existing member can re-register on-line from
their own computer, print the application form and then bring it along with the
appropriate fee to the Group Registrar for validation. A new adult can also
register on-line but to the point where the screening process begins. At that
point they must meet with the group registrar to begin Scouts Canada's screening
process under the direction of the Council. The Scouts Canada Catalogue is
expected shortly in your mailbox. Please pay special attention to the address
label containing your logon information and your password. Accurate
registration ensures that our volunteers are properly screened, receive the
Leader magazine and other mail, are nominated for awards and are covered by
insurance in the event of a mishap. To our youth, our role is equally important
as registering them with Scouts Canada guarantees them the full benefits of
Scouting. Insurance coverage, scholarships, and notification of local and
provincial Youth events all begin with simple organization we provide.
Accurate registration = good risk management! The key to a success in the registration process is the Group Registrar. If your group has not submitted a Group Committee Worksheet yet appointing your Group Registrar please do so a.s.a.p. Please contact your DAC (listed below) to receive your Registrar Access otherwise we will assume the Group Chair is taking on the role of Registrar. The Membership Management System Group Registrars Guide (Version 1.2) is available at the newly up-dated Scouts Canada Web site http://www.scouts.ca We strongly suggest spending a few moments reviewing your job.
The fee to be sent to the Voyageur Council office to cover senior council fees, levies and insurance is $69.00. It is also to be noted that a few of the Areas have a small Area Levy, this amount is to be added to the above $69.00.
When registering this year, Groups follow their normal process of having registration evenings, having youth and adults complete the appropriate application forms; payment of registration fee to the Group would include the above noted $69.00 plus any Area levy where applicable and the Group levy for one total fee. Current registration forms for youth and adults are available from the national website. Groups are to complete the paperwork for screening of new applicants, of current members moving to new positions, and obtain the appropriate signatures on the application forms. In the new MMS, the data will be there for all levels to use and we do not enter the same info over and over again at the different levels, of section, Group, Area and Council. Most Areas have set up registration nights for the Groups to bring their registration paperwork to one or two central locations. The Council Field Executives are attempting to be at these registration nights in order to verify Canadian Police Certificates. The paperwork is reviewed by the Area Team for completeness (including clean PRC, interview, reference check and Group Chair signature) and submitted to the Council Office. The Council Office will invoice each Group for the registration fees owing. The invoice is based on the numbers of members successfully registered in the National Membership Management System. All youth registered for the new year would be included and only adults with a completed & clean PRC, interview, reference check and Group Chair signature would be on the initial invoice. New adult members would be included on a later invoice once their paperwork is received and reviewed here at Council.
Deputy Area Commissioners-Group Support
| Algonquin Hills | Byron Ostrom | 687-2053 | ostrom@nrtco.net |
| Carleton | Laurence Tyler | 838-3765 | ltyler@magma.ca |
| Heritage | Alain Guy | 669-6905 | aguy@omnisig.com |
| Valley Highlands | Wayne Harris | 267-7201 | wharris@perth.igs.net |
| Loyalist | Bill Racz | 384-7751 | raczw@post.queensu.ca |
| Upper St Lawrence Valley | Robin Hoy | 924-9852 | crkm@superaje.com |
| Nepean | Heather Chilvers | 692-3731 | chilbersbb@idirect.com |
| Odawa | Dave Fraser | 824-7855 | d.a.fraser@sympatico.net |
| Rideau | Grace Jones | 821-2530 | jgracemj@aol.com |
| Stormont Glengarry | Mervyn Larstone | 933-0440 | larsmerv@sympatico.ca |
| Deputy Council Commissioner | Doug Hall | 836-7860 | djhall@rogers.com |
National technical support mms@scouts.ca or call the toll free line
1-866-274-0477 Monday-Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. We have set up
two computers for use in the Council office. Please contact us at ext. 500
to book a time. Evening hours are also available. Thank you for your
time and patience, Lynn Levitan, Voyageur Council Registrar, ext.
502 llevitan@scouts.ca
| Rideau | TBA | 613- | |
| Nepean | Nancy Stoodley | 613-692-3272 | nancystoodley@hotmail.com |
| Stormont-Glengarry | Colin Marshall | 613-936-1660 | marshallcg@sympatico.ca |
| Valley Highlands | Allan Yates | 613-269-3074 | allan@yates.ca |
| Heritage | TBA | 613- | |
| Upper St Lawrence Valley | Robin Hoy | 613-924-9852 | crkm@superaje.com |
| Loyalist | Bob Harding | 613-376-3087 | hardings@kingston.net |
| Algonquin Hills | Rene Lachapelle | 613-732-9191 | rhlachapelle@hotmail.com |
| Carleton | Lisa Skentelbery | 613-271-1577 | lisa.skent@sympatico.ca |
| Odawa | David Fraser | 613-824-7855 Fax: 613-824-7098 |
d.a.fraser@sympatico.ca |
As a special fundraising initiative $4.00 from the sale of every ticket will be donated to Scouts Canada ! The more tickets you sell, the more money Scouts Canada will make to benefit programs. So invite your friends, family, neighbors, church group, office colleagues or your friends from school - everyone is welcome - !
GREAT PRIZES WHEN YOU PARTICIPATE
*Top
Selling Scout Group gets a FREE "Building Tour" of the Corel Centre
*Top selling Scout receives a FREE Kids Ottawa Senators
Jersey
*All Scout leaders with sales of 20 or more
tickets will be entered into a draw to win 4 Club Seats (value $660.00), to an
upcoming game
Take advantage of our easy fax order system. Just fill out an order form and fax it back. Order forms can be obtained by visiting the Voyageur Region Scout office or the Scout Shop at 1345 Baseline road, or electronically by visiting the Council Web Page under the Events Calendar at http://www.voyageur.scouts.ca/index2.htm You also can call 613-599-0116 and ask for a copy to be sent to you.
Hope to see you at the game!! Kara-Lee Brandwood,
Group Sales Manager, Corel Centre, phone: 613-599-0116, 1-800-444-7367 (ext
4116) fax: 613-599-0359 email: klbrandwood@corelcentre.com
VOYAGEUR COUNCIL RECRUITMENT & RETENTION SURVEY 2002
Voyageur Council is presently engaged with National Council and the
other Councils across the country in a major National Advertising Program which
will continue through-out October. Combined with our own initiatives at the
Group and Area levels, this program is intended to raise the profile of Scouting
during our peak recruitment and retention period.
Your help is needed to assess the success of the campaign to attract new youth and adults to Scouting or to encourage members to return . A short survey form can be found at http://www.voyageur.scouts.ca/growth which can be downloaded and printed. Every member of Scouting year is encouraged to complete and return the survey to their Section or Group. [Parents or leaders may want to assist Beavers & Cubs]. There are choices on the survey that allow a Group or Area to monitor the success of their local advertising as well.
Groups can return the completed surveys to their Area Deputy
Commissioner Membership Development & Growth or Area Commissioner who will
forward them to Brian Glenn, Deputy Council Commissioner, Membership Development
& Growth. In lieu of mailing or faxing the survey forms to the Council
Office, a summary of the relevant information can be emailed to ddc-growth@voyageur.scouts.ca
by October 15, 2002.
8TH ANNUAL VOYAGEUR CONSERVATION CAMP - October 18-20, 2002 Upper Canada Bird
Sanctuary, Morrisburg. Voyageur Council and Ducks Unlimited are pleased to
offer this camp once again. Activities include: Scout age youth
working with wild ducks at the banding station, constructing nesting
boxes, marsh hikes, and formal campfire. Check out the Loyalist Area
website for more information: http://home.cogeco.ca/~loyalistarea/index.htm
. Cost: $22.00 per youth and $2 per person/per night. Contact: Roger
Colborne, (613) 376-3998, colborne@attcanada.ca
NATIONAL SCOUT SHOP, Ottawa - Your Family Outdoor Adventure
Experts
For your Shopping convenience the Scout Shop
will be open seven days a week until December 23. Monday-Thursday 9:00 to 6:00,
Fridays 9:00 to 8:00, Saturday 9:00 to 5:00, and Sunday 11:00 to 4:00
In Store Specials: All quick dry clothing have been
reduced. Quick Dry shorts reg. $24.95 now $14.95. Shirts, pants, and more. Great
savings while supply lasts.
Jack Wolfskin Gear &
Accessories: All Wolfskin products will be reduced by 15% . Check out these
great lines.
Ear Bags: Bandless ear muffs are now
in.... Couldn't keep these guys in stock last year. Color- black only.
$12.49
Coleman Steel Coolers: These stainless limited
edition coolers have just arrived. The cadillac of coolers... 54 quart
capacity.
Sorrel Boots are coming in daily: The trick
with these boots is to buy them now. Don't delay. Limited stock and
selection.
Name tags: Ever wondered where you
ordered those neat name tags that Scouting leaders wear at meetings and
programs. Samples of these name tags are available at the front cash in
the Scout Shop. Usually a 48 hour turnover to fulfill your order.
100% Winter wear: The 2003 Kids stock is in. Jackets,
gloves, pants and boots. Let us show you how to keep your kids dry and
warm.
Scout Popcorn Video: Give me 18 minutes to show you how to raise funds and get the ultimate Scouting program possible. All sections are welcome to pick up their free Scout Popcorn video in the Scout Shop or at the Voyageur Region Office. Everything you wanted to know about how to plan and fun a years scouting program is on this 18 minutes tape. For more information please call Jon Wiersma at #506.
Mail Orders: The Scout Shop has seen a significant increase in mail order business this past month. Thank you! Our promise to you is that your order will be processed and mailed out within a 48 hour or earlier time period.
Saturday Morning Bagels and Coffee: October will bring back our Saturday morning bagel and coffee program. Parents are welcome to join us for free coffee and Ottawa Bagel Shop bagels. Would you believe we were having up to 60 people a Saturday morning join us for breakfast. Everyone is welcome.
Tip of the day: If you don't see it.... don't be afraid
to ask. p.s. Please let us know if you see something that you think we
should carrying in the store... and we don't. We will be most happy to
look into this product to see if it fits into our plan! Wishing you and
your Family a great year in Scouting. Thanks for your support! Look
forward to see you in the Scout Shop. Your Friends in the Scout
Shop! Howard J Osterer, Scouts Canada National Marketing Manager, National
Retail Services, hosterer@scouts.ca Tel:
613-224-5131 #229 Fax: 613-224-3571
VOYAGEUR COUNCIL MEETINGS
Commissioners' Forum:
Saturday December 7th, Saturday February 22, Saturday June 15
Management Committee: Wednesdays - September 18, October 16,
November 20, January 15, March 19, May 21, Saturday June 15
ADVERTISEMENTS
**HEY SCOUTS, BE PREPARED TO BE SCARED! A SPOOK-TACULAR TRIP AT SAUNDERS
FARM** - Located just 15 minutes southwest of Kanata, Saunders Farm is an ideal
location for your fall event. During the frightful month of October, the
farm is transformed into Canada's most eerie-sistible Hallowe'en
attraction. Spook-tacular haunted hayrides, the Barn of Terror, the Ghost
Town Stage, six mazes and strolling characters combine to create awesome thrills
for all ages. Historic log buildings, set amongst beautiful landscaped
gardens, create a truly unique atmosphere. Strolling musicians and
monsters are sure to delight and keep you laughing.
2002 Haunting Season Scouts Canada Special Offer- $7.00 per
person* (see conditions below)
*Special Offer
Conditions: Special offer only applies to Scouts Canada members, leaders and
number of supervisors as outlined by Scouts Canada for outings. Any other
parents, siblings or friends are required to pay regular admission. Offer
not valid on weekends after October 15, 2000. Recommended visit time is 90-120
minutes. (Regular admission Adults-$14, Kids under 12-$11, no charge for Kids 2
and under.)
Regular Haunting Season Hours:
Fridays
6-10pm, Saturdays 12-10pm, Sundays 12-5pm
Thanksgiving
Monday October 14th 12-5pm and Halloweek- October 24-31 Monday - Thursday
6-9pm
Check out www.saundersfarm.com for detail and
special promotions.
Mark Saunders, Director of Fun, PO
Box 356 Munster, On. K0A 3P0, t. 613.838-5440, f.613.838.2938,
Play.Learn.Grow...
**SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE CANADA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM**
Genio e Tecnica: Leonardo`s Machines - September 20 to October 20
Photographs, sketches and 13 models are wonderfully exhibited
to catch a glimpse of the genius behind one of the most remarkable figures in
history, Leonardo Da Vinci.
Seeing Ourselves: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of
television broadcasting in Canada - September 28 & 29 Technology has grown
at a dizzying pace. Discover the technology behind the "tube", challenge
yourself with TV trivia and discover television`s role in connecting
Canadians. Extinguishing Danger: Fighting Fire with Technology - October
12 to 14. Do you know how fire differs? How fire detectors and
extinguishers work? Come to the Museum and find out. Fire engines
from the collection will also be on display. Canada Science and Technology
Museum, 1867 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa (613) 991-3044 or visit our
website http://www.science-tech.nmstc.ca
**WARSAW CAVES CONSERVATION AREA AND CAMPGROUND** is available for scouting
groups. With the facilities to canoe, cave, hike and explore ecological
surroundings, scouts will enjoy the adventures available to them. Camping
available for groups of any size. Check out their web site for more
information http://www.warsawcaves.com
THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE OF THE VOYAGEUR VISION!
SCOUT SHOP INFORMATION & HOURS
Ottawa: 1345
Baseline Road / Phone (613) 224-0139 {HOURS: Mon. to Thurs. 9-6, Fri. 9-8,
Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-4}
SCOUTS CANADA, VOYAGEUR COUNCIL OFFICE
1345
Baseline Road, Suite 200
Ottawa, Ontario, K2C
0A7
tel. (613) 225-2770 / 1-888-SCOUTS NOW
(726-8876) / fax (613) 225-2802
e-mail: voyageurscouts@playground.net
web site: http://www.voyageur.scouts.ca
OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
OFFICE CLOSED: October 14, November 11, December 24 (12:00 noon) to January 5, 2003 inclusive.
Questions? Comments or concerns about this e-newsletter? We welcome constructive feedback! Please e-mail us at voyageurscouts@playground.net
Thank you.
**Denotes a paid advertisement. Note: Advertisements of a product or service
do not indicate approval by Scouts Canada, Voyageur Council. Voyageur Council
assumes no responsibility by warranty or otherwise with respect to products
advertised.