From: Voyageur Council [mailto:voyageurscouts@playground.net]
Sent: January 16, 2003 3:15 PM
Subject: Scouts Canada - Voyageur Vision, January 2003

VOYAGEUR VISION, January 2003
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Please copy and share this e-newsletter with members in your group! The e-newsletter will update you on the latest news about Scouts Canada and inform you of upcoming events. It is sent to all registered members, mid-month, who have provided us with an e-mail address. If you are aware of someone who is not receiving this and would like to, please provide us with their e-mail address for the next distribution.

I N T H I S I S S U E
From the Desk of the Council Commissioner
What's New
Honours & Awards
Good News
Who's Who in Your Council Office
Long Service Recognition and Warrant of Appointment
Scouts Canada Membership Management System
Membership Development and Growth
Voyageur Council Website
Upcoming Events
Brownsea Island Jamboree
Scout Night with the Ottawa Senators
Resolutions
Group Committees Rule!
3rd Annual Camp Opemikon Work Weekend
Camp Opemikon Update
Attention: Friends of Opemikon
Winterlude
National Scout Shop
Voyageur Council Meetings
Canada Science & Technology Museum
Warsaw Caves

FROM THE DESK OF THE COMMISH!
Happy New Year to one and all. I hope the holiday season was relaxing and enjoyed by you, your family and friends. A new year often brings a new resolve to exercise more, to eat less, to spend less, to expand our educational opportunities, and to spend more time with family and friends. For those of us in Scouting this new year will also bring opportunities to grow, to share our wonderful programs with others and to let the community know Scouting is alive and well. We are starting this new resolve immediately with the launching of a campaign called “FRIENDFEST”. What is Friendfest, you say? Glad you asked!!

Central Division (remember that is all of us in Ontario and Quebec) is kicking off a media campaign in late January to heighten the awareness of Scouting. This will lead us into February, which is traditionally a high profile month with both Scouting and Guiding celebrating the birthdays of our founders Lord and Lady Baden Powell. This year, Scout-Guide Week is February 16 to 23. Within the Friendfest campaign, the month of February has been declared “Bring a Friend Month”. It is an opportunity for Scouting youth and adults alike to invite their friends to a meeting or activity. Each member who brings a friend will receive a crest. If the friend decides to join Scouting, the member who brought them in has their name placed in a draw for some cool prizes. Information packages have been sent to your Area Service Team this week. The information will be placed on our Voyageur Council website and you can check it out yourself. In addition, each Group will be receiving packages with crests and draw ballots shortly. Let’s bring some adventure and good Scouting spirit to the cold winter month of February. Bring in a friend and show him or her the fun of Scouting.
REMEMBER: FEBRUARY IS FRIENDFEST MONTH!!!
Marilyn Johnson, your 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 the following Scouters who have recently been recognized:
* The Medal of Merit was presented to Susan Rosove (Heritage)
* The Golden Jubilee Medal was presented to Robin Nuttall (Loyalist)
* The Golden Jubilee Medal was presented to Jim Burant (Nepean) by the National Archives of Canada

We are aware that there are other Scouters who are recipients of the Golden Jubilee Medal and we look forward in extending our congratulations once we are notified.

GOOD NEWS - Scouters Stan Lasenba and Ken Richardson from Valley Highlands are well on the road to recovery! Our thoughts are with you both.

WHO'S WHO IN YOUR COUNCIL OFFICE
Pamela Bazinet and Jennifer Harrington have the important role of meeting and greeting visitors to the Voyageur Council Office. As administrative assistants, they provide the information which callers need, or refer them to the right staff and volunteer resources.

Pamela and Jennifer job share. Pamela is in the office every Monday, Thursday, and Friday; while Jennifer is in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can reach them at ext. 500.

Both Jennifer and Pamela agree that the best thing about working at the Council office is the opportunity to work with all the great volunteers. Pamela enjoys the outdoors and can regularly be found on the slopes or at the rink. Jennifer loves reading, the outdoors, and looking after her 19 month-old daughter.

Yours in Scouting, David Wray, Communications & Public Relations, communications@voyageur.scouts.ca

LONG SERVICE RECOGNITION AND WARRANT OF APPOINTMENT: During Scout-Guide Week many groups present long service pins and warrant of appointments to deserving adult volunteers. Please take the time now to look at your leader list and submit names of volunteers who are eligible for these two awards. Warrant of Appointments are given to leaders that have completed the following: initial interview, reference checks, Police Records Check, gateway/orientation plus three month probationary period.
Lynn Levitan, Voyageur Council Registrar, ext. 502 llevitan@scouts.ca

SCOUTS CANADA MEMBERSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Missing Information: According to my records we still have a few groups that have interview, reference checks and Police Checks outstanding for their new adult volunteers. The Membership Management System will not permit confirmation of registration until these fields are entered. Please send the original documentation to my attention as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter.

Renewal of PRC's: Now that we have changed our calendar over to 2003 this also means that any Police Records Checks dated January 2000 or before are NOW due to be re-submitted. Check your own PRC date in the Membership Management System and the date of your leaders to see who will be due soon. Please don't wait till the PRC has expired to re-submit.....be pro-active.....do it now! Thank you all for your continued hard work and patience, Lynn Levitan, Voyageur Council Registrar, ext. 502 llevitan@scouts.ca

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH
1) Friendfest in February: Central Division has started distributing “doc” copies of the Bring-A-Friend Kits via email. The Kit includes a Q&A sheet; a letter to the Group Chair or Scouter explaining the program; a number of Recognition Draw ballots (which can be copied) and a poster. Your DAC for Membership Development & Growth will be talking up ideas on how to exploit this campaign with other DACs at our January 18th Workshop.

2) Program Initiatives: Earlier in December, Central Division asked all Councils to submit a report on what initiatives they were undertaking to encourage membership development. When all reports were received, Central Division would be sharing the information with everyone. Voyageur Council’s submission includes a description of the Membership Development & Growth workshops; a list of five initiatives to bring Scouting into new communities (re-introducing Scouting to Vanier in Heritage Area, the Muslim Community in Loyalist Area, the Chinese community in Heritage Area, the Native communities in Stormont-Glengarry and Algonquin Hills Areas and the expansion of Venturing & servicing with the Service Corps and EMS). Our report also indicated that the Council Service Team will be exploring potential partnerships with one or more other youth oriented organizations in the Council area. As soon as Central Division returns the composite report for all Councils, it will be made available to the DACs.

Brian Glenn, DCC Membership Development & Growth, dcc-growth@voyageur.scouts.ca

VOYAGEUR COUNCIL WEBSITE - http://www.voyageur.scouts.ca. Check out your Council website for all your resource needs. For example, it includes training information, your event calendar, forms, links to Area websites, links to Scouts Canada information, discussion groups, and contact information for your Council Team.

UPCOMING EVENTS - Please visit the Voyageur Council web site at http://www.voyageur.scouts.ca for details on these events and others.
FEBRUARY IS FRIENDFEST MONTH!!!
February 16 to 23 - Scout-Guide Week
March 1st Scout Night with the Ottawa Senators
April 25-27th 3rd Annual Camp Opemikon Work Weekend
May 2,3,4 Brownsea Scout Jamboree at Baxter Conservation Area

BROWNSEA ISLAND JAMBOREE
All Troop Scouters!!! Mark your calendars. The Brownsea Island Jamboree is on for May 2 to 4, 2003 at Baxter Conservation Area. Are you up for the challenge?? We’ll test your skills with such things as raft racing, catapult target practice, finding bob, survivor, and a medical challenge to turn even our EMS people pale!! There will even be a campsite competition both for organization/cleanliness and Scouting Spirit!

Program details will be forwarded to each group within the month, along with registration packages. Come test your core scouting skills with scouts from across the Council.
For further information, contact the Council Camp Chief, Doug Hall, at djhall@rogers.com

SCOUT NIGHT WITH THE OTTAWA SENATORS - Special Fundraising Event
Saturday March 1st @ 7:00pm
Ottawa Senators vs Tampa Bay Lightening

The Ottawa Senators are providing a special discounted price of just $29 per ticket (Tickets are in U3 area. Regular price is $40 per ticket). As a special fundraiser - $4.00 from the sale of every ticket will be donated to Scouts Canada.

GREAT PRIZES WHEN YOU PARTICIPATE
* 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. The deadline to order is Friday February 14th…so get your group together now!

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 Council 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 can also 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

RESOLUTIONS - We have started a new year namely 2003. We are half way through our scouting year and this may be a great time to make some resolutions that are easily done and are win-win items for you, your fellow leaders and most importantly the youth.
·Nominate someone for an award (don't forget the Regional Youth Award)
·Get the last few items finished to get the Commissioners Quality Award
·Try a new place to camp
·Ask a youth where they would like to go on an outing and do it
·Ask a youth what they would like to do and incorporated into the program (have a brainstorming session)
·Say thanks to a fellow leader or youth for their help (pat someone on the back)
·Send that thank you letter or plaque
·Thank your spouse for being patient and understanding when you come back from camp smelling like smoke.
·Be patient with the youth: remember you were a youth once too.
·Take that training course
·Invite a friend
·Help or do something for your sponsor
·Listen
These resolutions will not only promote scouting but will make you feel good as well by putting a smile on someone's face making them feel important and appreciated. Let us all have the BP spirit in our heart and let everyone see what a joy the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Scouting is like. On a Programming note: Here is an activity you can do with the youth sent by Scouter Chuck Eadie from Stormont Glengarry. To practice Morse Code or Semaphore; log onto www.forces.ca click the language for your preference. At the top of the page click on Navy, then when that page loads click on Youth Section. Select Operation Stealthcom. Then select your method of communication and send a message and see what happens.
John Boyce, DCC Member Services and Program Delivery, dcc-program@voyageur.scouts.ca

GROUP COMMITTEES RULE!!
We know we’re the unsungheroes of our groups, often abused, always taken for granted, but we love what we do to support our sections and our youth!

We have survived the introduction of a new registration system (THANK YOU LYNN!!!!), are chowing down on tons of popcorn, and making sure all the paperwork gets done. We’ll even make sure our leaders get uniforms, training and the occasional pat on the back.

We’re getting trained too! Some of us participated in the first “Basic Group Administration” course (the spirit of Bill Wright was with us), and proudly display our pins.

We get appointed by our Area Commissioner, but know our real support is from our Deputy Area Commissioner for Group Services. They know a lot, but mostly know where to find answers for us. Thanks, team!

If you’re wondering why you have a great gym to meet in, or how the kids get registered for your section, or how the are always just enough tents and stoves for that next outing, remember that your Group Committee is right behind you, supporting you all the way! If you have any questions about the group committee role, please contact your DAC Group Services or Doug Hall, Deputy Council Commissioner for Group Services at dcc-groups@voyageur.scouts.ca

THE 3rd ANNUAL OPEMIKON WORK WEEKEND will be held on the weekend of April 25th-27th, 2003.
This weekend provides a great opportunity for Voyageur Council Scouting groups to meet other Scouting groups, to spend a fun weekend at camp and to make an important contribution to preparing OUR camp for another summer season.

The format for the weekend is as follows:
Friday April 25th – groups arrive, settle in to their accommodations, then join their fellow Scouters for mug-up
Saturday April 26th – workday. Tasks as assigned by the organizers. The workday will end at supper time, after which there will be a dance (with a DJ) in the Dining Hall and videos in Ye Olde Kitchen
Sunday April 27th - day off. Groups may make use of the camp facilities as they see fit. Lunch will be available at a nominal cost for those who wish to stay.

The major change to this year’s event is that registration will be limited to Rover Crews, Venturer Companies and senior (i.e. third year) Scouts. Troop Scouters are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity for linking activities between their senior Scouts and Venturers. Individual adult leaders are also welcome to attend. Please note – this is a Scouting event, not a family camp, so participation is limited to currently registered members of Scouts Canada. Registration for the event will be limited to 150 on a “first come, first served” basis.

Groups may register by email through the OPE Group Committee ( opegroupcommittee@voyageur.scouts.ca ) and are asked to provide the following information:

a. Name of group
b. Group contact (name/telephone number/email address)
c. Number of participants (specifying number of youth, adults and whether male/female – for accommodation purposes)
d. Preferred accommodations (i.e. heated lodge, Cub Cabin, tent, etc.)
e. Time of arrival and departure
f. Any special skills (e.g. electricians/carpenters/mechanics)
g. Any dietary restrictions (e.g. allergies )
h. Whether the group will stay for lunch on Sunday

Further information will be provided in the coming months. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Tim Taylor at (819) 561-1613 or through the e-mail address above.

CAMP OPEMIKON UPDATE
A Group Committee has recently been established at Camp Opemikon, to assist in the operation of the camp and to oversee the OPE Rover Crew and Venturer Company.

The composition of this Committee is as follows:
Chair - Darrell Bartraw
Vice Chair - Tim Taylor
Secretary - Alex Gazaleh
Special Advisor - Dick Cowan
Rover Crew Advisor - John Rathier
Venturer Company Advisor – Dan Kaplansky
Webmaster – Andrew Price
2003 Composite Camp Director - Doug Hall

One of the mandates of the Group Committee is to keep Voyageur Council Scouting members up to date on the activities at camp, through the “OPE Update,” a monthly entry in the “Voyageur Vision.” This entry will include everything from infrastructure projects, camp programs, “who’s been at camp,” upcoming events and recognition of those groups and individuals who have volunteered their time to work at camp.

In this first entry, we think it worthwhile to make everyone aware of some of the improvements made to the camp during the past number of months. Here are the highlights:

a. completed the new Ablutions facility
b. completely renovated the Dining Hall - the building has been insulated and paneled, a new metal roof has been installed, as have new windows and doors
c. installed new windows and doors in Barker, Armstrong, Carlingwood, the Health Centre, Braeside and Drake
d. built a new deck and boardwalk in front of the Dining Hall
e. installed a new fence by Hanna Sideroad
f. commenced repairs on the Teepee
g. purchased 7 ABS canoes for the Seneca program
h. purchased 30 new pairs of snowshoes
i. landscaped between Barker and Armstrong
j. commenced upgrades to the Cub Cabins - installed new windows in all fifteen cabins and new doors on two of them
k. installed a “high ropes” course

All in all, 2002 saw a number of significant improvements to the camp infrastructure – all of which will allow us to offer even better service to you, the users.

Thanks are due to the following groups and individuals for contributing their time to the camp:
14th Gloucester Venturer Company
123rd Ottawa Venturer Company
151st Ottawa Scout Group
MDS Nordion
OPE Rover Crew
OPE Venturer Company
Participants in the ROVENT service project
And, as always, Dick Cowan!

In addition, congratulations to Doug Hall for his recent selection as Composite Camp Director for 2003. Please remember - OPE is YOUR camp. While the Group Committee is there to help make it the best camp possible, all members of the Voyageur Council can contribute to the improvement of the camp in two ways:

a. Firstly, give us your thoughts, ideas, suggestions and, yes, complaints about any aspect of the camp. We will do our best to address each of them
b. Secondly, from time to time we will be soliciting volunteers to assist with specific camp projects. In particular we will be looking for carpenters, electricians, mechanics and plumbers to repair, maintain or upgrade the camp. If you might be willing to give us a hand in the future, please let us know!

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Darrell (825-8886) or Tim (819) 561-1613, or send the Group Committee an email at opegroupcommittee@voyageur.scouts.ca

ATTENTION: Friends of Opemikon!!!!!
We are well underway in our preparations for the 2003 Composite Camp at Opemikon this coming summer. The senior staff are in place, and the budget is struck! Now it’s full steam ahead to hiring the counselors and preparing the program.

Adult Volunteers: A critical component of our Composite Camp staff is the adults that volunteer to spend a week or more with us overseeing our programs and working with the campers. Got a week to spare to make the OPE experience spectacular for a group of youth? If so, please contact Doug Hall and let us know what you’d like to do and when you’d like to do it. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

Also, in order to make the experience comfortable and fun for our young counselors, we are planning to set up Ye Olde Kitchen as a proper staff lounge this year. To that end, if you have a gently-used couch or easy chair you would be willing to donate to the camp, please let us know. We are also interested in washers and dryers in good condition to help keep us all clean (more or less) this summer.

If you have any questions about Composite Camp, staffing, programs, or whatever, please don’t hesitate to contact the Composite Camp Director, Doug Hall, at the office (extension 506) or by email at djhall@rogers.com.

WINTERLUDE - NCC/ Children's Services - YOUTH HELPING YOUTH, it's what we do best at Scouts Canada!
Feb. Sat. 8 and Sun. 9 AND Feb. Sat.15 and Sun.16

Scouts, Venturers and Rovers earn service hours and volunteer with the Service Corps/NCC and provide lost children's services at Winterlude. Come down and work a shift and then enjoy Winterlude.

Weekend coverage required on Saturdays 10am-8pm (two 5hr shifts per day) and on Sundays 10am - 6 pm (two 4hr shifts per day). Note: If you can't work a full shift contact Eric Hansen and we will customize your schedule.

Bring your group or come alone and we will pair you up. Never worked with the Voyageur Region Service Corps? We will provide the training on site. Warning: Scouts Canada has determined that helping people is addictive.

Note: You must pre-register for this event with Eric Hansen. If you are Bilingual we would really like to see you. Questions? Call Eric Hansen (613) 736-0699 ec_Hansen@hotmail.com or for info Doug Wheat (613) 836-8042 dwheat@storm.ca

NATIONAL SCOUT SHOP, Ottawa - Your Family Outdoor Adventure Experts

Make your Scout-Guide Week Celebration Special: February 16-23. Compliment your event with Scouts Canada/Bring on the Adventure Napkins and Placemats. They really do make a difference. Available in packages of 50.

What to give that special person at your Scout-Guide Week event? Save $50.00. Capredoni Crystal ( cat# 73003) priced @ $200 is now $150. These limited production designs have the Capredoni dragonfly motif engraved. These will be a collectors piece.

A little out of your league... no problem. Check out the Scouters Pride Stain Glass unit. Suggested retail price $89.95 now $50.00. This will be another collectors piece. While supply last..

Alfred’s Door Crasher Specials:
Jasper M-20 mummy sleeping bags. Regular $135 now $75.00
Snow Shoes: Regular $190.00 now $120.00
Jack Wolfskin Product Line: Everything made by Jack Wolfskin will be reduced by 20% at the cash.
Point Zero Clothing: Everything reduced by 30%. Shop early. Don’t be disappointed!

Keep Your Kub Kar, Beaver Buggy & Pick Up Truck Memories Alive Do you remember your first Kub Kar, Beaver Buggy, Pick Up Truck? The Scout Shop is pleased to offer your members a way to keep their hard work and great memories alive. Check out the new display in the store. Lets get back to the basics! Everyone is a winner! ( $5.95)

Scout Shop Managers of the Month: We have opened three new dates in March, April and May. If you are interested in a neat night of activities please call Alfred Mahon (613) 224-0139 to reserve your evening.

Scout Popcorn: Our number one fund raiser! The Theatre Style Popcorn maker is available to all Scouting groups. The cost is $25.00 per day. Supplies and bags are extra. The smell of fresh made popcorn will guarantee those extra popcorn sales. Having a large Scouting function? Why not rent the machine for that different type of snack treat for your members? Please call 224-5131 #229 to reserve the popcorn machine!

Your Friends in the Scout Shop! Howard J Osterer, Scouts Canada National Marketing Manager, National Retail Services, hosterer@scouts.ca Tel: 613-224-5131 ext. 229 Fax: 613-224-3571

VOYAGEUR COUNCIL MEETINGS
Commissioners Forum: Saturday, February 22, June 14
Management Committee: Wednesdays - March 19, May 21, Saturday June 14