VOYAGEUR VISION, April 2004

                       

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GREETINGS! 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.  It is sent to all registered members, mid-month, using e-mail addresses from the new Membership Management System.

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PLEASE NOTE that the Voyageur Vision is undergoing revision in an effort to reduce the size to 4-5 pages in total with shorter summaries.  A new complimentary e-newsletter will provide a Calendar of Events and Training Calendar and will normally be sent around the beginning of each month.   We welcome your constructive feedback.  Thank you. 

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I N  T H I S  I S S U E

 

From the Desk of the Council Commissioner

Membership Management System

Membership Development & Growth

Volunteer Development & Training

Honours and Awards

Upcoming Events

4th Annual Camp OPE Work Weekend

2004 Scoutrees Campaign

3^rd Orleans Grovers Dance, April 24, 2004

RSVP Camp

Birthday Celebration

Golf Tournament & Auction

2004 Mufferaw Stomporee Council Cub Camp

OPE Update

Summer Camp

Extreme Adventure

World Brotherhood Camporee

Eastern Ontario Gilwell Reunion

7th B-P (Bytown) Guild

35th Canadian B-P Guild

The Scout Shop

Canada Science & Technology Museum

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FROM THE DESK OF THE COUNCIL COMMISSIONER

 

This past month many of the prospective leaders on the MMS had a phone call following up on their status and to confirm what was missing to complete the VRAD(Volunteer Recruitment and Development) process to enable them to be active in the MMS. Some were missing their PRC, others the interview or the reference checks. What was interesting statically was the number of these prospective leaders that were working with the youth around 80%. Why is this so interesting? Well here it is. There are adults who may have a police record working with youth. Adults are at risk, since they have no Scouts Canada insurance coverage. In short compromising the safety of our youth and our leaders. The VRAD process is very clear on when you need: a PRC, the interview and reference check. To read about the VRAD check out http://www.scouts.ca/inside.asp?cmPageID=423 . Concerning when you need a PRC if not a registered member of Scouts Canada check out appendix K in the Outdoor activity guide at http://www.scouts.ca/media//documents/admin3c.pdf

 

As many of you have seen we have kept our Council fee the same as last year at $99.00. Voyageur Council has also given a 15 dollar incentive to conduct early registration for the months of May and June. Take advantage of finding out now who will be returning for next year, getting leader paperwork completed early, renewing PRCs. This will also give you a chance to do some planning before next year and not be swamped in the month of September, as all your returning people will already be active. On the program side you have a chance to ask the youth what they liked and what they did not like this past year to make changes to your program. Ask them what they would like to do the next Scouting year and then you plan it into the next year’s program.

 

Get a jump on next year with Spring Registration. Good Scouting,

John Boyce, Council Commissioner,

commissioner@voyageur.scouts.ca

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Membership Management System

 

Spring has finally arrived and with it the preparations for Early Registration Nights. The Council Office is preparing the Group Registration Packages that will be given to all Area Commissioners on April 21st for distribution to the Group Committee Chairs. The package will include all pre-printed registration forms for both youth and volunteers in each group. Don't forget the Early Registration fee is $84 for the 2004-2005 Scouting Year.* The Group Summary Form (included in the registration package), signed completed registration forms along with payment MUST all be received in the Council office between May 1st and June 30th to take advantage of the $15/per member saving. Some conditions may apply, see your Group Committee Chairperson for more details.

 

*The Early Registration Fee of $84 is a $15 savings from the regular Voyageur Council fee of $99.  This is what the group pays per member to the Voyageur Council.  Some groups may charge an additional fee.

 

If you have any question regarding this or other registration issues please feel free to contact me.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people: Eugene Lavigne, Brent Craig, Alan Griffin, Ernie Koshman, Jen Bell, Eric Hansen, Derek Bradley, David Humphrys and John Chilvers. Last month this phoning team, organized by Bob Hickson met at the Council office and during a two night period made well over 300 calls to PROSPECTIVE members. We are well on our way to completing up-dates of our Council data in the Membership Management System. Thank you all! Job well done.

 

Lynn Levitan,  llevitan@scouts.ca  

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Membership Development & Growth

 

Spring is here and with it comes the planning for the fall.  Along with the great financial incentive to registrar early there are the resources available on line or at the Council Office to make it happen.  School Talk Kits, 40 hours Community Service Flyers, 50+ Flyers, and College/University Flyers are great tools to start with.  Adult Recruitment workshops are also available.  Registration Packages will be going out in the next week.  If a group has not received their package by May1st please contact the Council Office.

 

I would like to congratulate Nepean Area for exceeding last year’s registration, also congratulations to 1^st Gloucester Group for 92.31% retention of Youth and Adults. Great Work!

 

Please forward questions, comments or concerns to Sharon Thomson DCC MD&G dcc-growth@voyageur.scouts.ca

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VOLUNTEER  DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING

 

Are you considering to further your skills after your last Training ?  This is a question that all of us should ask, around this time.  Self

evaluation on where we are, and what to take to further our skills is something that most people forget to do.  This is however important, and I hope that with this, I set you thinking about what you would like to do in Scouting in the next two years.

 

Here are then the latest opportunities :  Marketing Scouting is an upcoming Advanced Module in May 14-16.  Register as soon as possible, confirm first with your Area Commissioner, or DAC Training if you are able to take this Training.

 

The Family Woodbadge is at OPE from June 26 to July 2nd, for Colony, Pack and Troop.  This is Leader Training with lots of information, comraderie and FUN !  Do not delay and do your registration within this month, it is only a few weeks away !

 

Yes, First Aid is also offered, with two courses scheduled in May on the weekend of May 1/2 and 29/30th  It a two day course, CPR and Standard First Aid.   Held at Scouts Canada HQ, Baseline Road.  Cost 35.00.  Register through the office as soon as you can, the courses have a tendency to fill quickly to the 18 person limit.

 

Need Outdoor Skills ?  Heritage is offering an Outdoor Weekend on May 22/23.  Saturday / Sunday course.  Cost is 25.00 held at OPE. Bring your Camping Gear, as it is a Camp setting.  With the Outdoor skills, you have also the opportunity to see for yourself and review how others organize outings for their Group Youth.  It is also the long weekend, so we planned for giving you Monday off

to recouperate !

 

Tony van Muyden, DCC Volunteer Development and Training dcc-training@voyageur.scouts.ca

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FAMILY ADVANCED TRAINING (June 26 - July 2nd)

 

Colony, Pack, Troop at Camp Opemikon.  Registration deadline is May 28, 2004.  Costs:  Participant $190 Spouse $170 Children 6-13 $160 Children 0-5 $50.  Course Leader Michelle Niefer, mniefer@sympatico.ca

Administrative Carol Ann Crockett, ccrockett@sympatico.ca

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HONOURS AND AWARDS

 

Chief Scouts & Queen’s Venturer Award Ceremony – Saturday, June 5, 2004.  Hosted by Loyalist Area.  More information to follow. Application forms are available on the web.  Deadline date for applications is Friday May 7, 2004.

 

The Council extends congratulations to:

Gintaras Nagys, 1st Regional Service Corps Med Vent Company who has been awarded the Medal for Good Service to Scouting;

Bill Milner, 72^nd Ottawa has been awarded the Medal for Good Service to Scouting; and

David Kelk, 1^st Regional Service Corps Med Vent Company has been awarded the Youth Award.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Please read the Calendar of Events and Training Calendar e-newsletter or visit the Voyageur Council web site at http://www.voyageur.scouts.ca for details.

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4th ANNUAL CAMP OPEMIKON WORK WEEKEND – (April 23-25)

 

REMINDER - contact Tim Taylor via email opegroupcommittee@voyageur.scouts.ca or at (819) 561-1613.

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2004 SCOUTREES CAMPAIGN - (Main Dig Day – May 1)

 

With the May 1 Scoutree Planting date coming soon a reminder to groups and Areas to pick up you Scoutrees Materials. It is my intention to ask David Wray our Council Communications Volunteer to do a press release for Scoutrees during the week of April 19. I would like to include as much information about what is happening in each area and with our Lafarge partnership. If you would like your local group and area information included in the press release please have it to me before April 19. We will be using the template provided on the National web page. You can also use this template for local press releases. If you are doing a press release please us the template and ensure you are recognizing our National Sponsors. We also are excited about our new partnership with Lafarge North American in Voyageur Council this year. We have close to 400 participants, more than 10 groups and three Areas participating in this pilot project. Sites located near Navan and Kemptville will be the two Lafarge sites we will be planting at this year. In addition to Lafarge supplying trees and lunch and each site the South Nation Conservation Authority (SNCA) are also assisting with the supervision of the planting. Thank both to Lafarge and the SNCA for their assistance and support.

 

For additional information or to find out who your local coordinator is contact Guy Latour, Field Executive, at ext 504.

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3^rd Orleans Grovers Dance, April 24, 2004

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RSVP CAMP (VOYAGEUR COUNCIL SENIOR SECTIONS CAMP), April 30-May 02, 2004

This event is for Senior Scouts, Venturers, and Rovers and is now being held at Camp Opemikon. There will be linking activities and many other exciting events included in the weekend. We have water activities, a dance, pioneering and so much more.  The cost is $20.00.  Please contact Susie Page (613) 687-4870, secretary@vrrrt.org for details.

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BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION (Saturday, May 8)

 

You are all invited to Stan Lasenba’s 65^th Birthday bash.  Come and help celebrate this special occasion at the Legion in Smiths Falls, 7 Main St.E, 7:30 pm – 1:00 am.  Best wishes only.

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GOLF TOURNAMENT AND AUCTION (June 1)

Entry fee set at $135.00 will include a B.B.Q. lunch from 11:00am to 12:45pm, 18 holes of Golf with a shotgun tee off at 1:00pm sharp, a two seater golf cart, Roast Beef Dinner starting at 7:00pm and Auction to follow. Tickets for the Dinner and Auction only - $50.00.  You will also receive a tax receipt for a portion of the entry fee. 

Over 75 auction items including sport memorabilia, furniture, electronics, hotel - sport – theatre & show packages, restaurant certificates and much more.

I am presently looking for a small number of energetic adult volunteers to assist the Committee in obtaining prizes, sponsors and golfers.  If anyone is interested in helping out please contact me as soon as possible.

To obtain a tournament registration form or make a reservation for dinner and auction please contact the Voyageur Council office or call Tournament Chair Darrell Bartraw at 298-9119 or email opegroupcommittee@voyageur.scouts.ca or visit the Camp Opemikon web page at www.voyageur.scouts.ca/opemikon

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MUFFERAW STOMPOREE (2004 COUNCIL CUB CAMP) - (June 4-6)  Registration deadline postmarked May 1^st, 2004.

 

Joe Mufferaw was a guide de cage who took great rafts of square timber to Quebec.  He was the boss of the woods and the river.  This is a stomporee and the party is Saturday night.  Come ready to dance and sing.  Wear the outfit and be prepared.  Lumberjacks all.

 

We are looking for Offers of Service.  Familiarity with Fishways and rubber boots an asset for the pond studies area.  For the canoe program, Boat Rescue certification.  No experience required for other areas.  Offer of Service registration forms on our web site.

 

Can you help?  We are hoping to borrow a sound system for open/closing ceremonies and campfire, and large marquee style tents for program.  Please contact me chilversbb@rogers.com

 

Send in your recipes to rnd@perth.igs.net suitably named to reflect the theme.  Make sure you and your pack are immortalized in this edition.

 

Up-to-date information and requests will be posted on the stomporee web site for all cub leaders.  Parking information, potable water locations, program updates, suggestions, hints and any other important information and trivia will be posted there.

 

Congratulations to 3 cubs from 2^nd Kemptville and 1 cub from 4^th Kanata who inspired the Mufferaw camp crest design.  Presentations to these 4 youth will take place at Opening ceremonies.

 

New-to-camping leaders….keep those questions coming.  We are here to advise.

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CENTRAL DIVISION JAMBOREE

 

This event is being held in Tamaracouta Scout Reserve Quebec Council’s Camp on July 3-9, 2005.  More details to follow.

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OPE UPDATE – LAST CALL FOR SPECIALS

 

REMINDER – Extra special offer:  Available from 1 May to mid June, rental of Paddlers’ Cove, located just across the bay from the beach.  Cost of $12.00 per person for the weekend, includes, site with tent platforms, canoes, and related safety equipment. Special also available September to mid-October.

 

Thanks to: Mrs. Frieda Bonnaci of Ottawa for her kind donation of a stove and some carpeting. Also to Linda Davignon for her donation of cross-country skis, poles and boots.

 

Camp Crests: The recently redesigned camp crests are available for sale at camp - only $2

 

Camp T-shirts: There is a selection of previous years’ shirts available for sale at only $2 each!  Further information on the camp website at www.voyageur.scouts.ca/opemikon/

 

No Trace Camping:  Don’t forget to bring us a group crest for us to display in the Dining Hall.

 

Website: For information on the camp, visit our website at www.voyageur.scouts.ca/opemikon/

 

Contact us! Questions or comments on anything about YOUR camp? Contact Darrell Bartraw (825-8886) or Tim Taylor (561-1613) or email us at opegroupcommittee@voyageur.scouts.ca

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SUMMER CAMP EARLY DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING

The deadline for the reduced camper fee is 1 May.  See www.voyageur.scouts.ca/opemikon for summer camp programs and application forms.  Don't wait, register now!!!!

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EXTREME ADVENTURE  (June 28 - August 8)

 

If you have not already received our Extreme Adventure Pamphlet or have not heard of our new exciting Summer Adventure Leadership Program please visit http://www.wildunknown.com/extreme/ and click the online pamphlet button.

 

Dare to Compare – Compared to many similar programs starting at $4,600.00 and going as high as $5,000.00 our cost at $3,200.00 is extremely cheep. For six weeks of high adventure programming that also provides several certifications you are getting a great “Bang for your Buck”

 

Ottawa Citizen – Killarney Provincial Park the location of our backpacking component was listed in the March 27, 2004 issue of the Ottawa Citizen as one of Canada’s top 12 glorious destinations to visit.

 

“ Visit Killarney Provincial Park once and it will keep calling you back to the scenery immortalized by the Group of Seven.”

 

Hot Chocolate fundraising – youth wishing to participate and having difficulty finding the money can use our National Hot Chocolate fundraiser to assist them in raising funds to attend. Youth can individually sell hot chocolate and have the profits put toward their fee. For every box of hot chocolate sold youth can earn $3.00 toward their fee.

 

For additional information on the program or details on how to access hot chocolate in fundraising please contact Guy Latour at 225-2770 ext. 504.

 

Your assistance in distributing this update would be greatly appreciated. Please forward an e-mail and hard copy on to all youth 14-17 and parents of youth 14-17 you are in contact with.

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WORLD BROTHERHOOD CAMPOREE (September 24-26, 2004)

 

The World Brotherhood Camporee is an annual event for senior sections held each September with approximately 3,000 Scouts and leaders.  Each year the Loyalist Area, Scouts Canada and the Hiawatha Seaway Council, BSA take turns hosting this camporee.  In 2004 it will be  held on the US side at Wellesley Island State Park (in the Thousand Islands across from Clayton, NY).  The program varies from year to year but the one big constant is badge trading. Hope to see you there!  Register by May 1, 2004.  Contact Jim Purser at LoyalistArea@cogeco.ca for a copy of the registration form.

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EASTERN ONTARIO GILWELL REUNION (EOGR) (September 18-20)

 

If you have been awarded the Gilwell Neckerchief and Beads from any Scout Council you are automatically a member of the world wide Fellowship of Gilwell Wood Badge holders. You are entitled to participate in gatherings of Wood Badge holders that occur from time to time in various parts of Canada and the world.

 

One such gathering is the Eastern Ontario Gilwell Reunion (EOGR) that takes place annually during the third weekend of September at Camp Opemikon. It is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new friends, and participate in activities based on a Scouting theme. It is not a training event. Its purpose is to provide a venue for those Scouters, whether active or retired, who wish to join in an atmosphere of cooperation and harmony to share ideas and experiences and to promote Gilwell spirit and fellowship.

 

The membership mailing list has been revised and expanded with the cooperation of Council staff.  There are currently 129 names and addresses. Invitations, detailed information and registration forms will be in the mail in the near future.

 

The 42nd EOGR will take place September 17-19, 2004, at Camp Opemikon. The theme this year is “Survival: Continuing the Tradition.” Plan to attend and pass the word to all the Gilwellians you know. While the traditional program options of the past will continue to be available the program format is being revised and expanded to provide more interesting and exciting concepts with the help of Council Commissioner John Boyce and his staff. More about this in future reports.

 

Contacts for more information about the Gilwell Reunion are: Jeff Lambert, Chairman, 820-8522 or email  scouterjeff@interactive.rogers.com  or Norm Pascoe, Secretary, 745-1188, or email normpascoe@hotmail.com.

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7th B-P (Bytown) GUILD

 

The 7^th B-P Guild was formed 22 years ago and its first Guild Master was the late Art Humphries.

 

The Guild’s mission statement is to practise fellowship in the spirit of Scouting as set out by the founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, and to assist Scouting youth through fund raising endeavours.

 

We have 30 active and 10 honourary members made up mostly of Scouters who were once actively involved in the movement as leaders of youth groups and who continue to have an interest in Scouting and wish to maintain contact with long time friends. We hold regular meetings, usually once a month, and conduct business related to our fund raising activities, involvement in provincial, national and international Guild business, and fellowship events. We are affiliated with the Girl Guide Association’s Trefoil Guild here in Ottawa and engage in joint activities with that Guild from time to time.

 

The funds we raise are allotted to underwriting costs related to Guild business as well as to Scouting’s youth. During our lifetime it is estimated we have donated approximately $25,000 for youth program equipment at Camp Opemikon and, in the past, to provide start-up funds for the formation of new Scouting groups.

 

The principal source of our fund raising activity is the catering service we provide, of which I would add, we are particularly proud. Much credit for that goes to Dottie Thompson, who pioneered our catering service, and to the late Orville O’Brien who was our catering coordinator for many years.

 

Whether you are an active or retired Scouter you are invited to become a Guild member and continue your affiliation with Scouting. Your contact is the current Guild Master, Norm Pascoe at 745-1188 or normpascoe@hotmail.com.

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35th CANADIAN B-P GUILD

 

Scouters and Guiders, active or retired, are welcome to join our Kingston and area Guild.  Contact: Bill Goodman, Guild Master at (613) 392-5005 or oldgoat@sympatico.ca  or Bob Leggett, Assistant Guild Master/Secretary (613) 541-1002 or  leggetts@sympatico.ca .  For information on meeting dates and locations please call either Bill (in the Trenton area) or Bob (in the Kingston area), or check out our webpage at www.voyageur.scouts.ca

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SCOUT SHOP

 

Store Hours:  Monday to Thursday 9-6pm / Friday 9-7pm / Saturday 9-5pm / Sunday 11-4pm.

Thank you for your past, present, and future support.  Yours in Scouting, Ian Thomas, National Advertising Coordinator scoutshop@scouts.ca Tel: 613-224-0139   Fax: 613-224-3571

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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**SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE CANADA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM**

 

The Canada Science and Technology will once again be offering Scouting Nights.  We have exciting workshops for every age group!  For more information contact Canada Science and Technology Museum, 1867 St-Laurent Blvd, Ottawa (613) 991-3044 or visit our website www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca

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THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE OF THE VOYAGEUR VISION!

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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:  office@voyageur.scouts.ca

web site:   http://www.voyageur.scouts.ca

OFFICE HOURS:  Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

EXTENDED OFFICE HOURS AVAILABLE BY contacting the Voyageur office to book a time

Questions?  Comments or concerns about this e-newsletter?  We welcome constructive feedback!  Please e-mail us at office@voyageur.scouts.ca Thank you.

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**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.

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Deadline for May issue:  May 10, 2004.