From: "Voyageur Admin" To: Subject: FW: Scouts Canada - Voyageur Vision, February 2004 Date: February 23, 2004 4:41 PM VOYAGEUR VISION, February 2004 **************************************************************************** ************************************************************************** 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. _____ 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. _____ I N T H I S I S S U E >From the Desk of the Council Commissioner What’s New Greetings from Jeff Benson Volunteer Development & Training Honours and Awards Communications & Public Relations Upcoming Events Adult Recruitment Workshop Camp Slush Scout Paddle Night 4th Annual Camp OPE Work Weekend 2004 Scoutrees Campaign Golf Tournament & Auction 2004 Mufferaw Stomporee Council Cub Camp OPE Update Extreme Adventure Eastern Ontario Gilwell Reunion 7th B-P (Bytown) Guild 35th Canadian B-P Guild The Scout Shop Canada Science & Technology Museum _____ FROM THE DESK OF THE COUNCIL COMMISSIONER First, I would like to introduce you to Tony van Muyden, your new DCC - Volunteer Development and Training. Tony was the past DAC - Training for Heritage Area. He can be reached at dcc-training@voyageur.scouts.ca Don't forget - February has been "Bring a Friend" month. Your new friends, youth and leaders, can participate in 2 meetings before they need to register. This gives them an opportunity to check Scouting "OUT". We now can have more joint involvement with Girl Guides. They are now on our insurance and we on theirs. This means no Hold Harmless agreement needs to be signed. This gives us more opportunities to work cooperatively at camps and outings. This is also Hot Chocolate time. Get your orders and sell a case or two. Supplies available at the Office. Remember Your BP Spirit is in your HEART. Good Scouting, John Boyce, Council Commissioner, commissioner@voyageur.scouts.ca _____ WHAT’S NEW 1) Welcome to Jeff Benson, our new Field Executive who will be based in Kingston. He will be working with Stormont-Glengarry, Loyalist, Nepean, Upper St. Lawrence Valley, and Valley Highlands Areas. 2) Our Council office is now the Eastern Ontario Service Centre for both Voyageur Council and White Pine Council. Jennifer Harrington and Pamela Bazinet are our two administrative assistants, while Lynn Levitan is our Council Registrar. Guy Latour and Jeff Benson are our two Field Executives. They work extensively in the field supporting our Groups and Areas. Warren McMeekin (Executive Director), and Tim Foreman (Operations Manager), work with both Councils and divide their time between our office in Ottawa, and White Pine Council's office in Oshawa . Our team can be reached by telephone or email as usual. Please call ahead if there is someone that you wish to meet when you come in to the office, so that we can make sure that they will be there. 3) The deadline for the Leader Magazine's annual photo contest has been extended to February 27th. For more information, please visit http://www.scouts.ca/media/documents/oct03p19.pdf. 4) Scouts Canada has developed e-newsletters for Beavers & Cubs, Scouts Venturers & Rovers, and Leaders. The first e-newsletters were sent in January. _______ GREETINGS FROM JEFF BENSON, YOUR NEW FIELD EXECUTVE Hello everyone! My name is Jeff Benson and I am currently into my seventh year on staff with Scouts Canada. My Scouting experience has been quite varied and spans over 22 years. My role as Field Executive has not changed a great deal: support the volunteers in what they do best – which is delivering excellent programs to youth. My wife, Natalie and I will be moving to the Kingston area in early spring. In the meantime, I’ll see you in the field! Please feel free to contact me by email at jbenson@scouts.ca or leave a message at ext. 500. _____ VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING WB2 recognition and Advanced Training !? Well, now here is your chance ! You have told us many times that courses are not offered to leaders in the format that is convenient, and we heard it loud and clear. Check out the Voyageur Training Website, and put into the office your registration, there is no excuse anymore. ADVANCED TRAINING FOR ALL SECTIONS (BCSVR): April 2,3,4. Of course you are expected to work with your Coach thereafter. Register by March 1. TRAINER DEVELOPMENT 1: For any Leader or adult who would like to be involved with Training, the TD1 course on April 16-18 is a must. Even if you are not sure that "Training" is for you, this course will give you the skills, confidence and personal evaluation that is valuable to self development. FIRST AID: Course on March 6 and 7. A re-certification course will be coming for you soon. ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT MODULE #2 - "Planning for the Organization" on March 27,28,29 has lots of room. Please register by February 27th.. If you have any concerns, questions or input, please contact me. Tony van Muyden, DCC Volunteer Development and Training dcc-training@voyageur.scouts.ca _____ WOODBADGE BASIC & OUTDOOR SKILLS COURSE (April 16-18) Come to the Woodbadge Basic & Outdoor Skills Course being held at Camp Opemikon from Friday, April 16th to Sunday, April 18th, 2004. The course fee has been set at $60 for the whole weekend; the outdoor skills course alone (Saturday noon to Sunday noon) has a fee of $40. For more information, please contact your DAC Training or visit the course website at www.basic.andrewprice.ca http://www.basic.andrewprice.ca/ The registration cut-off date is Friday, April 2nd. _____ 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 _____ HONOURS AND AWARDS The Council extends congratulations to: Scouter John Witham of Stormont-Glengarry Area who has been awarded the Silver Acorn for his especially distinguished service to Scouting; Scouter Mike Turtle of 1st Blackburn Pack who was awarded a Medal of Merit for his especially good service to Scouting; Scouters Doug Proud of 1st Greenwood Company, and Scouter Eric Hansen of 11th Ottawa Pack, who were awarded the Certificate of Commendation for their dedicated service to Scouting. _____ COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS Voyageur Council sent out a News Release on Scout-Guide week, while Heritage Area sent out a corresponding Media Advisory about their Campfire on Parliament Hill, which was held at the end of that week. This resulted in a 3 minute radio interview on CFRA on Thursday morning, a 5 minute television spot on the New RO on Friday morning, and coverage on the News at 6 on the New RO on Sunday night. Yours in Scouting, David Wray, Communications & Public Relations, Voyageur Council, communications@voyageur.scouts.ca _____ 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. _____ ADULT RECRUITMENT WORKSHOPS (Feb 26 - Scout HQ) One workshop still remaining is scheduled for February 26, 2004 at Scout Headquarters in Heritage Area. If you would like to attend, please contact Eugene Lavigne at 224-5135 Ext.603. Three workshops and one presentation have been completed to date in Odawa, Rideau, Carleton and Algonquin Hills. Thank you to all the participants for their involvement and input into the workshops. Thank you to Andy Wilson, Steven Ley, Andrew Price and Helen St. Denis, Grace Jones for all their hard work in making the workshops a success in their respective Areas. _____ CAMP SLUSH - March 12-14 REMINDER: REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MARCH 5, 2004 Open to any and all Venturer Companies and Rover Crews anywhere! The Registration Form for Camp Slush (Venturers/Rovers) is available to download on the Council website at www.voyageur.scouts.ca For more info, please contact: Susie Page (Mate) (613) 687-4870 or E-MAIL susie_sunny@sympatico.ca Moira Penney (Vice Mate) (613)687-4244 or E-MAIL jane_molly@webhart.net _____ SCOUT PADDLE NIGHT (March 27 and April 4) Troop youth and leaders will have the opportunity to practice and acquire paddling and canoe rescue skills in an indoor pool complex, covering most of the skills requirements of the Scout Paddle Badge. Paddle Night will be held as two separate sessions from 8-10 pm March 27th and April 4th 2004 at the Walter Baker Sports Centre, 100 Malvern Drive, Barrhaven, Ottawa, Ontario. To register, or for more information, please contact Brenda McCormack at bmccorma@connectmail.carleton.ca or (613) 731-4413. _____ 4th ANNUAL CAMP OPEMIKON WORK WEEKEND - April 23-25 This weekend provides a great opportunity for Voyageur Council senior Scouting members and leaders to spend a fun weekend making an important contribution preparing OUR camp for another summer season. Accommodations and meals are provided free of charge by the camp – all we ask in exchange is a good weekend’s work from all participants! If you have any questions at this early stage, please do not hesitate to contact Tim Taylor via email opegroupcommittee@voyageur.scouts.ca or at (819) 561-1613. _____ 2004 SCOUTREES CAMPAIGN - (Main Dig Day - MAY 1) Ready, set, dig! Scoutrees is one of Scouts Canada's three accredited fundraising programs. All councils participate in Scoutrees, and all groups are encouraged to take part as well. Scoutrees is a nation-wide tree-planting project. It is first and foremost an environmental program but has, over the years, helped raise funds for Scouting. Through sponsors and donors, Scoutrees helps to fund local Scouting activities and also provides much needed income for the Canadian Scout Brotherhood Fund. Information on this year's program is available on our website at www.voyageur.scouts.ca For additional information or to find out who your local coordinator is contact Guy Latour, Field Executive, at ext 204. _____ GOLF TOURNAMENT AND AUCTION (June 1) Start putting together your foursome for this great day of Golf at the Loch March Golf and Country Club. The entry fee for the Tournament 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, a two seater golf cart, Roast Hip of Beef Buffet Dinner starting at 7:00pm and Silent and Voice Auction to follow. You will also receive a tax receipt for a portion of the entry fee. All proceeds from this tournament will go directly to your Camp Opemikon for upgrades such as a much needed walk-in freezer and a new slide for the waterfront. Keep your eyes on the Voyageur Vision or the Camp Opemikon web page http://www.voyageur.scouts.ca/opemikon/ for updates on this very exciting fundraiser. _____ MUFFERAW STOMPOREE (2004 COUNCIL CUB CAMP) - (June 4-6) The registration package will be emailed/mailed to all pre registered cub packs. Those who missed the pre registration, will find the registration package on our webpage. Also on the Stomporee web site will be the registration form for Offers of Service to help at this exciting event. We would like those interested in helping in Programming, Site Facilities, Staff Cooking and general all around helpers. For more information, check out our web page http://www.voyageur.scouts.ca/misc/cubcamp/mufferawstomporee2004.htm Heather Chilvers, 2004 Council Cub Camp Administrator chilversbb@rogers.com _____ OPE UPDATE ANNOUNCING: Camp Opemikon Spring Packages Have a young Troop not quite ready for all out winter camping? We have two specials just for you as a means to introduce your youth to the skills of winter camping. Contact the Voyageur Council office to reserve your dates now. A: Book a set of Cub Cabins to use as sleeping quarters and protection from the cold. The cabins are at no charge if you use our catering services at $25.00 per person for the entire weekend, from Friday evening mug-up to Sunday lunch. Available to March 31. B: Rent the west side of the Cub Field, near the Nature Shelter, at a cost of $5.00 per person for the weekend. Shelter can be used for cooking. Available Cabins can be used in emergency as protection from wind. Available to 31 March. 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. Camp Rules: The new camp rules are posted on the OPE website. We suggest that group leaders familiarize themselves with these rules before arriving to camp. Website www.voyageur.scouts.ca/opemikon/ _____ EXTREME ADVENTURE (June 28 - August 8) Are you between the ages of 14 and 17? Have you ever experienced an unforgettable summer? Here’s your chance. Canoe white water on the Madawaska River, travel on remote wilderness rivers near James Bay, backpack some of Ontario’s most picturesque wilderness terrain in Killarney on Georgian Bay and explore one of Ontario’s oldest northern communities, all while immersed in an environment that will allow for strong leadership development. Now add the opportunity to receive certifications in first aid/CPR, swimming, canoeing, AND water rescue. If this sounds like the summer you’ve dreamed of, that’s because it is. And we’re accepting registrations right now. Registration/Additional Information: Want to learn more about this exciting program? Check out our web pages at www.extremeadventure.ca and www.voyageur.scouts.ca or contact: David Humphrys – Program Director e-mail: extremevy@scouts.ca Guy Latour – Voyageur Council Field Executive, e-mail: glatour@scouts.ca _____ EASTERN ONTARIO GILWELL REUNION (EOGR) - (Sept. 18-20) The 42nd EOGR will take place September 18-20, 2004, at Camp Opemikon. 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. 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 _____ 7th B-P (Bytown) GUILD Scouters and Guiders, active or retired, are welcome to join our Ottawa and area guild. Contact Norm Pascoe, Guild Master, at (613) 745-1188 or e-mail normpascoe@hotmail.com For more information, check out our webpage at www.voyageur.scouts.ca _____ 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 _____ 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 _____ A D V E R T I S E M E N T S _____ **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 _____ THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE OF THE VOYAGEUR VISION! _____ 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. _____ **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. _____ Deadline for March issue: March 12, 2004.