Whitby Area Scouts News

The canoe was named a wonder of Canada in the spring of 2007, so June 26 was proclaimed as National Canoe Day. To celebrate let’s have a canoe day at Samac. There will be a Canoe-Be-Que (aka BBQ) @ 7 pm with hot dogs and water. Please bring your own canoe, PFD’s (must be worn), paddles (including one extra per canoe) and a throwbag. All participants must be able to swim 50 meters. Water guns and tennis balls are optional, but recommended (Please use only tap water to fill the guns not lake water).
This events is open to all registered members of Scouting. To make sure there is enough food and water please email Dave Reid with how many from your group are coming.

1st Whitby Garage Sale - June 27/09, 8am-12noon

At the home of Akela Bernard Loken, 32 Butterfield Cres., (behind Pizza Pizza at the corner of Anderson and Rossland.) Donations of any kind will be accepted. Donation of material can be dropped off any time. Contact Bernard to make arrangements for drop off or pick up at Bernard Loken, 905-668-4782.

1st Oshawa Scout Group Centennial Celebration!

We would be honoured if you would join us to celebrate this milestone on Saturday July 11, 2009 at Camp Samac, Oshawa (Conlin entrance.)
Opening Ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. activities last until 4 p.m. This is a landmark event that you will not want to miss. There will be tons of activities for all ages, rock wall, live band, face painting, magician, swap shop, food. Oh and it is FREE!
We would also be much obliged if you would pass this invitation to any and all contacts you may have. Thank you very much, and hope to see you all there! For more information, contact Mike Hurley scouting@hurleyfinancial.ca or 905-619-3600 ext 22.

A Message from our Chief Commissioner, Steve Kent

Steve Kent appears in a 'straight talk' video on YouTube called Message from Steve Kent. Also last week, a discussion document called Task Force Action Plan-May 2009 (PDF 703kb) was released.
It was easy to see that Steve is a down-to-earth, and bright visionary, who is committed to action. He wants all Councils to adopt this plan, and use it to help Scouting grow. Dylan Reinhart comments, "... there are a lot of really good ideas and I am very excited about it."
The timing could not be any better. Since this Council is currently reviewing its strategic priorities, I ask that you share this information with all members in your Areas. Read through the material and come prepared to future meetings to discuss a plan of action. The future is exciting as we look forward to finalizing our plans and committing to action!

Free to a good home -- Scout Resources

• Binder with Troop programming materials and planners
• 1975 Scout Leaders Handbook by the Boy Scouts of Canada
• Leader Magazines from 1995 to 2009
If anyone is interested, call Ruth at 905-430-0324 evenings (or leave a message).

Youth of the World - Discovery Base Sep 25-27 2009, Blue Springs.

The Youth of the World Award is broken into two sections: Discovery and Voluntary Action. This weekend will cover the Discovery section of the award and will focus on United Nations Millennium Development Goal #1: eradicating extreme poverty and hunger. Through hands on activities, the youth (aged 12-26) will learn all about the causes and effects of poverty and hunger, as well as some of the programs in place to fight it (both inside and out of World Scouting). In the end, the youth will have the chance to put together an action plan, which they'll use as their first step towards completing the Voluntary Action section of the Award. For more information on the award, check out a www.youthoftheworld.ca. Complete and submit the registration form attached to the poster (follow link). Fee is $30.

Troop Fall Tune Up, Samac Adventure Base, September 25-27/09

Have you wanted a start up weekend program for your Troop? Well we have one for you. The Troop Fall Tune Up is a weekend of camping where all the basic camping skills are taught or honed and perfected so you can take your kids out with confidence.
Events / training programs run from Fire lighting to Stove, Lantern & Knife & Axe Safety and much more.
Throughout the weekend your troop will earn badges and receive certificates for skills perfected. This is not just a training weekend for the scouts but it is fun as well for first years to third years. Just ask those that have already been.
The event will be held at the Samac Adventure Base near Haliburton. For more information contact Roy Hardy . Leaders will be required to attend an organizational meeting prior to event so you can help your troop have a great time.

Course: "Wilderness Tripping/Backpacking for Leaders"

Scouting's Honours & Awards for Volunteers

Wouldn't it be nice to be recognized for your volunteer years, special efforts and hard sweat? We have a co-ordinator to help you with just that. Scouts Canada has a wide range of awards and pins to show thanks to it's volunteers but it needs you to initiate the process. You can suggest a name, write out what you know about the Scouting efforts of the individual, then submit it to the committee for consideration. For more informaton about awards, contact Viola Tebble , 905-668-6303.

Scouts Canada launches online Program Builder

The Program Builder Online provides an great resource for leaders when planning out their weekly programs and includes hundreds of activity ideas (songs, games, crafts, etc) that Leaders can plug into a planning tool. Check it out! link to Program Builder now. (You need your membership number to login.)

Join Scouting in Whitby Area

Scouting has programs for young people from 5 to 26 years old (both male and female), and lots of fun for leaders, too. Check out our "Group Locater" page for more information about times and locations available. You may also contact Brian Wick, Membership volunteer: membership@whitbyscouts.org.

Bring on the Adventure!