The Lighthouse -- November 1995

Scouts Canada -- Whitby District Newsletter

CONTENTS

Editor's Message and Computer Stuff

My apologies if this issue doesn't look quite normal. My computer's hard disk died two days ago and I haven't got access to my regular publishing program.

A few years back, the Whitby newsletter consisted of something like 30 letter-size pages. While I'd like to expand the information, something like that is no longer possible. Our World-Wide Web (WWW) site on the Internet allows us a little more space and I expect to gradually increase the material that appears there.

The Scouts and Venturers who attended the JOTA camp last month had an opportunity to see the Web in action thanks to the members of MaUsE (Macintosh Users East) who brought along their computer and a big monitor projection screen. Remember that virtually any computer (even a Commodore 64) with any modem can view this information through the Durham Free-Net (DFN). Call me if you need help.

If you use Windows, the Windows Terminal program works fine. For best results, set Settings -> Terminal Emulation to DEC VT-100 (ANSI) and make sure the check-box for Settings -> Terminal Preferences -> Use Function, Arow, and Ctrl Keys for Windows does not have an X in it.

There have been on-going problems with modems on the DFN not resetting. If you get gibberish instead of a prompt asking you to log in, call back again, call a different DFN number, or try again later. Hopefully, this problem will be fully solved soon.

If you log in as ``guest'' you don't get the ``Local Information'' heading on the main menu. The Scouting area can also be found under ``Education & Libraries'' where most of the other kids' stuff is located.

This is the last newsletter until the January council meeting, so until then, check the Web page for updates and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Beavers

Congratulations to the following Colony scouters who recently completed Wood Badge Part I training -- Mark McGowan, Kevin Canavan, Dan Cormier, Chris Gour, Steve Grant, Maurice Dumont, Mark Calverly, Christine Raynor, Mike Middleton, Karin Kennedy, Steven Crosier, David Lennox, John Taylor, Gary Pritchard, Dick Haney, Debbie Daniel, Doug Davies, Melanie Gibb, Oliver Grassl, Tully d'Alleva, Mike Thuot, Chuck Lawrie, David Coupland, Scheri Stamper, William Watson.

We've just received information about an upcoming Sharing Session being held in Richmond Hill on Sunday, Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m. at the Bayview Hills Community Centre. Games, songs, stories and crafts will be shared. The theme for this event is ``The Seasons.'' Please contact Cathy Harker for more information.

All colony scouters should be advised that there is a new edition of the Beaver handbook for 1995. The revised handbook describes the new guidelines for linking Beavers to the Cub program. The most important change to the colony program is the new Magic Light symbol which replaces the lightning bolt on white tails. Please be sure your colony has at least one copy of the revised handbook. If you have any questions, please contact your service scouter.

Cathy Harker 655-8869
Pat Dick 666-1655
Dave Reid 666-1605
Maureen Addison 668-1176
Dave Lewis 666-1453
Noreen Wild 668-5588

Cubs

There will be a full leadership meeting for all Cub leaders on Dec. 4, starting at 8:30 p.m. sharp at Holy Family Church. Please ensure that at least one leader from your pack is there for this important meeting.

Kub Kar kits will be passed out and race dates will be assigned. Bring your cheque book, so you can pay 50% on the kits. Kees Stolk is in charge of the Kub Kar races this year. No location is confirmed yet, but the races will likely start in early February.

Scout-Guide Week

Speaking of February, we have to start planning now for Scout-Guide Week. If we can get a spot at the Whitby Mall for the Kub Kars, we'll likely have an information table as we did last year. If you have additional ideas and suggestions about how we can promote Scouting in February, call Neil Wick.

Venturers

Venturers are reminded of the Venturers' Executive Information Workshop (VEIW) weekend coming up on Dec. 1 to 3. Companies have the details. This training can greatly improve your meetings and activities, so please consider sending one or two candidates.

Remembrance Day

Despite rather miserable rainy weather, Scouting turned out in full force for this year's Whitby Remembrance Day service. Well over 100 Scouts were present this year, the 50th year since the ending of World War II. Scouter Larry Goucher reports:

Please pass along to the Whitby District President my comments on the Scouts participation on Remembrance Day. For years it was 4th Whitby that were in the parade year in and year out. I was so pleased to see Brian Scott organize the event and see all those young boys on parade with the old vets.

It is events like these that put Scouting out in the public's eye and Whitby District are to be commended. The vets as well I believe welcome the young because long after they are gone and no longer able to march it is the youth that will have to remember. Well done Brian and Whitby District. Well done Mel and Heather for feeding the crowds after.

Whitby Santa Claus Parade

The Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 2 is being organized by the Whitby Jaycees. Participants should assemble on Gifford St. at 8 a.m.

Groups who wish to participate are asked to register individually, but we are asking parade organizers to group all of the Scouting groups next to each other. If you don't have an entry form, they are available at the Whitby Information Centre. For more information, talk to Catherine Poole at 905-839-1077.

Registration

Yes, we're still talking about registration, but this time it's to congratulate all the groups for co-operating so well. All the initial registrations have now been sent in for this year. We've placed a total of 48 new Beavers from our new-member registration night and several Cubs and Scouts.

District people now have a full list of contacts for this year, thanks to Dave Archer who assembled the information and Viola Tebble who proofread it.

Training

New additions to the training calendar include a ``Group Services Training'' course by Oshawa District on Jan. 12-13. Thornhill Summit district is planning a Crew Wood Badge Part I for sometime in March. Oshawa District is offering a combined Colony, Pack, and Troop Part I at Camp Samac in the May/June time period.

There is a Colony Part II planned for August at Blue Springs. Trainers are needed. A note about the Methods and Needs (MAN) course: This course is by invitation only. Suitable candidates will have participated as a trainer on a Part II course prior to taking the MAN course.

If you're interested in any of these training opportunities, talk to our ADC for Training, Jennifer Ackland.

``Put the Child First''

Besides the many Beaver leaders who took the Child Abuse Prevention course this week as part of their Part I, about a dozen others also participated. I thought it was worth reminding people of the phone numbers they should call in case they suspect any child of being abused. You'll want to be sure you have these numbers handy in case you need them.

The Children's Aid Society wants to be called first about any youth 16 and under. Their phone number is 433-1551 and they check messages every 20 to 30 minutes after hours. If you don't phone the CAS, call the Durham Regional Police at 579-1520. The Scouting person who needs to be informed that you've made a report is our PFE, Cathy Obright at 723-6843. Hopefully, none of you will ever need these numbers but we want you to ``Be Prepared'' if you do.

COMING EVENTS

Rather than just reading an old list of coming events which may be out-dated by the time you read this, you can go to a Current List of Coming Events for Whitby District.

WHITBY DISTRICT SERVICE TEAM

See the contacts page.

Up to the Whitby District Home Page