Voyageur Council Venturer Advisors’ Forum

Voyageur Council Venturer Advisors’ Forum

Meeting Minutes for March 3^rd, 2009

Scout Headquarters - National Boardroom

Al McPhee	1^st Greely	Lydia Renton	1^st Dunrobin
Alan Griffin	112^th Nepean Rovers	Malcolm Volmer	27^th Nepean
Alan Yates	1^st Merrickville	Matthew Janssen	Carleton Rovers
Brien Taylor	1^st Greenwood	Mike Harris	Rideau Area Rovers
Bruce Morton	14^th Gloucester	Mike Jowett	AC Nepean
Christiaan Burchell	1^st Nepean	Nigel Ward	1^st Kanata
Chuck Fraser	1^st Glen Cairn	Patrick Megan	1^st Wakefield
Dan Karwowski	1^st Glen Cairn	Patti Milan	Nepean Area
Dean Smith	2^nd Orleans	Robert Sylvester	7^th Kanata
Doug MacKinnon	112^th Nepean	Roger Aston	3^rd Ottawa
Gil Lepine	4^th Orleans	Sharon Ley	7^th Kanata
Grace Jones	Rideau Area	Stephen Smye	1^st Wakefield
Greg McGinnis	2^nd Russell	Stewart Ross	DAC Recog’n Nepean
Joe Vautour	25^th Nepean	Tim Redpath	1^st Stittsville
John Stalker	Valley Highlands	Tim Taylor	123rd Ottawa
Ken Shore	1^st Osgoode	Tom Wasiak	1^st Kanata
Leah Elwell	Rideau Area Rovers	Wally Gale	14^th Gloucester
Luc Pernot	2^nd Russell

Opening Remarks:

Wally opened the meeting and thanked Bob Sylvester for taking the notes for tonight’s meeting.

Past Events:

Adirondack adventure (Jan. 30, Feb. 6/13/20 weekends) - Report given By Allan Yates

This year’s event was a resounding success with a 60% increase in participation over the last year, for a total of 107 participations and the addition of a fourth weekend to the event. Snow cover was good on all the weekends. We also attracted groups from further afield, with representation from as far as Carp and Kingston. No groups were turned away, and no size restriction was placed on the groups, with some groups camping outside and others in the Alpine Club cabin. No snowshoes were rented thanks to Merrickville loaning their 24 pairs. Both easy and hard hikes were offered each weekend. In addition to snowshoeing hikes, various groups did ice climbing, tobogganing and skiing at Whiteface and Gore Mountain. Since there were no groups turned away, refunds were able to be given to all the participants who paid but were not able to attend. Also due to the much higher than expected participation, the accounting balanced without the planned $6/per person subsidy from Voyageur Council.

Gatineau Loppet (Feb. 13-15) – Report given by Wally Gale

Once again the Gatineau Loppet went well and the weather was wonderful. Three companies participated at 2 of the food stations, serving X-country skiers from around the world. Organizers changed the route this year due to icy conditions, providing for a more relaxed effort for our volunteers at Huron warming hut. The Venturers-Rovers-Advisors put in an exemplary effort and everyone appeared to enjoy the winter camping weekend.

Boat Pro Course (Feb 28) - Report given by Mike Jowett

The course went very well and all participants passed the exam. 17 of the 24 enrolled participants were able to attend. Those who missed the course might have another opportunity if another course is offerred this spring at Camp Opemikon for camp staff. Those affected should call the Voyageur office to enquire.

Upcoming Activities:

VenClimb II (April 18-19)-Report given by Christiaan Burchell

An intensive “Training” course on how to set up and run a rock climbing day is being planned. This is offered to leaders and experienced youth (Venturers/Rovers). Previous climbing experience is a must and there is a maximum of 10 participants. Room and board at Camp Ope and equipment is included in the $40-$60 charge per person.

For more information please contact Christiaan at cjburchell@yahoo.com.

Camp Opemikon Work Weekend (April 24-26 - Report given by Tim Taylor

The camp is still running despite the recent fire. It may be necessary to have a temporary kitchen in place until repairs are complete due to damage in the kitchen and basement of the Dining Hall.

Currently there are 178 registered participants from 16 groups.

Reservations are due by the end of March. Please get your registrations in ASAP with the number of youth so that planning can take place. The cost is $10.00 per person. All meals from Friday mug-up to Sunday Breakfast/Lunch are included. This is a great linking event for senior Scouts-Venturers-Rovers. More detailed information is available on the VAF web site or by contacting Tim Taylor by email at quappelle264@gmail.com or phone (819-561-1613).

RSVP “May Camp” (May 1-3) - Report given by Tamara Wilson

Registration is now open for RSVP, a great linking camp for the youth (Venturers, Rovers, senior Scouts, Pathfinders & Rangers). They are still looking for offers of service for the camp. Please contact Tamara for more information on what the need is. The deadline for registration is mid-April, with registration forms available at the VAF meeting or on the VAF web page.

Camp Traill –Troop Summer Camp- (June 12-14) - Report given by Ken Shore

Offers of Service are needed for the actual scout camp (June 12-14) along with a company or crew to cook for the work weekend (April 24-26). The June weekend will feature canoe, rock-climbing, hiking, archery and many others. Registration information is available on the Council website. The camp is situated on 300+ acres of wooded wilderness on Charleston Lake near Athens, Ontario. Youth and leaders are required to help with areas such as archery, rock climbing, canoeing, and the biggest Lifeguards. OOS will pay $15 and get a t-shirt and crest. Please watch the council site for more information.

White Water Courses, Reports given by Daniel Mitchell, Michael Wall, Bill Bowman, and Stephen Smye

Canoe White Water 1&3 May 22-24 - Petawawa Canoe White Water 2 & mini1, Kayak White Water 1&2 May 29-31 – Palmer Rapids

Pre training for White Water 1: at Camp Opemikon on Sunday, April 26 (Work Weekend) at 10:30 till 2:30 (please be punctual) - cost $3.50 for lunch – no charge for Work Weekend participants. This is a pre-requisite for White Water 1.

Course registrations opened at tonight’s VAF with the final deadline being May 5^th. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent through the course and 7 canoes (outfitted but lacking paddles & PFDs) are also available from Camp Opemikon. Tim Taylor will deliver the Ope canoes to Ottawa. ORCA level 1 certification is a feature of WW3 and anyone qualifying for more advanced certification should talk to the Bear Creek course leader in advance.

Black Bear Camp can accommodate about 130 people for the 1^st weekend.

Course	Maximum	Prerequisite
Canoeing WW1	80 – 1^st weekend 10 – 2^nd weekend	Pre-Training Course
Canoeing WW2	60	Canoeing WW1
Kayaking WW1	20	Canoeing WW1
Kayaking WW2	10	Kayaking WW1
White Water 3 (ORCA)	30	WW 1&2

More information and registration pack are on VAF site. http://web.ncf.ca/ad554/announce.htm

Reports:

Camp Opemikon Fire, Report given by Tim Taylor

Despite the fire that happened on Thursday, camp activities are still running. Kudos to the OPE Crew for responding in true scouting fashion so the group staying there that weekend was not affected. The Camp Warden has asked that no visitors drop by to see the damage and that all information requests go through the Ottawa office.

VRSC, Lost Children Report by participants

Very good volunteer turn-out for Winterlude with the youth helping unite several lost children with their parents and several lost parents. Comment was made that it would be helpful to have some kind of Scouts Canada identifier as promotion of Scouting for these types of events.

Joint Council Activities Report given by Bob Dore:

JC winter camp went well, one of the best in many years, with 85 youth attending.

May Camp is going to be the long weekend. More information to follow.

The March event will be a movie ‘night’ – Indiana Jones trilogy at the Mayfair Theatre March 14 starting at 2:30 pm.

Attendance at the monthly JC meetings has averaged about 73 with 53 at tonight’s meeting. Those wearing the Uniform has increased from 20% a few months ago to 63%.

Bob also indicated that he is still looking for a JC Venturer Advisor to take his place for next season. There are a couple of possibilities and anyone interested should contact him.

Training and Development:

Woodbadge II Senior Section, (May 8-10) ~Report given by Stewart Ross

The Outdoor skills module for the Woodbadge 2 senior section is scheduled for May 8-10 at Whispering Pines - the 3^rd and final weekend for participants. There are some spots available for others if they are interested in attending only this outdoor skills component - please contact Stewart. Neckars and beads are generally presented at successful completion of this course but pins are now available as an option for those who already have the neckar from a previous Woodbadge 2 course – and pins are much less expensive. Pins are also available for purchase ($2 ea) for those who have previously taken the 1 & 2 level courses in other sections.

Woodbadge I Senior Section – April 24-26. (at HQ)- Report given by John Stalker

We are looking for a youth who is interested in running a module for this training. Course information is available on the council website - cost is $6.00 and location is National HQ. For more information please contact Michelle Niefer at either (613) 257-1333 or mniefer@sympatico.ca

Other Business:

RoVent Planning Meeting (March 11) - Report given by Doug MacKinnon

Next meeting is March 11^th at HQ (every 2^nd Tuesday of each month until summer). Advisors and youth are welcome to attend. Subcommittees will be nominated at this meeting and they hope to have an info packet ready for the May VAF meeting.

Panam Jamboree Enviromental Challenge - Report by Wally

There is a call for entries for the “Environmental Projects Competition”. Thanks to the Scout Association of Mexico, the winner of the competition will receive a grant to attend the 13th Panamerican Scout Jamboree, to be held in Toluca, Mexico, from 26 December 2009 to 3 January 2010.

Couch Rally - Report given by Mike Harris

The Rideau Rover Crew has started planning this event and brought initial plans to the VAF for feedback. The tentative date is Saturday, September 12^th, 2009. It will follow a scavenger hunt format with teams of 5 transporting couches to different sites around downtown Ottawa and taking photos. A BBQ on the lawn of city hall would help to promote Scouting. Mike will circulate a proposal via VAF email to all VAF members who will in turn obtain feedback from their Companies-Crews for the next VAF meeting. He also noted that crests from 2007 were never distributed and will be available at the next VAF meeting.

Scoutfest 2009 - Reported by Wally

- a reminder that the day-long Scoutfest conference will be held in Smith Falls April 18. It works on a 6 period rotating course schedule in which you can take classes ranging from Colony games to Ceremonies. The cost of the day is $22.00 and includes hot lunch, guest speaker, crest, and door prizes. Enrolment forms are available at HQ or on the Council website.

Interfaith Service March 8 - Reported by Alan Griffin

Youth flag bearers are requested for the annual international Interfaith Service to be held at Knox Church (120 Lisgar St at Elgin) on Sunday, March 8. The Service-parade starts at 4 pm and participants should arrive by 3 pm.

Museum Online - Reported by Alan Griffin

The Rovers deserve credit for a major effort to put the Scout Museum online – official opening soon. It will be accessible from the Scouts Canada website.

Special Presentation:

Expedition Menu Planning (Missinaibi River) presented by Cyndy Courtland.

She discussed how one should pack for 14 people on a 10 day canoe trip.

Points of interest were:

Don’t forget desserts, it is amazing what hold they have on the youth.
Variety of food with stronger flavours as the trip goes on.
Try to start off with fresh and end with dried, most fresh can last up to 5 days.
Keep weight in mind, and spread out the meals across the barrels. Do not organize each barrel by day as this leaves some empty and others full for portages.
Dogs should not be allowed to guard food during preparation.

Next Meeting: Tuesday April 7, 2009 at 7:30 pm – includes a presentation by Allan Yates about white water safety

The Chair for the Venturer Advisor Forum is Wally Gale at vafchair@rogers.com.

Please contact Wally for any notices to distribute or ideas on future topics.

If you find any omissions or errors, please contact ……

Scouter Jocelyn Remus-Robinson at cascahawk@gmail.com or 613-592-4738