Voyageur Council Venturer Advisors’ Forum

Voyageur Council Venturer Advisors’ Forum

Meeting Minutes for May 5^th, 2009

Scout Headquarters - National Boardroom

Alan Clapp	8th Orleans	Jocelyn Robinson	7th Kanata
Alan Griffin	112^th Nepean	John Doughorty	DAC ODAWA
Allan Yates	1^st Merrickville	John Stalker	CP Valley Highlands
Bob Sargent	1st Merrickville	Ken Shore	1^st Osgoode
Brenda Cumming	1^st Osgoode	Malcolm Volmer	27th Nepean
Brian McAuley	7^th Prescott	Mark Courneyea	11th Ottawa
Bruce Morton	14^th Gloucester	Mary Hagerman	1st Osgoode
Chris Prevost	1^st Bells Corners	Mike Harris	Rideau Rover Crew
Chris Tyler	1^st Manotick	Patrick Megan	1^st Wakefield
Chuck Fraser	1^st Glen Cairn	Perry Schippers	2nd Gatineau
Cyndy Courtland	Carleton Place	Ray Renton	1^st Dunrobin
Dan Karwowski	1^st Glen Cairn	Sharon Ley	7th Kanata
Doug MacKinnon	112^th Nepean	Stephen Smye	1st Wakefield
Doug Proud	1^st Greenwood	Stewart Ross	DAC Rec Nepean
Doug Zahody	3^rd Orleans	Therese Desjardins	137^th Ottawa
Gil Lepine	4th orleans	Tim Harbinson	137th Ottawa
Greg Brost	1^st Orleans	Tim Redpath	1st Stittsville
Greg McGinnis	2^nd Russell	Wally Gale	14^th Gloucester
Ian Marsh	3rd Ottawa
Jan Stodola	7th Kanata

Opening Remarks:

Wally opened the meeting by noting that there were a number of new members present and reminding people to include their email address on the attendee sign-in sheet only if the address was not already on the VAF distribution list. He noted that the agenda for the meeting was somewhat ambitious and included a number of quick announcements that were not on the copy distributed.

Past Events:

VenClimb2 (April 17-19)

Those who participated in this event spoke highly of Christiaan’s instruction and felt the advanced information/practice was extremely valuable. Some Camp Opemikon staff joined other Venturers to learn how to set ropes and anchors in preparation for running a safe climbing session. This has become a valuable annual course held at Camp Opemikon the last couple of years.

Camp Opemikon Work Weekend (April 24-26) - Report given by Marilyn Johnson

Marilyn joined the meeting to address any questions about this weekend event and to express the camp’s and Tim Taylor’s gratitude. Tim was unable to be present. This work weekend has become a vital part of the changeover from winter to spring, and an essential contribution to the camp maintenance. In fact the weekend has become so successful that that many other scouting camps are asking her to write a “how-to” guide to run their own work weekends. We started this 7 or 8 years ago and are now finally officially in maintenance mode. So, congratulations to everyone. We had 187 workers, one of our highest turnouts ever. Tim passed along a request for next year – that any information about substitutions or changes in numbers be accompanied by each of the affected youth’s name and sex to facilitate assigning appropriate accommodations. Some quick thinking was required this year to adjust bed allocations in compliance with Scouts Canada’s regulations.

Marilyn also informed everyone that reconstruction after the fire started on May 5 and is proceeding quickly. There is still a good chance that all will be ready in time for the start of summer camp.

Camp Traill Cleanup weekend – April 24-26^th - Report given by Ken Shore

A small but dedicated group of 18 Venturers, Scouts and Leaders worked on preparing this campground for the June Troop camp weekend instead of joining the larger effort at OPE. They managed to rebuild the Chapel and campfire areas and generally cleaned up the property. The objectives for the weekend were met and exceeded when an additional requirement was added - extricating Andrew when he became stuck in the muck.

White Water pre-training – April 26^th

Feedback from the course indicates this annual activity was again well-received and valuable. It continues to work well to have this event follow the Ope Work Weekend without the requirement to change venue. Mike Miller’s presentation in the dining hall complemented the hands-on practice. The afternoon on the lake was cloudy, windy and cool, good conditions to prepare participants for the actual whitewater activity. The wind actually offerred an appropriate challenge for learning to steer and to avoid tipping.

RSVP – May 1-3

This Rover-organized weekend at Camp Opemikon was again successful, with a total of 224 participants. Overall, participants stated they had a great time. A few elements were identified for improvement in the future. Firstly, 1^st and 2^nd year scouts would best not be invited to join in on this type of senior section camp, nor do they fit well in activity groups with the older youth. Secondly, more appropriate bows should be made available for these older youth for the archery activity – the cub bows offer little value. Lastly, it would help to have a schedule of events with event start times indicated. There was difficulty in having all of the crests ready for the weekend so Leaders and OOS are asked to send an email to Tamara Wilson to request a crest.

There were four medals for the Order of the Maple presented during the weekend. The recipients were Neil Rice, Tamara Wilson, Francesca Viney, and Genevieve Stalker. Congratulations to all.

Wally noted the conflict in scheduling for this event with Scoutrees, a National initiative with an international element. Due to RSVP, the Senior Section leadership is discouraged from participating in Scoutrees. VAF members unanimously agreed that RSVP should continue to run and it is unlikely that the scheduling conflict can be accommodated. Venturers generally see themselves as moving away from the activities of the junior sections such as Scoutrees and Apple day.

Upcoming Activities:

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

Offers of Service are still needed in all areas, with a view towards having the senior youth take the lead. OOS cost is $20.00 (includes food, t-shirt, and crest). Registration information is available on the Voyager Website with a deadline of May 28. Jim McQuaid (613)-791-5900 is the contact for this.

Canada Rivers Day – Voyagers Canoes – June 14^th report by Laurel Rosene

VAF members and their youth are invited to join in the celebration of Canadian Rivers day and the Ottawa River becoming a heritage river on Sunday June 14^th. Former Venturer Advisor Laurel Rosene is involved with the office of the Ottawa Riverkeeper and attended the VAF to present Venturers, Rovers and Advisors with the opportunity of paddling their own Voyageur canoe in honour of this event. She offerred to be the focal point for collecting names of those interested in becoming one of the members of a crew that will paddle the 20 km from Victoria Island to Petrie Island. The cost is $10.00 per person. This event helps bring attention to the fragile nature of the Canadian river ways and is a great way to spend a day on the river. Shove-off and safety check happen at 8:30 am with actual departure at 10:30. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch for a stop at Kettle island followed by arrival at Petrie island at 15:00 (guided tour of the island). John Stalker offerred to follow-up on the need for the participating public to sign a waiver. More information on the event is available at http://ottawariverkeeper.ca/events/canadian_rivers_day_5th_celebration_of_our_river/

Wilderness First Aid (July 18-19^th) – Report by Tim Redpath

This is an excellent course at a wonderful price offered by Canadian Wilderness Training group. It will be located at Scout HQ from 9-5 both days and attendees are responsible for their own lunch and drinks. There are no pre-requisites other than an interest in first aid in a non-urban environment. A minimum enrolment of 8 is required but there is no maximum. There are already 8 confirmed attendees and a total of 20 interested and deadline is the end of June. The cost is $173.25 ($165 + GST). Payment can be sent to Tim Redpath in Stittsville - Tamred@sympatico.ca

White Water Courses - Report given by Michael Wall

All whitewater courses are full or close to full and plans are in place for both weekends:

WW1 (May 22-24) – 62 - Booked solid (No outstanding Funds).

WW2 & Small WW1 (May 29-31) – 56 & 24 respectively - Booked solid (No outstanding Funds).

Kayak 1 & 2 (May 29-31) – 33 - Room still available today. Contact Bill Bowman ASAP.

WW3 (May 22-24) – 25 - A few seats available but deadline is this VAF. Contact Stephen Smye for this activity.

Black Bear Campground is now confirmed for the 1^st weekend at Petawawa. See the VAF web site for detailed information about all of these courses.

Reports:

VRSC, Lost Children - Report Given by Perry Schippers

Lost Children’s services will once again be assisting on Canada day and at the EX. Registration to volunteer for these days is available on the VRSC LCS website:

Canada Day on the Hill http://sites.google.com/site/ lcscanadaday/Home
Ottawa Super EX http://sites.google.com/site/ lcssuperex/

Joint Council Activities - Report given by Scott Skentelbery and Ruth Watson:

The April JC event was intended to be rock climbing at Coyote rock gym, but the gym was full so the youth decided to visit the Museum of Science and Technology instead. 15 youth attended, all had a good time. The May JC event is a semi-formal dance to be held at the former Sunnyside Fire Hall (Sunnyside at Bank) on May 12-13 or 19-20 - more information will be sent to the youths by the JC co-chairs.

May Camp (May 15-18) information is now up on the VAF website. The theme is Jim Henson’s Muppets (Fragil Rock, etc.). The Grouch indicated the need to please impress upon the youth that prompt pick-up is necessary. Also an adult chaperone is required on the bus. The deadline for registration is this VAF/JC meeting, with payment due now.

Training and Development:

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

The 3^rd and final weekend in this course is the Outdoor skills component, with a focus on preparing for a feast to be shared on Saturday night. There will also be a session on setting up high tarp rain shelters and a related service project for Whispering Pines Camp. The 14 on-going participants will be joined by trainers from previous weekends and 5 others who only require an Outdoor Skills weekend. Participants are reminded that two-burner Coleman stoves must not be used and creativity is encouraged particularly for the feast.

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

There were 14 Woodbadge 1 Senior Section recipients. Surprisingly there were 50% who asked for woggles and 50% who asked for pins, an indication that many had received their woggle already through previous training in other sections. To date in 2008/09 a total of 45 participants have taken the Senior Section Woodbadge 1 training.

A show of hands indicated interest in receiving training during RoVent this fall: 6 for WB1 and 10 for WB2.

Basic Canoe and Boating Safety courses – Report by John Stalker

Basic Canoe course - Saturday June 20 at Whispering Pines for $10 (or $5 if take both courses)

Boating Safety course (Life Saving certification) - June 27-28 at Whispering Pines for $27.

More information is available on the Voyager Council website.

Other Business:

Couch Rally (Sept 2009) – Report given by Mike Harris (Nepean Rover Crew)

The committee for the couch rally is currently finalizing the registration package and will have it available at the June VAF meeting. They are looking at the possibility of starting and ending the event, complete with barbecue, in the parking lot of the A Channel (in the Market) instead of City hall. Nearby Ottawa parks are also under consideration but are discouraged. The Armory may also offer a possible parking location. Start time was recommended as 9 am due to the likelihood of slow downtown conditions. More information will follow.

Mike Harris is available at mikeoharris@gmail.com and there is a Facebook group for those interested in details of organization, located under Voyageur Couch Rally 09.

RoVent Planning Meeting – Report given By Doug MacKinnon

The committee is working with HQ to have Voyageur Council process the registrations. Registration will open when the information package is finalized and posted over the next couple of weeks. It will remain open until 1 week before the event, at which time full payment will be due. There are 275 spots available in the dining hall for the feast and the issue of how to handle numbers above that amount is not yet finalized. The 1^st 275 to register will be guaranteed a seat for the feast. They are still looking for a skilled artist for suggestions on a crest. Please submit it ASAP.

The theme is “Who is the rightful Queen of RoVent”, a murder mystery. There will be clues and challenges, and groups arriving late Friday or on Saturday will not be at a disadvantage in determining the solution.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the planning meeting scheduled for the 2^nd Tuesday of each month in the Buffam room. If you are interested in attending a Sr. Section WB1 at Rovent please contact Doug MacKinnion, as he is looking into the ability to do this again.

River Rescue course

Wally mentionned news of the possibility of having a River Rescue course offerred during the spring Whitewater sessions next year. Stephen will consider how this might fit in with existing plans to have a 3-year rotation that would include River Rescue.

Climbing Subsidy – report given by Wally Gale

Companies interested in purchasing a rope or possibly other technical climbing equipment should contact Wally about this subsidy over the next few weeks. A couple of Companies expressed interest in the fall for making a purchase in the spring (closer to the date of potential use), and these would be first in line. The rope should be made available for VenClimb but is otherwise the responsibility of the Company. The VAF has agreed to adhere to the safety policy of retiring climbing ropes after 5 years maximum.

“Show us what you Got” Video Contest

A 1 minuet video contest to win food for your company and show the world what you love about scouts, what does it mean to join Scouts, what is cool, and anything else about us. 1^st prize is $50, 2^nd $30 and 3^rd $20. Post your entry on the YouTube Group http://www.youtube.com/group/VoyageurSUWG by September 4, 2009. For more information contact Scouter Andrew Patterson at (613) 531-2478
Keep it Clean! Get real... mud's all good but you know what we can't do.

Russian Jamboree (July 27 – Aug. 5)

Anyone potentially interested in participating in this jamboree should contact HQ immediately since the time required for country-to-country Scouting communications may already be too short.

VAF Chair

Wally noted that he was nearing completion of his 2^nd year as Chair of the VAF … at which point all present clapped and cheered and told him to continue carrying-on until he was “carried out”. Wally will continue as VAF Chair next season.

Budget Round Table Discussion

Voyageur Council passed a budget item for 2009/10 that includes the annual subsidy available to the VAF, but this time is allowing the VAF to allocate that budget. Wally accordingly tabled the need to have a small committee of VAF members to sort out the distribution of those funds. While the final result may represent significant change or something close to the status quo, the key benefit is the ability to use the funds according to greatest identified need, particularly as activities and related needs are changing from year to year. Committee members should include key organizers of VAF-related activities, including those most affected by budget decisions. The following names were put forward (including many not present to defend themselves from being voluntold): Bill Bowman, Christiaan Burchell, Stephen Smye, Jim Montgomery, John Stalker, Allan Yates, and Doug Proud. Others interested in joining the group are welcome.

In order to ensure any significant opportunities are also considered, VAF members were asked for their suggestions in an open-forum brainstorming session. Additional suggestions should be emailed to Allan Yates (volunteered to coordinate the committee) or Wally. Ideas voiced from the floor include the following:

· Pay the annual service fee for the Spot emergency GPS locator/communicator, and allow any group to borrow it for a wilderness trip.

· Maintain the Whitewater course subsidies. These are expensive courses (despite the low group rates negotiated) and every $10 makes a difference. It also provides recognition to Council’s support efforts when parents see the direct subsidy.

· Purchase one whitewater canoe per year.

· Maintain subsidies for climbing equipment and the Winter Adventure.

· Provide support for equipment for international events (but others countered that the money available to allocate to this would be too little for too few)

· Outfit the OPE Whitewater canoes with kneepads and thigh straps since Venturers are key users of the canoes and these enhancements are necessary to ensure a good experience in the rapids of the whitewater courses in particular.

· Support High Ropes training to ensure RSVP has qualified people available to include High Ropes as an activity (no one available/certified to allow this activity at RSVP 2009)

· Support certification of a 2^nd member when a program only has one certified member available.

· Ask the youth

· Purchase bows suitable for an Archery Program for Senior Sections, enabling usage at RSVP and other events. Several Advisors are experienced in archery and Prescott has access to an archery club trailer for special events.

· Purchase caving ladders for special events such as Crazy Canuck

· Put 2/3 of the budget towards subsidies for events and 1/3 towards capital expenditures. For example, purchase of snowshoes reduces or eliminates the cost of rentals and becomes a secondary subsidy for the activity.

· Cover deficits incurred by a group organizing an event open to VAF

· Purchase kick sleds for winter events

Advisors are asked to bring the dates for 2009/10 activities to the June meeting, for a preliminary calendar of events.

Next Meeting and Last for 2008-2009 year: Tuesday June 2^rd, 2009 at 7:30 pm

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