Name

Group

Name

Group

Al McPhee

1^st Metcalf

Jim McQuaid

112^th Nepean

Alan Clapp

8^th Orleans

Jim Smith

27^th Nepean

Alan Griffin

112^th Nepean

John Dougherty

Odawa Area

Allan Yates

1^st Merrickville

John Stalker

Valley Highlands / CP

Alex Aronec

Carleton Area Rovers

Justin Braganza

28^th Ottawa

Andrew Peverley

Carleton Area Rovers

Matthew Janssen

Carleton Area Rovers

Bill Bowman

1^st Nepean

Mike Jowett

Nepean Area

Bob Dore

Joint Council

Ray Renton

1^st Dunrobin

Bruce Morton

14^th Gloucester

Stephen Smye

1^st Wakefield

Catherine Snedden

Carleton Area Rovers

Stewart Ross

Nepean Area Sr Sect. Serv.

Chris Tyler

1^st Manotick

T.C. Harbinson

137^th Ottawa

Christiaan Burchell

1^st Nepean

Thérèse Desjardins

137^th Ottawa

Cyndy Courtland

Carleton Place

Tim Redpath

1^st Stittsville

Doug MacKinnon

112^th Nepean

Wally Gale

14^th Gloucester

Doug Proud

1^st Greenwood

Walter Mastenbroek

3^rd Kanata

Greg McGinnis

2^nd Russell

Jan Stodola

7^th Kanata

Opening Business:

No change to business agenda.

Past Events:

Duke of Edinburgh: (Ray Renton) A number of our youth attended a visit from his Royal Highness with Air Cadets and members of the Boys and Girls Clubs.  The youth could sign up for various events, swimming, hip hop routine, etc.  Groups could also set up a booth in the main hall to show what their group did.  When HRH arrived, they did a tour outside with a tree planting.  The thing Ray noted is that HRH made a point of spending time with each volunteer (advisors) and touched every kid there and he was genuinely interested in the displays.   It was nice to see that he shook hands with everybody.

The momentum seems to be growing for this opportunity versus the Queen’s Venture which does not seem to be as much as a force.  It is important to note that the youth need to sign up right away as they can’t start counting points until they do.  Some companies sign up their youth routinely as they join Venturers.

River Rescue (Stephen Smye):  The course did happen with 18 brave souls given the cold weather.  Everyone got their ORCA River Rescue Certificate.  Feedback has been positive.  The 4^th Petawawa group was extremely helpful, and Stephen will send a note of thanks to them.  The group ended up staying in Norman Banke hall which is a heated space, with lights for evening card games, laundry facilities and access to a kitchen.   This was provided at no cost to the participants.  They even had access to showers at the civic center so they pretty much made it very welcoming.  Some companies also took advantage of mess hall cafeteria on the base as it is open to public and serves three good affordable meals per day.

Stephen asked the VAF if we interested in doing this on an annual basis.  He noted that given previous experience there has been little demand on an annual basis so he proposed we mix it up with a boat rescue course and a first aid course oriented towards bush activities, or a vertical rescue course.  These would be provided on a three year rotation basis.  So as youth come through Venturers so they have a different event for each year.  Also to try to find a better weekend, Stephen proposed the last full weekend in August might be a viable weekend to do these courses and a good way to kick off the scouting year.  This will also put it with the other event, the boat rescue course at Whispering Pines. 

It was agreed by the VAF that this is a good idea.  The next step is for advisors to take it back to their companies and see if they are interested.  Stephen will collect input at the next VAF.  At his meeting, the vote for the course next year was first aid with an eye to modualizing it, i.e. one trainer doing stage 1 and another doing stage 2 at the same time.  Doug and Stephen will talk as Doug is also looking into it.

RoVent (Mike Jowett): Mike is preparing report for council and is looking for feedback for his report.  The organizing committee had their final wrap up on Monday.  There was about 250 active participants from the 273 registered and the event did make $300, with $200 to the Rover crew cabin and the rest for next year’s event deposit.  Mike already had some comments as follows:

• Some of the documents did not get to registrants before the events meaning some of the rules for games were not followed and people did not always know what they should prepare for.
• All funds should be paid 10 days prior versus at the event as the invoice for the event is actually due a week before the event as this year the organizers ended up paying for those that did not show up.
• Mike also recommended that there be 2 advisors to handle administrative duties and program duties.
• Siege rules need to be reviewed as the catapults did not have proper time to give it a try before all hands got into throwing flour.  The will also look at shortening the wait time for testing of the catapults, maybe test some together.  The catapults should be more of a pioneer type contraption, i.e. strictly lashings and to even the playing field so companies are all working with the same materials.  Elastic bands and bungee cords were supposed to be out as they can be dangerous. 

Other comments from VAF:

• Advisors noted the energy was refreshing at the event.
• The Siege was still very much enjoyed even with the rule changes.
• There was a  note that for the pumpkin carving contest was not well known and for those that participated, there was no way to identify whose pumpkin was whose.  There is a need to put a tag underneath it or carve the company name into it.
• Thanks to Doug and company for putting on the games and there was good feedback on that.
• Mike noted that the main cabin should be kept as a communal gathering spot versus used as sleeping quarters for the organizing committee (they can use tents next year) as several felt they were ‘imposing’ when they visited the main cabin.
• One of the scouts groups at the camp for another event came to watch the siege and are now very enthusiastic to come to Venturers.  Note that senior scouts are invited with their company as a linking activity always at this camp.
• The banquet was awesome and had a good atmosphere with the door prizes keeping people attentive (and was a reason to give people a ticket).

Overall the committee worked hard and did a really good job.  For any more feedback, send to your comments to Mike.  Mike also noted he had a few extra crests and Jim is looking after that for $3 each.

Woodbadge I:  (Bob Dore), There were 22 participants overall that was very active and very charged.  There was good feedback on the Part I from the VAF as well.  Bob noted that the trainers got good feedback and the comments on paper were amazing.  It was good to piggy back on the residential part of ROVENT as it removed many organizational challenges from putting on the training.  Holding the training in Ye Olde Kitchen also worked well.  There was great cooperation from the Rovent team, OPE and the groups from Odawa.  Bob also thanked Stewart Ross for helping out at the last minute when a speaker had to cancel.

Bob noted that if you want training, tell your DACs that you want it and they can try to get it all in one weekend.  Bob is collecting photos from the event to put together a CD of course material with the pictures so if you have any photos from the weekend, send them to Bob.

At the event, they presented a number of Woodbadges to those who have taken course a few years ago.  One of those was presentation of a Part II to Wally on Saturday night.  At this VAF meeting, John stalker was presented with his Company Part II.

Fall Paddle and Garbage Pick-up (Ray):  The event took place as planned at Kettle Island, just off of the New Edinburgh Canoe Club.  The island seemed to be used for a large number of parties so there was an enormous amount of garbage.   However the weekend resulted in a very effective clean up, so the youth could see their accomplishments.  There were also little prizes at end that went over well and the River Keepers organization was happy to have the help of the Venturers.  There were 7 of the Dunrobin Venturers with likely 60 people over the day, although at any one time about 30 people.

Food Drive (participants): The organizers for this event were at the Candlelight Ceremony so feedback was gathered from members of VAF.  They noted there was about 57 tons (or skids) estimated by time they finished Saturday and there will still be bags collected Sunday.  It was noted that Purolator were down a couple of drivers so some of the shifts were left without anything to do for an hour or so.  However it was a good event, so we are not expect any changes for next year.  Note a good suggestion for next year, at some locations the youth would put a bag in the cart (face up) when shoppers took the cart.  It seemed to generate more food being donated.  Jan also noted that the Kanata food cupboard was great and it was a steady sort there as well.

Upcoming Activities:

Winter Adventure (Christiaan Burchell):  Christiaan is targeting the weekends of February  8,9,10, and 22,23,24 in 2008.  This event is about snowshoeing in the Adirondacks.  The event takes place at Lake Placid, specifically at Keene with the groups staying in the Keene Farm Hut.  The cost is $25 per person however if snowshoes are needed, it is an extra $15 so the total cost is $40 for those that need them.  Christiaan will start registration at the next VAF meeting on December 4^th.  He noted that your companies will need to get their trip permits in for January 8^th for first trip.  The registration cut off will be January 19^th, 2008. 

Each trip has 2 hikes, a challenging one and an easier one.  Food is not included but the hut has utensils, stove, and pots but not the food itself.  There are places to shop along the way if your company does not wish to bring food across the border.  The event will take place rain or shine or no snow.  It is about a 4 hour drive on average to get there, but it is on small little roads.  Christiaan asked for an indication of interest at the meeting and about 10 hands went up (10 groups are interested at least).  Christiaan will have an update and registration at the next meeting.

Update on Venclimb equipment. (Jim not here)  Christiaan noted he still has  a carabineer and a rappel device at his place.  If your company has extra or missing gear, let him know.  There will be a report next meeting as people are sending him receipts for now.

Centennial Camp with 1^st Merrickville: (Allan Yates)  The 1^st Merrickville group is having a centennial camp next year and are aiming for 1^st weekend in October.  The question Alan put to the forum is whether the Venturers would like to participate, i.e. is there any interest in having activities organized for Venturers?.  The event will be held in Merrickville on the fair grounds next to the old Canoe Club.  Given it is the same weekend as the Crazy Canuck challenge, is there an opportunity to have an urban Venturer challenge, i.e. do the Crazy Canuck challenge in Merrickville?  It would be a good demonstration of the fun Venturers have to the younger members.   Tow actions from this: (1) Allan will talk to Bill to see if the event is feasible.   (2) Wally will distribute an email from Alan to seek interest.

Reports:

JC Report: (Bob Dore and JC reps)  The November event will be the annual overnight mini-putt at the Putting Edge on Merivale.  It will take place on either November 17^th or 24^th. The availability will be confirmed shortly as it depends on bookings available, so the date will be announced shortly.  The event will start at 10 pm and continue until 9 am.  The cost is $30 per person with a 25 person minimum.  A note on the October event: the Saunders Farm was great and the 20 or so participants had lots of fun.

The JC is trying to book Camp Wolsey for this year’s Winter Camp.  The event is planned for February 1, 2 and 3, 2008.  Bob will need another volunteer to take his place at the camp as he has a prior commitment.  This involves primarily being the main contact for any issues or concerns with the Scouting Venturers.  The Bus is all set up and Vicky (the guiding rep) is there who also has been doing this for a few years and can help the Scouting rep volunteer.

VRRRT: (Raymond) The group is trying to start up again with a first meeting at 7 pm on Wednesday November 21, 2007 at Maki House in Nepean.   The location is at 19 Leeming Drive.  The meeting is for Rovers and for 3^rd year Venturers.

Laser Quest Lockdown: (Raymond)   Pre-registration for the Rideau Area Rover Crew is tonight (the night of the VAF meeting).  The limit is for 74 with 25 currently registered.  The event will take place on December 1^st to 2^nd, starting at 10:30 PM and continues until 6 am.  The cost is $40 at the door.  The organizers plan to work out a deal with the Local Heroes next door to get a $3 breakfast added in.  Can pre-register with information on the web.

SSYC Report (Alex Aronec):  This group has had 2 meetings so far to discuss purpose and organization.  This group is to be an umbrella organization for events and youth training in the Voyageur council and to try to bring back events to be run by the youth.  Right now they are getting the committee formed with the main goal is get youth out and involved,  The first event within their purview is RSVP for next year and then RoVent.  Although the committee won’t run the events per se, they will make sure they are operating on track.

The next meeting is on Wednesday December 5^th, at Scout Headquarters at 7:30 pm (in boardroom or cafeteria). The group is trying to get speakers of interest to youth as well and are looking for suggestions.  Current thoughts are to have someone do a gear presentation or rock climbing.  The VAF is encouraged to have their youth to come out and participate. 

Other Business for the evening:

White Water Road access: (Bill Bowman)  There is a project underway to improve the road into Buck Bay.  That whole area is a non operating provincial park so there is no funding for it.  There was a similar project to work on Aumond's Bay road before and it was a tremendous improvement but at a cost of approximately $10,000.  So Laurel Rosene (a former Venturer Advisor) brought it to Bill to ask the VAF if scouting could lend some support.   For example there is some support from other outdoor oriented organizations, such as Boundless Adventurers.  The goal from all supporters is to get together $5000 and get matching money from MNR.

The proposal is to put a $5 extra fee on White Water 2 trip fee as that is the group that uses the road.  Another proposed is to add a fee to all White Water trips as the assumption is that most youth attend the White Water 2 course at some point.  A third proposal is to go to the groups who use that road and see if those groups can donate that money.

Resolution was to consider either a user fee (e.g. those going to the White Water 2 course) and/or companies who use the road contributing from their group funds.  For next meeting, those companies will take this back to their group or area councils for discussion and report back on the results.

Speakers:  For the next meeting, Mark Houldsworth will do a presentation on the Police Venturers.

Stephen also suggested a speaker by the name of Bob Abrames who is now retired and a full time voyageur.  He did the series out of Quebec of with 9 people running from Montreal to Winnipeg in 2005. He now speaks on this topic and others for free to groups like VAF.  To do him justice, we need to give him an hour or more.  The VAF consensus is that it will be a late meeting (or we could start earlier that night) and that we really need to include the youth as well.  The decision was that it would be February at the earliest.  More information on this speaker can be found at http://www.abrames.com/.

Scout Shop Open before the next meeting:  Wally asked if it was worth it to the VAF group if the Scout shop was open before the VAF next meeting.  A Show of hands affirmed it is worth it.  Advisors are also to let their youth know so they can bring money for their purchases.

Next Meeting:  December 4^th, 2007.  The FIRST Tuesday of the month.

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 there are any omissions or corrections in the minutes, please contact Catherine Snedden at csnedden@forethoughtsystems.com

Also view current and previous copies of the minutes and other VAF notices at http://web.ncf.ca/ad554/ or contact Bill Bowman to get information posted to this website.