Venturer Advisors’ Forum - Voyageur Council

Notes of Meeting – October 5, 2010 7:30pm

National Boardroom - Scout Headquarters

 

Al McPhee

1st Greely

Alan Griffin

112th Nepean Rov

Alex Gazaleh

OPE Co/Crew

Allan Yates

1st Merrickville

Alvin Cluff-Clyburne

2nd Russell

Ashley Schippers

HARovers/2nd Gat

Barbara Hohenstein

4th Orleans

Bill Bowman

1st Nepean

Bob Sylvester

7th Kanata

Brett Budge

25th Nepean

Brian McAuley

7th Prescott

Brian Roberts

1st Aylmer

Bryan Cruikshank

3rd Orleans

Cal Clupp

2nd Gatineau

Chris Little

14th Gloucester

Chris Majka

CYC/HARovers

Chris Prevost

112th Nepean

Chuck Fraser

1st Glen Cairn

Craig Gray

27th Nepean Raven

Cyndy Courtland

Carleton Place

David Laramee

2nd Russell

Doug Proud

1st Greenwood

Eugene Lavigne

Service Corps

Gil Lepine

4th Orleans

Greg Brost

1st Orleans

Jan Stodola

7th Kanata

John Dougherty

DCC Program

John Stalker

Valley Highl-Carl Pl/AC

Larry House

1st Manotick

Luc Henrie

1st Rockland

Mark Milan

27th Nepean

Mary Hagerman

1st Osgoode

Mike Jowett

CC Voyageur

Nick Wise

Rideau Rov/DCC Train

Nigel Ward

1st Kanata

Patrick Megan

1st Wakefield

Patti Milan

Nepean AC

Perry Schippers

HARovers/2nd Gat

Peter Wittwer

23rd Nepean

Phil Edens

123rd Ottawa

Ray Renton

1st Dunrobin

Rod Wilson

1st Manotick

Sandra Redshaw

3rd Kanata

Scott Bury

1st Kanata

Scott Stanley

1st Stittsville

Sharon Lefebvre

7th Kanata

Steve Doody

25th Nepean

Stewart Ross

DCC Recog'n

Stuart Smith

17th Southminster

Tanya-Rae Smith

3rd Orleans

Terry Rimmington

1st Rockland

Thomas Miller

2nd Orleans

Tiina Kurvits

17th Southminster

Wally Gale

14th Glcster/VAF Chr

 

 

Opening Remarks                                                             By: Wally Gale

 

The VAF email distribution list is presently being reorganized.  Sign-up for the list is voluntary and anyone who would like to receive these email distributions should contact Wally at vafchair@rogers.com to be placed on the list.  Meeting attendees are included when they indicate their email address on the circulating attendee list.

 

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – special information item        By:  Karen Gormley

 

Karen is the Regional Field Officer for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.  With the recent formal agreement between Scouts Canada and the Duke or Ed’s Award program and with over 100 Ottawa area Venturers already registered, tonight’s visit was aimed at providing an update on the new arrangement. This program is an excellent way to promote active living for youth.  While the requirements of the Award do not suit all young people’s interests, they are well-aligned with the Scouts Canada program and Venturers should have no difficulty earning it.  The greatest obstacle for youth seems to be the paperwork - filling in the log book. Under the new agreement with Scouts Canada, youth connected to a scouting group will only be charged a $20 registration fee with no annual renewal charge.  The annual renewal form is still required to facilitate tracking participation in the program.

 

Of more immediate note are two youth leadership/learning opportunities, each requiring a relatively quick response - a weekend conference and an environmental workshop.  The information was forwarded in a VAF email on Sept. 28.  The conference in particular is well-aligned with the outdoors orientation of Venturers and offers the additional benefit of showcasing Scouts Canada youth in their promotion of the outdoors.

 

Karen indicated that she would be more than happy to come and talk to any Venturer company that asked to explain the program and show them how do the journal - kgormley@dukeofed.org or 613-232-0925 Ext 231

 

Past Activities

 

Couch Rally (Sept 11)                                      By: Raymond Desjardins

Low numbers, High fun rating.  Gave out some extra awards this year (best photo) won by 1st Rockland.  56 Points were awarded 23rd Nepean for hijacking a tour-bus full of Australians to be in their picture.  The most fun pictures - 8th Orleans. 

Overall standings: 3rd place 1st Rockland, 2nd place 8th Orleans, 1st Place 123rd Ottawa.

 

VenClimb (Sept 24-26)                                         By: Allan Yates & Ray Renton

51 venturers, 10 advisors.  Weather was good during the climb even thought the nights were a little soggy.  Sunday climbing was cancelled due to the poor forecast but half the group persevered and had a reasonable day.  The bottom line consensus indicated good climbing on both days.  While 90% of the climbing routes in Gatineau Park were recently closed, the NCC continues to allow climbing at the 2 sites suitable for VenClimb and there was no congestion during this weekend.  Initial misunderstandings about the use of the farm property for camping were also sorted out during the weekend so the conditions are positive for carrying out Venclimb at the same site next year.  Christiaan provided the Advisor pre-training day on the previous weekend with 4 or 5 particioants. The training was quite worthwhile.

 

Crazy Canuck Challenge (Oct 2)                              By: Bill Bowman

72 participants, 23 support staff and 10 volunteer helpers - 20 different teams from 14 Venturer companies participated.  This year’s event took place in Gatineau Park and in the vicinity of Wakefield using a route proposed by Nigel Ward- in case anyone didn't like it.  Winner is yet to be determined.  There were two canoes that were upset but no injuries although of one of 1st Prescott's whitewater canoes had substantial damage.  Special thanks to Bill Bowman and Nigel Ward and all of the Rover and other helpers for all their hard work, including Cyndy for the Chili dinner and Allan for the Climbing ladder and crate stacking activities.  Please contact Bill or Nigel with suggestions for potential locations for next year’s event or alternate activities (eg. for the pre-dinner period).

 

Medvent - Police Venturers Open House(Oct 29)               By: Wally Gale

The Open House Sept. 29 was well-attended and a good kick-off for the annual recruitment drive.  Youth members and non-members of Scouting can use this experience to see what is involved as they head down a path that involves making decisions about post-secondary education.  Venturers in particular are encouraged to join these vocational groups and can remain members of their own Companies as well, although it is already late to apply for this year  The Advisor for MedVent (Medical Venturers) is Brad Smith and for Police Venturers is Susan Wright (contact - youth intervention diversion section 613-236-1222 ext 5355)

http://ottawamedvent.bpsmicro.com/default.aspx

http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/Community/TeenLounge/youth_ventures.aspx

http://www.ottawapoliceventurers.org/

Update: - latest information from Police Venturers indicates they have many more applicants than the 10-12 vacancies available.

 

Upcoming Activities

 

  RoVent - Oct. 15-17                                By: Rovent Committee – Chris Majka

The deadline for payment/registration has been extended to this Thursday, October 7th at midnight. Deliver registrations in person to Max's house at 88 Aero Drive - payment due in full upon delivery (no pay, no play). Registration is sitting at approximately 300 as of the Oct 5 VAF meeting.  Note that driving and pickup/parking will be restricted and carefully controlled on Sunday when the large number of dignitaries will be visiting from the World Scout Foundation.  They plan to observe the closing ceremonies (follows the service project this year) so this is a chance to show off some well-crafted Shakespear-themed costumes.

 

Veterans Candle Light Ceremony – Nov 1   … see the Service Corps report in these notes

 

 Food Drive Sorting Station – Nov 6.                                       By: Phil Edens

Venturers and Rovers are sorting food at the Ottawa Food Bank during this year’s annual food drive.  There will be a strict control on the maximum number of volunteers for each shift to improve the overall efficiency so everyone needs to register in advance. Youth that show up at the station without advance registration will be asked to leave if the maximum number is registered, and past experience indicates the maximum number is normally there. Shift assignments will be available by the end of the month.  Contact Caelan Robertson (organizer) to register at caelanrobertson@gmail.com. Phil is a backup contact - edens.family@sympatico.ca & Philip.Edens@ottawa.ca - Tel 613-580-2424  ext 28924 or 613-731-7149  

 

The 123rd Scouting Group is coordinating the overall food drive so questions related to helping out at a food collection station can also be directed to Caelan.

 

Remembrance Day – Nov 11   … see the Service Corps report in these notes

 

Laserquest  (Dec 4-5)                                                      By: Raymond Desjardins

The Rideau Rover Crew is organizing this annual overnight event, held at LaserQuest on St-Laurent Blvd from 10:30 pm to 6:00 am.  Registration is $40 and includes snacks.  The deadline to sign up is Nov 26 and there is a 72 person maximum - one Advisor per group.  There may be a second event if there is enough interest. Registration is now open.

 

Translators Requested                                                               By: Chris Majka

There is a new Rover initiative to send out welcome packages to new families but the literature developed is limited to English and French.  VAF members are asked to e-mail Chris at cyc@voyageur.scouts.ca  if they can translate into any other languages – particularly Chinese and Arabic.

 

Winter Mountaineering Adventure (4 weekends February) By: Allen Yates

While this event is scheduled for mid-winter, action is required now to ensure trans-border documents are in place for each participant and to aim to have registration submitted by December.  The registration package is available on the VAF website.  The main activity is a Saturday snowshoe hike up a 4000 foot mountain in the Adirondacks of New York State.  Accommodation choices are the same as last year and capacity is 50 per weekend.  There is a need for Hike leaders (14 participants per hiking group).  A Scouts Canada Tour Permit is required to go out of country and that requires submission 4 weeks in advance of departure.  Each travelling group is responsible for ensuring that the appropriate paperwork is available and in order when crossing the border.  Registrations will likely be limited after the December VAF meeting.

 

Vertical Rescue                                                                                    By: Wally Gale

The possibility of arranging Vertical Rescue training as a complement to VenClimb/VenClimb2 was discussed last season and pencilled into the preliminary calendar of VAF activities. There is some limited interest in this but the training is not scheduled and there is very little time left to run an outdoor course in good outdoor conditions.  Anyone with a strong interest in seeing this go forward should contact Wally or Stephen Smye.

 

Reports (as available/required)

 

Service Corps (VRSC) Lost Children                             By: Eugene Lavigne

Veterans Candle Light Ceremony - Nov 1 - Lansdowne Park.  Youth volunteers are asked to meet at the salon at 6:30 pm in full uniform. Leaders/Advisors/adults could also attend.  The ceremony runs from 7 – 7:30 pm.  One youth escorts each Veteran in a parade to the stage where they place their lit candle.  The ceremony is simple, solemn and reasonably short, and veterans always appreciate the youth help and effort.  Food is available to all afterwards and youth can depart anytime after the ceremony. This event promotes the image of Scouting as well as Cadets, Guides and others – organisers try to ensure the required number of youth from other groups if Scouting does not provide sufficient numbers.  To ensure sufficient numbers are available, volunteers are asked to send an e-mail with their numbers to Eugene – see below.

 

Remembrance Day - Nov 11.  There is a need for Scouting (and Guiding) youth to distribute programs and "sell" (request donations for) poppies.  Participants should meet Eugene at Sparks and Elgin at 9:30 am, dressed very warmly for the vagaries of weather and prepared to remain inside the corral until 12:30 pm.  A representative of each section of Scouting will lay a wreath. 

Those interested in helping with the poppy campaign should contact their local Legion for placement at a local shopping centre.

 

Contact Eugene for further information:  eugene_scouts@hotmail.com

 

Joint Council (JC)                                                By: co-chairs Jake and Bri

 

The September event at Thunderbird went well with high 20’s participation.  Go-carting and mini golf were a hit.

 

For the October activity Joint Council is meeting at Mackie house (located near Carling Ave / Moodie Dr) on Friday October 29th from 7-9:30 for a games night.  The cost is $2, with half of the proceeds going to UNICEF.  Uniform or Scouting-appropriate apparel is required.

 

The November event will be at Coyote rock-climbing gym on November 20th (Saturday) from 10:00am to 12:00.  The cost will be $18 and the space will be limited to 30.  Sign up with JC.

 

Information about Joint Council events is available on FaceBook.

 

From Alan: There were 104 youth in attendance at tonight’s meeting (10 youth from one group alone) with 83% wearing uniform.

 

Training & Development

 

  Wood Badge 1 (at RoVent)                                                   By: John Stalker

John has asked that all participants register for the class via the Council office by Friday, October 10th.  Details are available on the Council training calendar.  There are currently 7 registered.  There is no cost to those signed up for RoVent and the training is open to youth as well as Advisors.  Participants will take a break to observe the RoVent siege.

 

Wilderness 1st Aid / 1st Responder training                                          By: Doug Proud

The Wilderness First Aid course is scheduled for October 22-24 with 9 currently registered.  Registrations will be accepted until Oct 20th – Cost is $180.20.  The follow-up courses are also scheduled -  Advanced Wilderness First Aid November 12-14 and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) January 7-9.  There is also the possibility of recertifying the WFR if certification is less than 2 years old and there are already 6 likely participants (8 minimum required). The WFR certification is valid for 3 years but after 2 years the full suite of 6 days of training is required to maintain certification.  Contact Doug for information.

 

Wood Badge II                                                                   By: Mark Milan 

There will be an all-section WB 2 (including Company but not Crew) offerred over 3 weekends this winter/spring.  The dates are Feb. 25-27 and March 25-27 at Camp Opemikon (Course #925 – Cost $190).  The Outdoor skills component (Course #926) can be taken separately at a cost of $20 and is scheduled for April 16-17 also at Camp Ope. Alex Gazaleh will be section lead and Mark Milan is the overall Course leader.  Information will be posted soon on the Voyageur Council website and Alex will bring details to VAF once things are confirmed.  For questions regarding the Company portion of the course contact Alex at scouteralex@gmail.com or for general information contact Mark Milan at markmilan@rogers.com.  Each section would be training separately but coming together for meals.  A show of hands indicated about 9 interested in signing up.

 

Other Business/Announcements

 

World Scout Foundation meeting welcome                    By:    John Dougherty

About 110 dignitaries from around the world are expected to participate in a meeting of the World Scout Foundation, ending in a trip to Camp Opemikon on the Sunday of RoVent.  At this time all of the volunteer positions for greeting the dignitaries are filled – thanks for the great response.

 

Recognition update                                                             By:    Stewart Ross

A new level of recognition was introduced a couple of weeks ago – the bar to the Caribou award.  This award is open to those who have already been awarded the Order of the Caribou and who qualify for another similar award through leadership of a different event.  More details are available in the September Voyageur Vision newsletter (now available on the Council website in addition to the standard email distribution).

 

Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 7:30 pm

 

Addendum:

 

Voyageur Council appears to have one of the most successful Venturer programs in Canada and the VAF plays a vital role.  For the benefit of new members in particular, note that all events coordinated through the VAF are organized/initiated and run by individual VAF members/Rovers/youth and all members should contribute as possible.  An event may start as an activity enjoyed by a Venturer company and expand into something with a larger organizing effort and greater participation.  The VAF website includes a mechanism for members to submit their interest in helping (under “Announcements”) – or members are encouraged to talk to existing activity coordinators.

 

Resources such as archery, climbing, snowshoeing and whitewater canoeing equipment are available to members along with SPOT GPS emergency locators. Some are VAF purchases (Council) and others belong to other groups. For info see “Resources” on the VAF website for further information.

 

VAF Website Address:

http://web.ncf.ca/ad554/

The Chair for the Venturer Advisor Forum is Wally Gale at vafchair@rogers.com.  Please contact Wally for any notices to distribute or information of potential interest to the Voyageur VAF community.

If you find any omissions or errors, please contact ……  Scouter Jocelyn Remus-Robinson at cascahawk@gmail.com or