North America bid for WJ'19

Canada, the US and Mexico are currently promoting a joint venture to have the 24th World Scouting Jamboree held in North America in 2019 (check out this link for more info). If approved, this would be the first ever tri-lateral Jamboree.

The location would be in the US, being central to all three countries. It is interesting to note that the United States have not held a World Jamboree since 1969.

The decision will come in January 2011 at the World Scouting Conferance in Brazil.

A Facebook page has been set up to provide more info to the public and to drum up support for the bid.

YIS...L

It has been announced that Sears Canada is doing their part in helping the environment by teaming up with Scouts Canada and Scoutrees.

During Sears' biggest sales event of the year, customers can contribute to Scoutrees in two ways. At the point of sale, customers can either round up their bill to the next dollar amount with donations going to Scouts Canada to buy trees or customers can redeem Sears Club points which will see one tree planted for each 500-points redeemed.

And local Scout groups across Canada, during Sears Days, on either Saturday, April 18 or Saturday, May 2., will be participating. Customers will have the opportunity to join youth and leaders as they participate in environmental activities, songs and games.

For more information, you can go HERE and learn more!

YIS...LE

New Scout Social Media Site

Scouts Canada has launched a new Social Media website.

Looks good! What I like about it is that it helps people understand the different media programs that are available to Scouters. Whether it is Twitter, Blogs or YouTube, this site will be of use.

Also, look here for three Scout blogs that are available for all to read as well as a new Canadian forum to talk Scouting.

Click HERE to check it out!

YIS...LE

Earth Hour

On Saturday, March 28th, 2009 at 8:30 pm local time Earth Hour arrives.

But what is Earth Hour? How is it different from Earth Day?

While Earth Day is about general environmental awareness, Earth Hour’s purpose is to inspire people to take action on climate change. It shows that by turning off non-essential lighting we can reduce electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy saved during Earth Hour 2008 was estimated from 2%-10% depending on sources (the equivalent of taking about 50,000 cars off the road for an hour). However, the event is not so much about direct energy savings as education and change. It’s a way to make people think about climate change and how they can make a difference.

Earth Hour started March 31st, 2007 in Sydney, Australia, when over two million people and two thousand businesses turned their lights off for one hour.

It went international in 2008 in over 400 cities worldwide. The 35 flagship cities included Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. Every Canadian province and territory participated.

Earth Hour 2009

Earth Hour 2009 will be a half hour later to be more in line with astronomical twilight and daylight savings in North America. It’s hoped that more than one billion people around the world will turn their lights out. Participants will get the chance to see truly dark skies and better appreciate the impact of light pollution. Amateur astronomers will set up telescopes to show people the wonders of our night skies as they were meant to be seen. Find out more from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC at www.rasc.org) and local newspapers.

How Can You Join In?

Once you’ve made the decision to participate in Earth Hour, your choice of what to do will depend on where you are. Will you be at camp? Get outside and go for a night hike; gather around a campfire to sing songs and tell stories.Will you be at your meeting place, providing a place for the community to come together? Do some advancepromotion before the date.Write to your local newspaper and tell them what you’re doing. Invite community leaders, parents, your sponsors. Make tin can lanterns to light the area, or beeswax candles to give away. With appropriate permission, fire up the barbecue for hot chocolate, tea and coffee. Organize an astronomy/stargazing event with your youth to take advantage of the darker skies.

Visit the Earth Hour web site (http://www.earthhour.org/) to register and receive more information.

YIS..LE

This article by David Gamey previously appeared in Scouting Life Magazine.

"You Know You're a Cub Scout Leader When..."

"You Know You're a Cub Scout Leader When..."

- You spend more time at the craft store than the sporting goods store.
- You can’t throw or give anything away because you might use it for a meeting one day.
- You pack your car with meeting supplies so full that there’s not enough room for your son.
- You meal-plan for your next campout as soon as you get home from a campout.
- You can’t wait for the next Leader’s magazine to be published.
- You enjoy wearing cotton/polyester blends.
- Your biggest wardrobe decision lately: group or gilwell kerchief.
- You always have one or two songs ready to go at all times.
- You just don’t understand why people aren’t as into Scouting as you are.
- Your morning ritual: read the newspaper and read Scouting blogs.
- Your garage and/or home office are filled with Scouting stuff.
- Not only do you know your knots, you can tie them backwards while teaching them.
- You know how many degrees a charcoal burns.
- You NEVER do Scouting things at work.
- You or someone you know owns a drill press and/or a band saw.
- You get more Scouting-related e-mail than personal e-mail or spam.
- Give you some felt, pipe cleaners, and a glue gun and you are MacGyver.- You collect scouting books.
- You need more space on your computer for clip art.
- You count cubs to go to bed at night.
- You sit and wait for your wife to say ‘thank you’ before you will give her a kitchen knife.
- You have a box of junk that the last leader gave you that you cannot throw away in case the feather, book, leather string, fishing line, 8 year old tape, and faded ribbons actually come in handy.
- At birthday parties, class volunteering, and other events where large amounts of kids are present, you have to restrain yourself from making the Scout Sign to try to get the kids to settle and listen.

Very funny stuff!

Check out..."The Trainer's Corner Blog" with Scouter Jeff for more great Scouting ideas and thoughts!

YIS...Lyndon

Scouter's Minute - Sand And Stone

Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey, they had an argument; and one friend slapped the other in the face.
The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand:
"Today my best friend slapped me in the face."

They kept walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but his friend saved him.
After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:
"Today, my best friend saved my life."

The friend who had slapped and then saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now, you write on a stone. Why?"
The friend replied, "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand, where winds of forgiveness can erase it away.
"But when someone does good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."
Learn to write your hurts in the sand and to carve your benefits in stone.

-Author Unknown - from 'The Leader Magazine' May'07

YIS...Scouter Lyndon

New Watch for Outdoor Activities from Timex!

For all those outdoor enthusiasts, along comes a new "smartwatch" from Timex.
Many watches are being made with the outdoors in mind (such as Tissot's 'T-Touch' or Suunto's 'Core' or 'Vector' or Swiss Army Victorinox 'ST-5000'), but as most are well aware, price has always been a concern (Tissot approx. $400-600, Suunto around $300+ and Victorinox at $500-600).
Now, with a release date in May 2009, Timex is introducing the new 'Expedition WS4" priced around $200. Not bad!

Available in 6 colours, the WS4 has all the features you would need...altimeter, barameter, digital compass, alarm settings, thermometer, chronograph, timer, etc...etc...












Designed the perform under extreme conditions, this watch from Timex has features to navigate any type of terrain that you may encounter.
Only one question remains...where is the MP3 player?

YIS...LE

New Canadian Blogs!

Recently announced were two new blogs that can be accessed through Scouts Canada.

The 1st one is for Jessica Page, the chair of the National Youth Network and the Deputy Executive Commissioner-Youth.
The 2nd one is for Steve Kent, Scouts Canada's new Chief Commissioner.

Both are fairly new so please check them out to see what is happening regarding Scouting in Canada!

YIS...LE

Popcorn Winners 2008!

Greetings to All!

The Canadian Scout Popcorn prize winners have been announced for 2008!

You can go here to check it out.

Also, as part of the Scouts Popcorn program, there was a photo contest put on by Trail's End Popcorn, the suppliers of Scout Popcorn. I just received word today that my son Josiah won for the Cascadia Council with his photo submission! (Good job, Son!)

If you would like to check out all the photos, including Josiah's, go to BestPopcornPix.

Wonderful news!

Congrats to all the winners across Canada!

YIS...LE

World Scout Environment Program

In July 2008, the World Scout Environment Badge, was adopted by the 38th World Scout Conference in Korea. By participating in activities based on five aims, scouts from around the world can earn this badge. The five aims are: air and water, habitats and native species, harmful substances, environmental practices, environmental hazards and natural disasters. Based on their experiences they then take action with a project, which contributes to the local and global environment.

Scouts participated in a wide range of activities that included exploring their local environment, looking at the local air quality and water quality, analyzing environmental issues in their country then engaging in debates and discussions, learning about natural disasters that could happen to their community, creating natural art pieces, tree planting, clean up activities, looking at their own carbon footprint and much more.

And so, during the first few months of 2008, Scout groups from nine countries (Algeria, Bolivia, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, Palestinian Authority, South Africa and the United Kingdom), tested the content and curriculum of this new program and in the end 550 Scouts were awarded this special badge.

YIS...LE

112 Year Old Scout!

Henry Allingham of East Sussex County in England is the oldest Boy Scout alive at 112 years of age after rejoining the scouts after 100 years.

Scout Association member Simon Carter said while Allingham's designation has not been confirmed, he feels there is little chance any Boy Scout alive is older.

"He is the oldest living Scout in Europe and probably the world," Carter said.

The organization asked Allingham to resume his Boy Scout role 100 years after he first was a scout as part of the 6th Brighton Scouts' 30th birthday celebration.

While 12-year-old scout Chris Denham may be a century younger than Allingham, he said it was an honour to meet the world's oldest scout and present him with a certificate honouring his Boy Scout involvement.

"It was great to meet Henry," Denham said. "It's cool that he's exactly 100 years older than I am and I'm really proud to have met him."

YIS...LE

Source: United Press International

Canadian Cubs Recognized

Braden Gendron and Matthew Nutter were recognized for persevering despite their disabilities and inspiring others during the annual New Brunswick Chief Scout/Queen's Venturer Awards and Scouts Canada Awards ceremony held in Fredericton on the weekend.

Braden, 10, is a Cub with the 6th Hampton Cub Pack and received the Scouts Canada Award for Fortitude because of the obstacles he has overcome as a sufferer of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). PH is a rare disorder whereby the small vessels supplying blood to the lungs constrict and their walls thicken, making them unable to carry as much blood and oxygen.

The lack of oxygen causes sufferers to become tired, dizzy and short of breath.

But none of that stops the quiet Braden from participating whole-heartedly in Scouts, particularly his favourite activity, the annual cub car rallies for which he has had the fastest car before.

"I think I was given the award because I keep working against my illness," the third-year Cub explained. "Not many people get it, so I am excited."

Matthew, 11, is a Cub with the 1st Kingston Peninsula Cub Pack who received the prestigious Jack Cornwall Award - the highest Scouts Canada decoration awarded to youths for displaying a high level of character or courage.

Despite having both legs amputated below the knee, Matthew rarely misses a beat when it involves Scouting activities. Not only does he participate in all his pack's events, including camping adventures, he is also a spokesperson for the War Amps and their Play Safe program.

"When he found out he was getting the award he was really nervous, and because how he does things is so normal to him, he kept saying he didn't think he deserved the award, he doesn't think he's doing anything special" his Mom said.

Both youths received their awards from Lt.-Gov. Herménégilde Chiasson in the legislature on Saturday and enjoyed a reception with their families afterwards at Government House.

YIS...LE

Source: Telegraph Journal

Remembrance Day

Driving rain and mournful skies created a solemn backdrop for Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Armstrong Cenotaph in the City Park. Many gathered to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended WWI, and to show our appreciation to Canada’s war veterans at home and abroad.

1st Armstrong Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, who are sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion, have been involved for many years with the Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Our group was able to participate by placing many wreaths at the Cenotaph in remembrance of those who have serve our country, and those who continue to serve and protect peace and freedom in the world.




It was best said by The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence for Canada

“We come together on Remembrance Day to honour Canada's proud military legacy, one courageously earned at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, at Juno Beach and Ortona, in the Kapyong Valley and in the Balkans. Our ongoing operations in Afghanistan and the Arabian Sea, in the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East, carry on this noble tradition.
Our Canadian Forces have again and again answered the call in times of crises to stand up for our shared values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Whether at home or abroad, the Canadian Forces never stop working towards building a better world.
“On this Remembrance Day, I would like to reflect upon the sacrifices that have been made in defence of Canada and Canadians. This is a time when we remember those who have fought and those who have been killed and injured defending the rights and freedoms that we enjoy today. Let us honour their sacrifice and remember their legacy.”



Lest we forget....

YIS...Lyndon

New Scouts Canada Emergency Prepareness Badge!

Scouts Canada has just confirmed details regarding a new badge that Cubs and Scouts can earn, a badge that helps prepare anyone for emergencies that might arise.

The new Emergency Preparedness Program is now online including the badge requirements for both Cubs and Scouts.

As the Scouts Canada website states…”a good Scout would not be caught unprepared in an emergency. How many of you have a kit at home that provides food and drinking water for 72 hours? Have you considered what you would do with your pets in the event of an emergency? What skills that we learn in Scouting may be useful to your neighbours and immediate community during times of emergency? These are all reasons Scouts Canada believes having an Emergency Preparedness badge is important.”

Working with Emergency Management Ontario, Scouts Canada developed this new program. Just in time for the new Scouting year, this looks like a great badge for the youth to work towards.

For kids in Cubs, go here.
For kids in Scouts, go here.

For Emergency Preparedness links, go here or visit Scouts Canada today!

YIS…LE

S'More's Fun!

One of the most popular things that Cubs and Scouts think about during camping trips is a marshmallow on a stick, burnt to a crisp over a campfire. Sandwich the warm marshmallow between graham crackers and chocolate bars, and you have the famous S’more!

As the temperatures take a dip into fall, this campfire favorite makes a sweet, warm treat. And it’s one of the easiest things to make. A box of graham crackers, a package of large marshmallows and some chocolate bars and you’re good to go.

Don’t have a campfire? They even make table-top s’mores cookers for indoor and outdoor use. Some people even use a microwave to warm their marshmallows.

Here are a few more links:

All About S'Mores

Solar S'Mores

S'Mores Song and Video

Hershey's S'Mores Bar

S'Mores Games

Did you know?

- “S’more” originated from the combination of the words “some more.” - The first printed record of a s’mores recipe appeared in a Girl Scout handbook in 1927.

- Americans buy 90 million pounds of marshmallows each year, and during the summer months, 50 percent of them are toasted over a campfire.

- The Hershey Company makes more than 373 million Hershey’s milk chocolate bars a year. That’s enough to make 746 million s’mores.

- S’mores even have a day — Aug. 10 is National S’mores Day.

Source: The Hershey Company

Neckers!

Of all the parts of the original uniform, the one item that has stood more the test of time and is the most recognizable around the world is the Necker.

When B.-P. introduced the Necker to the Scout uniform, it was it fact, a green square Necker folded into a triangle. It later became cut as a triangle during the Second World War, due to clothing rationing (since all neckers were sent from England, the Necker was cut in half to reduce material).
Neckers or Scarves of this nature have been used for many years prior to the Scouting movement. Most known were perhaps the American Cowboys. Aside from using them as a sling or patching tears in clothes, they were used as a dust-mask, keeping the sun off ones neck or filtering coffee grounds.

The following are some websites that have to do with Neckers that will be of interest. Check them out!

Pine Tree Web - Great website with extensive history of the Necker
Scout Docs - How to make a Necker
Scout Neckers - Collection and History ( also 101 uses fo a Necker)

YIS...LE

Scouts...Donald Duck Style!

Anything is Possible with Popcorn!

In an annual rite of fall, Scouting boys and girls all over Canada will start to go door-to-door selling Trail's End popcorn to fund their Scouting activities.

From selling popcorn, 60 percent of the sales goes to support local groups.

Beginning in September, look for Scouts coming around your neighborhood to take orders. Many Packs and Troops rely on this annual sale to support their activities throughout the year. As well, all Scouts, Cubs and Beavers are given incentives to sell popcorn by offering special items that they can choose from based on their individual sales including camping equipment, watches, gift certificates, ipods and school scholarships (the list goes on...).

For more information check out the Scouts Canada website.

YIS...LE

Scouts Honoured

Three months after a tornado went through the Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch in Iowa, a special ceremony was held on September 12th to honour the scouts and the ones who survived.

123 scouts were presented with special awards and medals, including special "Spirit of the Eagle" awards which went to the four scouts who died that night.

Follow this link for news video of this special presentation.

YIS...LE

No-Trace and Low-Impact Camping

Many people and groups practice the Leave-No-Trace principles that have been

in use for many years. But there are also some backpackers and campers that have no knowledge of the wonderful ideas that makes this program make so much sense.

The following websites offer great ideas and information on how to put into practice the No-Trace program.

1. Leave No Trace Canada

2. Scouts Canada

3. Parks Canada

4. BC Parks

5. Centre for Outdoor Ethics

6. Teaching No-Trace

7. US Bureau of Land Management

8. Boy Scouts of America

9. Backpacking.net

10. Chris Conway

By following these ideas, this will ensure that future generations will be able to continue to use the great outdoors for many years to come.


****

On a lighter note, I came across this device in my local Valhalla Pure Outdoor Store and thought that I would mention it because it helps support the Leave No Trace ethic of minimizing your backpacking impact.














The iPood is a great device and kinda funny at the same time! Neat thing is that this "iPood Shovel" does not appear to need any upgrades!

YIS...LE