http://morland.ca/NW_Scouters_Club/
The NW Scouters' Club is a co-operative of Scout Troops.
Representatives of member Scout Troops gather to share ideas and
experience, plan joint activities, and pursue other projects of mutual
benefit.
- Successful weekend @ Camp Heidelberg
- Rob, Ted Claxton, Liam, Daniel met with Optimists ahead of event to clarify ground rules for use of facilities after some misunderstandings the previous year.
- 20 attended, representing 4 of 17 Troops within K-W.
- Heidelberg negatives: downstairs kitchen was dirty and the stove didn't work, no Leader sleeping facilities, no sleeping segregation for females.
- The other cabin at Heidelberg, Coker Building, is an option for future camps.
- Terry raised value for dollar and brief discussion ensued of options; Camp Everton is cold at time of year when PL weekend held and heaters are noisy in Cub Barn. No motion raised; info only.
- Troop representation summary: Need to extend invitation to more Troops. Bruce suggested using newly formed Service Team to notify of similar events. Additionally, all present should buddy with another 2 Leaders to fan-out; personal touch as email may have some I.T. issues, though not discounted.
- Action: none, info only at this time.
Dan Sheppard, Liam Morland, Ted Claxton, and Rob MacDonald to attend
meeting with the Optimist Club regarding facility use on November 10.
Will be held at the Heidelberg Optimist facility. Club members who want
to participate should let Liam Morland know so that he can arrange the
program participants. Registration documentation will be on the Website.
- Tentatively November 13-15 or 20-22.
- Rob will contact Dan Sheppard to see about booking Camp Heidelberg facility again.
- Liam will take lead on the program.
- Ted, Rob and Kirsten will attend. Likely Pierre Michiels also.
Nine Scouts attended the weekend training at Camp Heidelberg. Camp Heidelberg has excellent facilities. The old program was used as the new one Liam ordered from the BSA is one week in length. Note for next year is that we need a video projector.
Liam is ordering the new BSA training video/kit to use at this year's camp. He will be previewing it to plan this year's activities. Currently the Club is looking for a location to hold the camp. Those being considered are: Ridley Lodge at Blue Springs, Camp Heidelberg (Daniel Sheppard to contact the Optimists), Camp Manitou, Camp Barber. Scouts may need to sleep in tents. Not all locations have both sleeping and class room facilities. Classroom facilities are more important. Scouter Liam will contact the others and will make a decision based on cost, suitability, facilities, etc.
This training is for Patrol Leaders and APLs only; it is not designed
for all of your youth. Liam will check if there is a facility at Camp
Impeesa that will be available. Instructors are needed with this event.
Please contact Liam if you can help. We are looking at using the same
program as we have used for the last couple of year. Liam will check and
see if there is an updated version available. Scouter Kirstin has agreed
to be the QM for this event.
The group reviewed this year's program. There were twenty-three
participants. The comments that came back were all positive.
Liam reviewed the 2006 program. It was decided that this year's program
would mirror it with some minor changes. The youth will do their own
cooking in patrols this year as the Wheeler Lodge at Camp Everton has
been reserved for Woodbadge Training. The cost will be $30 per youth
member. To register, contact Liam or Ted. Ted will locate the
whiteboards. Liam will bring the videos and update the registration
form.
The members discussed the Patrol Leadership Workshop. 14 participants
are expected. Ted will arrange for the TV/VCR at camp.
Ted reported that Wheeler Lodge at
Everton Scout
Camp is booked. Pierre reported that a Rover has offered to
coordinate the kitchen. It was suggested that the program include a
service project, such as wood splitting, brush clearing, or improvements
to the Bader Campfire Circle. The fee for the weekend will be $30 per
Scout.
The program will be based around the Scoutmaster's Junior Leader
Training Kit, published by the BSA. This program will be reviewed
and detailed planning will be done on Saturday, October 14 at 15:00 at
NW Scout House. Anyone interested in helping with this is welcome to
attend.
In order for the PL Workshop to be fully successful, Scouters need to
understand how to put their newly trained leadership to use. A junior
leadership checklist given to Scouters could help with this.
Liam made a presentation about the patrol leadership training program
that he has used with his troop. The program is based on the
Scoutmaster's Junior Leader Training Kit, published by the Boy
Scouts of America. Each segment of the training program consist of a
short video that introduces a leadership concept, an activity that puts
the concept to work, and a reflection in which the Scouts reflect upon
the leadership concept. Sample questions to get this discussion going
are provided in the kit. The program is designed for frequent changes in
pace from video to active to discussion which help to keep interest. The
program is designed to run as a day event, taking 6.5 hours, including a
one hour service project.
The group watched a video segment then discussed the program.
Scouters thought that it looked like a good program. It can be expanded
upon and added to to create a weekend-long program.
The team felt that the workshop was successful. Cindy Elliot noted that
their Scouts were keen to implement what they had learned. The Workshop
will be held form the November 3-5, 2006.
The members discussed the problem of the Court of Honour in a small
group. It may be better in that circumstance to have a group council.
Some of the members felt that we should have a role play and a
discussion about the Court of Honour.
The members also felt that it would be helpful if Liam Morland
demonstrated sample session from the BSA program material that he has
mentioned. It would give everyone an idea and feel for what it was all
about.
Scouters discussed the PL Workshop, including some ideas for
food-related programs:
- Mystery Lunch: Each Scout is given an identical-looking brown bag
lunch. Each bag contains a part of a complete meal, such as a bunch of
bread or a block of cheese. The patrol must share to create a balanced
meal. Afterwards, Scouts reflect on the leadership that occurred during
the activity.
- Saturday Banquet: Each patrol makes part of Saturday dinner. The
Court-of-Honour assigns each patrol a food category, such as desert or
salad. On Saturday morning, each patrol plans what they want to make. A
Scouter purchases the ingredients during the day, perhaps at the grocery
store in nearby Acton.
Scouters should register their Scouts soon since 16 Scouts are needed
to make the event financially viable. Ted, Pierre Michiels, Ken Arnett,
Mark Wilson, and John McCuish have indicated that they would like to
help with the event.
Pierre presented the final report of the 2004 NWSC Patrol Leadership
Workshop:
A total of 30 youth participated, representing 13 groups
in our district. We had a staff of five plus about four leader helpers.
The youth were divided into four patrols. The Emu Patrol had seven
Scouts, the Cheerio Patrol had eight, the Evil Penguin Patrol had seven,
and the Zulu Patrol had eight. The patrols were well balanced and as a
whole worked well as units. We experienced some discipline problems
which out staff dealt with effectively. The instructional staff provided
an interesting and informative program. They made great efforts to
conduct the session outdoors. By the youths' indication, it was very
enjoyable.
Ted Claxton, Mark Wilson, and myself provided the sessions. Vince
Simon and John McCuish judged the youth's participation and
co-operation which helped us provide the appropriate recognition to the
youth.
Ken Arnet served as the quartermaster for the weekend in addition to
providing invaluable help in the kitchen. Our principle cook was Alex
Krynicki, a Venturer with the 38th Kitchener. We all enjoyed the great
meals.
| Income |
|---|
| Participant fees (30 x $35) | $1050.00 |
| Total | $1050.00 |
| Expenses |
|---|
| Rental of Wheeler Lodge | $200.00 |
| Food | $539.36 |
| Supplies | $56.14 |
| Prizes | $98.65 |
| Total | $894.15 |
| Surplus | $155.85 |
The $35 fee can remain if we can continue to have a minimum of 16
participants.
Scouters discussed various aspects of the weekend program. Liam and
Jay described a PL training program that they have been using in their
troop. The program, which is designed specifically for Scouts, uses a
series of modules. Each module consists of a short video segment, a
related activity, and a discussion of the leadership experiences of that
module. The entire program take six and a half hours, including a lunch
activity and an hour-long service project. This program could be part of
the full weekend PL training. The group decided to discuss PL training
in more detail at the January meeting as the Pentagon session.
Pierre will coordinate this year's PL workshop. All Scouters are
invited to attend and assist with the program. Ted will create the flyer
and application and post it at NW Scout House. The completion of the
Event Planning Form will be expected. Scouters should remind their
Scouts that Wheeler Lodge is not heated and that they must come
prepared for cold weather.
Scouters discussed the program for the Patrol Leadership Workshop. Ted
will book the Wheeler Lodge (barn). Program ideas included:
- Using Scouts involvement with cooking and eating as an opportunity
to help the Scouts learn and practise leadership skills.
- Reflect on each activity afterwards.
- Make the course a series of interactive activities and reflections.
Avoid lecturing.
- Post relevant information around the room (as has been done in the
past).
Thirty Scouts representing 13 troops attended the Patrol Leadership
Workshop. There were divided into four patrols. A Duty Patrol assisted
with each meal. Next year the plan is to work in more hands-on
leadership practice around the meals. The club may need help with
"Working with Disadvantaged Youth". The Scouts stayed in the Barn. They
liked mixing inside and outside activities. The Club scheduled a Patrol
Leadership Workshop for November 4-6, 2005.
Pierre reported in absentia that plans for the NWSC Patrol Leadership
Workshop are proceeding well. Indications at the meeting were at there
would be no fewer than 14 and as many as 25 participants. People who
volunteered to help include: Vince (Saturday AM and Sunday), Wayne
(Friday and Saturday), Mark Wilson, and Mark Willsie.
Pierre Michiels has volunteered to coordinate the Patrol Leadership
Workshop. Ted, Mark W., Dean, and Ken A. volunteered to assist. More
volunteers would be helpful.
The Club will hold a weekend-long Patrol Leaders' Workshop November 7-9
at Camp Everton. Ted will arrange for use of the Barn.
It was agreed to hold a PL Workshop on November 5-7, 2004. Planning will
be done at a future meeting.
Ken Arnett and Ted Claxton reported in the absence of Tony Skells and
Pierre Michaels.
There were 28 present for the entire weekend, plus one Scout who was
only able to attend Saturday. We ended up using the Barn because we had
to give up the building that we had booked. It actually turned out to be
a good move. We were able to hold the Friday evening sessions. The
Weather was changeable. We were able to take advantage of both the
indoors and the outdoors. In the evaluation the Scouts thought that the
use of the Barn was a good idea. It was close up weekend so things were
shut down after lunch. We will obtain and post the program outline.
Scouter Tony reviewed the syllabus and schedule. It was agreed that this
should be posted for future reference as leaders were not familiar with
the topics that would be covered. Twenty-three Scouts are expected to
participate.
Scouters discussed the Patrol Leaders' Workshop. Some Scouters felt that
Patrol Leaders should know how to cook and should cook their own food in
patrols at the course. Others felt that the course should focus only on
leadership skills and that the food should be catered as in the past.
Scouters suggested that sessions on conflict resolution and trust
building would be good additions to the course. The group recognised
that training the PLs is far more effective if the Scouters are also
trained in how to make use of their PLs, such as by using the Court of
Honour. Scouters agreed to work towards holding the PL Workshop
concurrent with Woodbadge training courses in the future. Training for
Scouters could also take place in a afternoon workshop or at Club
meetings.
Scouters decided to ask Pierre Michiels to coordinate a PL workshop
for November 7-9, 2003, with catered food. Scouters would like the full
curriculum published on the web.
This was a terrific weekend for the 27 participants who were divided
into four patrols. There were no incidents and good behaviour observed
throughout the weekend. The leadership team consisted of Pierre
Michiels, Tony Skells, Ann MacDonald, Cam Mudie, Mark Van Dyke, and John
Ferguson. The assistance of Scouters from South Waterloo and of Scouters
Paul Frieburger and Kevin Donovan was most welcome. Ann MacDonald and
John Ferguson held things together when Tony Skells was sidelined by
injury.
Staying at Lions Lodge made the event better as accommodations were more
suited to the numbers. The Scouts were satisfied with the food. The
$30.00 fee was deemed appropriate as each participant got their own
handbook copy of Scouts Canada's Patrol Leader's Handbook.
It was decided to run this event next next. Proposed date is November
7-9, 2003. It was decided to book Lions' Lodge for next year. Pierre
Michiels will look after that immediately. The Club will consider a fee
of $35.00 next year as costs have been rising.
By all accounts the PL Workshop was a terrific weekend for the 31 Scouts in attendance. The leadership team consisted of Pierre Michiels, Tony Skells, Ann MacDonald, Cam Mudie, Mark Van Dyke, and John Ferguson. The participants were divided into four patrols. Scouts camped outside and had their meals in Wheeler Lodge. The Scouts were not enthusiastic about the ravioli or the shaved steak. The assistance of three scouters from South Waterloo District and of Scouters Paul Frieburger and Kevin Donovan was most welcome. The event fee was $30. This included a copy of Scouts Canada's
Patrol Leader's Handbook for each participant. Pierre will be holding a wrap-up meeting and will write a final report.
Pierre will book Lions Lodge for next year's workshop, which is to be held November 1-3, 2002. The fee will be $30; $35 for late registrations (cut-off date to be determined). This should encourage advanced registration.
Scouters discussed the PL Workshop. Pierre said that the course can be run for $30 per participant. This price includes a copy of Scouts Canada's Patrol Leader's Handbook, which itself costs about $10. Pierre will investigate to see if the cost of renting a cabin at Camp Everton would be borne by NWD's training committee. Scouts would camp in tents. Twelve Scouts are needed for the event to break even. Ben said that they would have as many participants. If there are more than the maximum number of participants, 24, Ben would run their own course at Peacehaven.
After much discussion, it was decided to hold a weekend workshop for Patrol Leaders and Assistant PLs on November 2-4, 2001. Twelve participants are needed and there is room for up to 24. The workshop will be lead by Pierre and Tony. Ted will lead a workshop for Scouters on the Saturday where they will learn how to make use of their patrol leaders.
Proposed sessions for the weekend are: Intro to Court of Honour, What is a Leader?, Environment, Rights and Responsibilities of Patrol Leaders, Role of the PL and APL, Decision Making Skills — Consensus, Patrol Planning, Working with Challenged Youth, Discipline, Planning Scouts' Own and Campfires, Games, What's Next — Venturing.
Pierre described the PL workshops that they have run in the past. These have been weekend camps which cover much of the Pathfinder Leadership badge and are based on Scouts Canada's new Patrol Leader's Handbook. The camps have been in a cabin at Camp Everton, usually in the fall. Pierre finds that weekend long PL events provide good opportunities for bonding, and sufficient time to do scenarios and to cover the large amount of material in the Handbook.
Some Scouters felt that a successful PL workshop could be conducted in a Saturday, perhaps at Camp Mohawk. This could be combined with a workshop for Scouters to help them make better use of their patrols, in particular by using the Court of Honour. It was decided to run a PL event on the last weekend in September, 2001 and to discuss the nature of the event at the next meeting.
