NW Scouters’ Club: Minutes
November 4, 2003

5th Kitchener Scout Troop

Mike Millard.

11th Kitchener Scout Troop

Ted Claxton.

8th WaterlooKitchener Scout Troop

Wendy Beattie.

10th Waterloo Scout Troop

Wayne Hessel.

Brian Robertson.

Resource Person

Tony Skells, Scouter-at-Large.

Regrets

Jim Williamson, 1st Freeport Scout Troop & North Waterloo Area Commissioner.
Wayne Zinger, 25th Kitchener Scout Troop.
John McCuish, 30th Kitchener Scout Troop.
Dana Wolfe, 33rd Kitchener Scout Troop.
Mike Smith, 33rd Kitchener Scout Troop.
Pierre Michaels, 38th Kitchener Scout Troop.
Liam Morland, 21st Waterloo Scout Troop.
Ken Coyle, Group Scouter, 43rd Kitchener.

The meeting opened at 18:50. Scouter Ted led the Scout Promise. The agenda and the minutes of September 21, 2003 were reviewed and agreed to.

The discussion turned on the confusion that is evident in the names of the NW Scouters' Club and the North Waterloo Area Scouters' Club. The WARTS Waterloo ARea Troop Scouters (WARTS) was given thumbs down. "Skippers" and "Troopers" were suggested. The consensus was that "NW Troopers" be proposed as the new name. Final decision will wait for a meeting with greater participation.

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.

The Club's third Fall Hike will be a moderate challenge. Scouts will hike the Guelph Radial Trail from Camp Barber near Guelph to Camp Blue Springs near Acton. The hike is about 16 km of which 6 km is gravel roadside hiking. Lunch will be at Edgewood Lutheran Camp in Eden Mills. Troops may shuttle some or all of their gear (except stuff needed during the day).

Troops will either camp over Friday night at camp Barber or arrive there Saturday morning for camp opening at 09:00. Departure for the hike will be at 09:30. Scouter Ted will be making copies of the map for use by the Scouts. They should bring a large zip-lock bag for their map and a compass.

Camp at Blue Springs will be in the Swallow's Nest area. There will be a pot luck dinner on the Saturday Night. Program on Sunday is up to each troop. Scouter Ted has booked the Swallow's Nest Pavilion. The $55 cost for the pavilion will be divided among the participants. Participants should let Scouter Ted know how many people will be participating from their troop and whether they plan to arrive Friday night or Saturday morning. Troops should budget about $11 per person for camping fees (fees vary with the number of campers).

Scouters were reminded that the Owen Sound Winter Camp will be held January 30 to February 1, 2004. This year there will not be a Hockey Game. Some other activity is being planned. About four or five Club member troops plan to attend. It is good to have a Klondike sled for the camp. Fires must be in a container that is at least 20 cm (8") above the ground. Pre-registration is required. Contact Scouter Ted for details.

Wayne Zinger and Ed Wright will co-ordinate the Club's Spring Camporee.

Everton Summer Scout Camp is planned for July 24-30, 2004. The fee is planned to be $220, including a camp T-shirt, crest, accommodations, and transportation and entrance fees for the out of camp day. A theme has not yet been established. A hiking camp from Georgetown to Blue Springs to Everton may be held at the same time with same same fee.

Scouter Brian Robertson reported that they and John Getgood have placed a deposit on Doe Island campsite at Haliburton Scout Reserve for August 7-14. They project the cost of the camp to be $300 per person. [Others have proposed a budget of $200 per person.]

A short discussion and sharing was held on the subject of the uniform.

The meeting was adjourned at 19:50. Scouter Tony suggested that meeting dates be fixed well ahead and for the full year.

—Minutes prepared by Ted Claxton and Liam Morland.